Today marks the day of Gray's brand new release of the long-awaited beach aerials of Orange County,California. We say long-awaited, of course, as Gray is a Southern California resident and often enjoys the white sandy beaches of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, but for one reason or another, he hadn't had the chance to photograph this stretch of the Southern California coast. Well that all changes today and to celebrate we're listing off the Best Beaches in Orange County and sharing his new beach aerials to provide the stunning visuals.
Starting with Huntington Beachand ending inDana Point, keep scrolling for our Orange County beach travel guideand make sure to scoop up a few of Gray’s beach aerial photography prints in the process…
Huntington State Beach
You can’t go wrong making a stop at Huntington Beach nowadays, but it also has an intriguing history. It is the place where the “father of modern surfing,” George Freeth, rode the waves on a long wooden, Polynesian-style surfboard in 1910, and continues to be a top-notch spot for surfing today. While the waters are prime for surfing, rip currents are common so swimmers should probably stick to lounging on the beach, creating a bonfire, and watching the sunset.
Newport Beach
It is rare that you run into someone who doesn’t know about Newport Beach. It’s one of the most well-known beaches in Southern California, and you’ll know why as soon as you take one look at its historic pier and expansive stretch of sun, sand, and sea. Not to mention, there’s plenty of high-end eateries, shops, and luxurious beach bungalows to fawn over in the area. This is also the spot you’ll want to hit up for biking along the boardwalk, enjoy watching swimmers and surfers alike enjoying the local spot, The Wedge, or renting a Duffy or small sailboat to head out on the water.
Corona del Mar State Beach
Sunbathing, swimming, and body surfing are just a few activities you’ll find time for at this state protected the beach. It’s surrounded by highly rated restaurants, and there are several special spots to check out along the perimeter of the beach, like Lookout Point, Pirate’s Cove, and Little Corona Beach (which has tide pools perfect for little ones). If you get bored of the sand and sun, just look up—the impressively luxurious homes along Ocean Boulevard will definitely hold your attention.
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay Beach is a private beach allocated to the residents of the premier gated community of Emerald Bay. If you don't live there or are friends with a resident, the next best thing is a beach aerial captured by Gray, right?
Crescent Bay Beach
If you’re looking to spot a seal or two, head to Crescent Bay. A little over 100 yards off-shore lies a large rock (rightfully called Seal Rock), where you’ll be lucky to see these animals lounging in the sun. It’s also accommodating to kayakers, swimmers, sunbathers, and dogs.
Shaw's Cove Beach
This small but beautifully maintained beach is strategically hidden below a cluster of beach homes and accessible by a long staircase leading directly to the typically uncrowded white sands of Shaw's Cove.
Main Beach
If you find yourself in downtown Laguna Beach, take a small hop, skip, and a jump over to Main Beach nearby. It’s known as Laguna’s “Window to the Sea,” so you know the views won’t disappoint.
Wood’s Cove Beach
This beach is located in a sandy cove, complete with picturesque rocky points and luxurious beach homes towering over the water. Rocks and rip tides can make this spot unsafe for swimmers, so plan on visiting for its historic charm, beautiful scenery, and secluded sunbathing. On top of all that, the pathway down to the beach is nestled in a stunning garden that will have your jaw on the floor before you even meet the ocean!
Victoria Beach
While the white sands on this beach are beautiful, the real stunner is the Victorian La Tour Tower—a skinny tower/lighthouse structure built in the 1920s that is nestled into the cliffside. Wait until sunset to snap a photo of this dreamy tower and you’ll leave with a perfectly Instagrammable photo from this gorgeous beach. Bonus Tip: Find an easy entrance to the beach next to 2713 Victoria Drive.
Goff Island
Continuing south and just west of the Montage Laguna Beach resort, one will find the hidden in plain sight Goff Cove Beach, which is protected by a tall pyramid-shaped rock at the point called Goff Island.
Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is located below Montage Laguna Beachthus easily accessed by their lucky guests when they're not enjoying this stunning pool. If not a guest, not to worry, as there are many stairways to choose from todescend upon this public beach.This sandy beach is actually the north end of the same large cove that begins atAliso Beach Park.
Monarch Beach
Often incorrectly referred to as a city within Orange Country,Monarch Beach is a small neighborhood within the city of Dana Point. It's primarily home to Orange County locals but also a travel destination with two luxury resorts to choose from, Monarch Beach Resort and Ritz-Carlton.
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach is a popular beach in Dana Point with a crowd ranging from hotel guests of the Ritz-Carlton to locals looking for a day at the beach to surfers riding the waves.Whatever walk of life the beach day brings, there is always an option of a burger and a milkshake at the snack bar after a day on the sand.
Now… who’s up for a beach day?
We hope this Best of Orange County Beaches guide inspired you to hit the road… to see THEM ALL look no further than the GM Shop and stay tuned to later this week when we have a VERY special contributor giving all of her best tips on how to experience Laguna Beach to the fullest!
xo Team GM
Header image: Main Street, Laguna Beach