10 Best Sights in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Newport's best beaches are on a 3-mile stretch called Balboa Peninsula. The picturesque Newport Harbor is on one side, and sandy, broad beaches on the other. It's one of the most intense surfing and bodysurfing spots in Orange County, at the Wedge, at the south end of the peninsula.  Rip currents and punishing waves mean it's strictly for the pros—but it sure is fun to watch an experienced local ride it.

This half-mile beach is actually made up of two beaches, Little Corona and Big Corona, separated by a cliff and rocky jetty. Both have soft, golden-hue sand to set up chairs and towels for the day. You can find a parking spot on the street on weekdays. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Located near multiple dining venues, art galleries, and shops, Main Beach Park is the epicenter of Laguna Beach. Walk along this soft-sand beach to Bird Rock and explore nearby tide pools or just sit on one of the benches and watch people bodysurfing, playing beach volleyball, or shooting hoops around two half-basketball courts. The beach also has a children's play area with climbing equipment. Most of Laguna's hotels are within a short (but hilly) walk. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise, sunset; swimming.

On the west end in Dana Cove Park overlooking Dana Point Harbor, Baby Beach is very popular with families. It's close to a large parking lot, it has picnic shelters, and the water is quite shallow with no wave action. Water quality can be an issue, however. This is a popular SUP area and it's near the Ocean Institute. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

In the northern section of the city, Bolsa Chica State Beach is usually less crowded than its southern neighbors. The Huntington Beach bike and walking trail runs along the edge of the sand for 8 miles north to the south of Huntington Beach. The path is wide and in some areas there are separate walking and biking lanes. There are also a sprinkling of different types of eateries open during the summer along the pathway. Some offer live music. In the evening the firepits attract beachgoers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

The city has a 1-mile stretch of beach dedicated to dogs. It's free and dogs can run, fetch a ball, and play with other dogs off leash. Twice a year the city hosts Corgi Beach Day, one of the largest corgi celebrations, in which up to 1,000 dogs of all different breeds and owners join in the fun.

This beach is one of Southern California's top surfing destinations, especially for beginners. There's a lot to do within the 5-acre grass area with volleyball courts, tide pools, picnic areas, and an interpretive center devoted to the wildlife of the Doheny Marine Refuge. Campgrounds are located at the southern end of the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

Stretching for 3½ miles from Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington State Beach, Huntington City Beach is most crowded around the pier where amateur and professional surfers brave the waves daily. There are 100 fire rings, numerous concession stands, bike paths, and well-raked white sand. Surfboard rental shops make this a popular beach year-round. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

This peaceful state beach offers 121 sandy acres and 200 firepits, so it's popular during the day and evening. There are changing rooms, and two new concession stands---the Huntington Beach House and Sahara Sandbar. There are year-round surf lessons, lifeguards, Wi-Fi access, and ample parking. An 8½-mile bike path connects Huntington to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Picnic areas can be reserved in advance for a fee depending on location; otherwise it's first come, first served. On hot days, expect crowds at this broad, soft-sand beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Off South Coast Highway, Wood's Cove is especially quiet during the week. Big rock formations hide lurking crabs. This is a prime scuba-diving spot, and at high tide much of the beach is underwater. Climbing the steps to leave, you can see a Tudor-style mansion that was once home to Bette Davis. Street parking is free yet limited. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; sunset.