Little Corona Beach

Newport Beach


If you're seeking an escape, head down the steep hill to this secluded beach known for its tide pools. Kids love the tide pools, but be aware that the pools are being loved to death. Don’t yank anything from the rocks and tread carefully: light, oxygen and heavy footsteps can kill the critters.

Because there’s no parking lot here, crowds may be lighter. Look for street parking on Ocean Blvd near Poppy Ave.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Newport Beach attractions

1. Inspiration Point

0.18 MILES

One of the OC's most beautiful views of surf, sand, sea and sky, overlooking the curve of the bay.

2. Main Beach

0.46 MILES

This half-mile-long beach lies at the foot of rocky cliffs and offers restrooms, fire rings (arrive early to snag one) and volleyball courts.

3. Pirate's Cove

0.57 MILES

Take the stairs off the north end of the Main Beach parking lot down to hideaway Pirate's Cove, a waveless beach that’s great for families. Scenes from…

4. Lookout Point

0.58 MILES

Locals enjoy impromptu, though not quite legal, cocktail parties at Lookout Point, perched above the beach with views of Pirate's Cove and the Balboa…

5. The Wedge

0.74 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…

6. Sherman Library & Gardens

0.83 MILES

A variety of lush gardens awaits at Corona del Mar's prize attraction. On 2.2 acres, the profuse orchids, a rose garden, a koi pond and even a desert…

7. Balboa Island

1.6 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 …

8. Crystal Cove State Park

1.8 MILES

A few miles of open beach and 2400 acres of undeveloped woodland at this state park let you forget you're in a crowded metropolitan area, at least once…