Question to the OC locals (Long Beach, Huntington Beach: rent, houses, live in)

[anagrig]

Are there any locals-only beaches in OC that would be hidden away from the general tourist public? Say, in Huntington Beach, Newport, etc..
We live in MA, and have visited some of such little gems on Cape Cod were our friends own a summer house.
THANKS!
It might get me convinced to move to OC!

[cobmw]

Doesn't CA law require that all beaches have public access? (no private beaches for the "privileged"). Surprised that MA, as politically similar to CA as it is, does not have the same requirement. Perhaps we can send them some of our coastal commission commissars to help "advance" their laws.

[Coldjensens]

There are some beaches in Laguna that can only be accessed from houses, and then generally only at low tide. these ar emulti million dollar homes.

Corona Del Mar beach is known mostly to locals, it is a family beach and gets pretty crowded.

The tide pool beach near Laguna is generally not too crowded because you have to walk down some long switchbacks and no one swims there (too many rocks). It is fun to wade and look for octopi, starfish and other wildlife in the tide pools (no touching!).

There is a beach just south of San Clemente near the Marine base that has very few people on it. It is accessed only via a longish trail and there is not a lot of parking (Trestles I think it is called).

Dog beach in Huntington is mostly locals because tourists do not tend to bring their dogs with them. It is an area where you can let your dog run free and pay in the water.

[bhcompy]

Bolsa Chica is a state beach "north" up the coast from Huntington. They require pay to park(as it is a state park/beach) and that usually drives off most of the dregs. Probably one of the better kept beaches in the area. Seal Beach is nice as well, but the Long Beach breakwater kills the waves.

Also, Crystal Cove State Park(where you can rent bungalows to stay in) has a beautiful beach that is fairly underutilized.

[anagrig]

LOL!! Actually, it's the parking that is for locals only in some places. Somebody I assume could walk or ride a bike to get there, but it would be highly unlikely.

[anagrig]

THANKS! Great info! I wouldn't want to touch any of those creatures you mentioned !

[Cali-girl]

Little Corona beach in Corona del Mar. Park on Poppy - walk down to the beach via the walkway at the end of Poppy (you will be right on the beach cliff).

You will be able to see Corona State Beach off on your right at that point, but what you want is Little Corona. You can only walk in to Little Corona; can drive in and park at Corona State.

Also: Crystal Cove State Beach off the Coast Hwy just past Pelican Hill Rd. There is a tunnel under the Coast Hwy that takes you to the beach.

~Cali-girl

[Proflover]

Trestles is a classic surf spot but not so out of the way anymore. Luckily the Toll Road project was just denied so this spot will remain fro the time being.

If you go to San Clemente State Beach there are numerous places to out of the tourist areas and if you go far enough south in the state park (Trail #6) you will find the lone clothing optional beach in Orange County.