2025 Best Beach Restaurants in Orange County (Family Friendly)
Best family friendly beach restaurants in Orange County includes San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Huntington Beach.
Beaches
Find the best Orange County beaches for nature walks, whale viewing, sunsets, and family outings. I also give lessons on how to spot dolphins from shore and share tidepooling tips. Playgrounds near the beach are also included in this category. Just keep clicking the “Next Page” link at the bottom of the page. You’ll even find out how to pack a bag for the beach and where to see trains while you play by the shore.
6 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves
Here are 6 of the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC — because sometimes you want it to be extra mellow for your toddler!
7+ Beach Playgrounds Right in the Sand
Beach playgrounds in Orange County list on our coast from Seal Beach in north to San Clemente in south. 10 places for kids beach play.
Best Tidepooling and Beaches for Minus Tides (with Tide Table Tools)
There’s a whole science to figuring out the best times to tidepool. What is the tidal range (difference between high and low tides)? Is it a minus tide (super-duper low …
Dana Point Tide Pools
Dana Point tide pools are protected areas. Thanks to the Ocean Institute for providing information about this amazing natural area.
Strands Beach and Strands Vista Park in Dana Point: Walk the Loop or Play in the Sand
Strands Beach and Strand Vista Park in Dana Point offer a fun outing for any activity level, but it’s especially good if you like stairs.
3 Spots for OC Beach and Ocean Sunsets
Orange County beach and ocean sunsets are the perfect ending to our days playing outdoors. We’ve lived away from the beach – up in the mountains of Colorado or in …
West Newport Park in Newport Beach
West Newport Park in Newport Beach isn’t right on the beach, but it’s pretty close. Perfect spot for a stroll with 3 playground stops.
Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach
The Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach: beach playground, bike trail, the original Ruby’s on the pier, and Balboa Island ferry.
Trestles: Beach Walking for Families in a Surfer’s Paradise
Trestles (or Trestle Beach) is part of San Onofre State Beach popular with surfers. It’s a great location for a family walk to the beach with older kids.