There is about 45 linear miles of potentially-explorable beach in the county. Orange County maintains four beaches and the Upper
Newport Bay. The State of California has five designated beaches,
however cities where the beaches are located
are the official operators.
Access to some coastline is difficult because of danger, national security, ecologically sensitivity, or
there is simply no right of way through private property.
Whether it's collecting sea shells, observing marine life in tide pools, discovering interesting driftwood or just plain walking the
sandy strips and adjacent trails, the beach as a "back country" experience can be full of fun. Of course there will be no shortage
of folks who want to swim, surf and sunbathe, but as an explorer, the beaches in the country offer hiking and biking opportunities,
scenery for photographers and painters, and an education on coastal and marine life fraility. Click on the links to
the left to view more information about county and state beaches. As OC Explorer grows, additional and interactive information
on the beaches will be added here.
Orange County and its Beaches
How is the Beach part of the Back Country?
County Beaches
State Beaches
City Beaches
Beach Trails
OC Explorer