This calm beach, known as Mothers Beach for its kid-friendly currents, has a lifeguard, restrooms and a shower.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Lovell Beach House

0.43 MILES

For a striking architectural specimen, stroll past the 1926 Lovell House, designed by seminal modernist architect Rudolf Schindler, a student of Frank…

2. Balboa Peninsula

1.03 MILES

Four miles long but less than a half-mile wide, the Balboa Peninsula has a white-sand beach on its ocean side and countless stylish homes, including the…

3. Discovery Cube's Ocean Quest

1.43 MILES

In the Balboa Fun Zone, this newly refurbished museum was recently taken over by Santa Ana's Discovery Cube and runs educational programs for local…

4. Balboa Fun Zone

1.45 MILES

On the harbor side of Balboa Peninsula, the Fun Zone has delighted locals and visitors since 1936. There’s a small Ferris wheel (where Ryan and Marissa…

5. Balboa Pavilion

1.52 MILES

Nearby the Balboa Fun Zone, the landmark 1906 Balboa Pavilion is beautifully illuminated at night. You can get boat rentals and catch ferries to Catalina…

6. Balboa Island

2 MILES

In the middle of the harbor sits the island that time forgot. Its streets are still largely lined with tightly clustered cottages built in the 1920s and …

7. The Wedge

2.65 MILES

At the end of the Balboa Peninsula, the Wedge is famous for its perfectly hollow waves that can swell up to 30ft high. The waves are shore-breakers that…

8. Orange County Museum of Art

2.83 MILES

This engaging museum highlights California art and cutting-edge contemporary artists, with exhibitions rotating through two large spaces. Recent…