5 Kid-Friendly Beaches in Orange County

Kid-Friendly Beaches in Orange County - Kids having fun at the beach

Matt Claiborne

May 20, 2022

Orange County is the perfect destination for a family getaway. While it's most famous for its theme parks, Orange County also has world-famous beaches.

Explore the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Orange County

Orange County has 42 miles of beaches featuring nature, bird-watching, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Several beaches have additions such as playgrounds, volleyball nets, and fire pits. You'll love visiting Orange County's best family beaches.

Seal Beach

Seal Beach is Orange County's northernmost beach. This picturesque beach has views of the Long Beach Harbor skyline and Catalina Island. Seal Beach was named after the seals that frequented the beach. Unfortunately, the seals are less common today, but lucky visitors still see them occasionally.

Seal Beach is popular with families and sunbathers. In addition to the beach, visitors can enjoy Eisenhower Park and the Seal Beach Municipal Pier. Be sure to check out "Slick," the pier's bronze seal statue.

Families will enjoy the kid's play area, volleyball nets, benches, showers, and restrooms. In addition, there is a lifeguard on duty.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Bolsa Chica State Beach features a three-mile stretch of gorgeous sand. The beach has year-round lifeguards and is a good spot for sunbathing, wading, swimming, and surfing. The beach also has volleyball nets. In addition, the park has a multi-use trail if you want to stretch your legs and get some exercise.

Families often enjoy watching the sunset together and then using one of the fire pits. An evening spent enjoying Bolsa Chica's fire pits makes great family memories.

Mother’s Beach, Long Beach

Mother's Beach is also known as Marine Beach. The name Mother's Beach reflects its popularity with families. This beautiful beach has protected waters, gentle waves, a shallow swimming area, and lifeguards. It's one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Orange County.

In addition to the great wading area on the beach, the park has a full playground with plenty of shade. Kids can climb, swing, and slide, all within sight of the beach. Next to the playground, there's a grassy area with shade trees where families can enjoy a picnic in the park.

Mom's Beach House Cafe is open on the weekends and serves tasty breakfast and lunch options.

Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach is also known as Surf City, USA. This world-class beach has several surfing schools, so it's a great place to learn to surf with the family. During the summer, there are also areas reserved for boogie boarders, swimmers, and bodysurfers.

Huntington State Beach has volleyball nets, picnic areas, and BBQ grills. The park also has basketball courts and a paved walking trail. In addition, 200 fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach features over eight miles of beaches. Newport Beach Municipal Beach is next to a bustling waterfront area with shops and restaurants. Families can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or walking the pier. In addition, there are several surfboard and bodyboard rentals along the beach so you can try a new sport.

Balboa Pier and Peninsular Park is another popular family beach. The park features a kid's play area right in the sand by the pier. You can enjoy a picnic here or walk to a restaurant. Peninsular Park has lifeguards on duty. In addition, there are several fire rings available.