Orange County Beach Guide

Updated: July 23, 2004

Catch a wave or soak up some rays, then discover Orange County's top restaurants and hotels by the beach.

On this page:Best Beaches, Beachfront Dining, Beachfront Hotels.

Best Beaches

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Corona Del Mar State Beach
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    Ocean Blvd and Iris Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (map)

    Nearby golfing and posh shopping attract beachgoers to this high-class O.C. swimming hub.

  2. 2 Huntington State Beach
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    Pacific Coast Hwy and Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (map)

    Close to downtown restaurants and shopping, this busy beach is popular among boarders, sunbathers, tourists and families.

  3. 3 Balboa Island Beach
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    Between Balboa Peninsula and Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92662 (map)

    This Newport Beach-area island features uncrowded beaches, family activities, restaurants and shops.

  4. 4 Doheny State Beach
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    25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92780 (map)

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Crystal Cove St Park
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    8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  6. 6 Newport Municipal Beach
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    Pacific Coast Hwy and Balboa Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662 (map)

    Locals and tourists flock to the buzzing beachfront of this high-class O.C. hub.

Beachfront Dining

  1. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Back Bay Bistro
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    1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)

  2. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Basilic Restaurant
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    217 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662 (map)

    Spend an intimate evening enjoying Swiss-French cuisine at the 24-seat hidden gem.

  3. 9 3.5 Star Rating: Average Harbor Grill Restaurant
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    34499 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629 (map)

  4. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Studio
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    30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  5. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Claes Restaurant
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    425 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

    Fresh seafood, stunning ocean views and an extensive wine list make this destination ideal for any special occasion.

  6. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended The Surf and Sand Resort
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    1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  7. 13 3.5 Star Rating: Average 3 Thirty 3
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    333 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)

    Trendy Newport Beach steakhouse and bar offers a convivial atmosphere where hip singles flock to see and be seen while dining on small plates.

  8. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant
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    361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

    The knockout view and swanky Mexican seafood make this a Laguna Beach hot spot.

  9. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Dukes
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    317 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

Beachfront Hotels

  1. 16 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended The Balboa Bay Club & Resort
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    1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (map)

    Balboa Bay Club & Resort: Experience Luxury At Its Peak. Book Now

  2. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Balboa Inn
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    105 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661 (map)

  3. 18 4 Star Rating: Recommended Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
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    900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)

    Marriott's Official Site. Book Great Deals & Packages.

  4. 19 Quality Inn & Suites Oceanview
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    34734 Pacific Coast Hwy, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 (map)

    Quality Inn. Best Internet Rate Guaranteed!

  5. 20 4 Star Rating: Recommended St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach
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    1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629 (map)

    Stunning Pacific ocean backdrops set at Orange County's best address

  6. 21 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Surf & Sand Resort
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    1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  7. 22 Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
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    21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

  8. 23 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Montage Laguna Beach
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    30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  9. 24 Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Ana/Orange County Airport
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    2720 Hotel Terrace Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (map)

  10. 25 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Casa Laguna Inn & Spa
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    2510 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

  11. 26 Capistrano Seaside Inn
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    34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 (map)

  12. 27 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
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    One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 (map)

    You don't have to be a President or the King of Pop to take in the killer view at this five star resort.