Places to Go

Big Corona Beach is consistently rated one of the top family beaches in Orange County. Amenities include a snack bar, equipment rental, volleyball nets, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and fire rings. Out in the water, there is a perfect mix of gentle surf for young kids and big waves for bigger kids.

Crystal Cove State Park is home to thousands of acres of hiking, bike trails, beaches and coves, as well as the Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge offshore. Amenities include restrooms and parking *(fee)*.

The paved walk down to picturesque and secluded tide pools makes Little Corona del Mar Beach an excellent destination for families. This is a good area for snorkeling, scuba diving and exploration.

Pirates Cove is popular with families because of the gently rolling sandstone rock faces that surround it. The small caves and easy rock climbing are fun for children and toddlers to explore, while a confined area and no waves keep parents' minds at ease. Pirates Cove can be accessed through Big Corona State Beach.

This 2.2-acre horticulture retreat is a museum of living plants, displayed amid fountains, sculptures, immaculate conservatories, patios and more. Educational tours of the gardens are provided. Also step into the charming research library and view books or newspaper clippings from the Los Angeles Times dating back to 1881.