By Robert | Editorial, Portrait & Engagement Photographer
When shooting along the Orange County coast, I’m looking for the specific natural textures and lighting that create a timeless, cinematic look. After years of exploring every cove to find the most evocative frames, I’ve narrowed down the “true gems”—spots where the geography and the sunset light align for an authentic, high-end aesthetic. I’ve filtered out the tourist traps to compile this guide of my 10 favorite beaches for your session.
1. Victoria Beach (The Pirate Tower)
For a nautical, “Old World” film aesthetic, Victoria is unmatched. The 60-foot “La Tour” tower, built in 1926, provides a vertical architectural anchor that is rare on the California coast.
- Landmark: A 60-foot Victorian-style tower (La Tour) built in 1926 as a private staircase for a senator’s home.
- Access: A narrow, public concrete staircase is located between two private residences at 2713 Victoria Drive.
- The Path: Reaching the landmark requires a walk across the sand followed by a hike north over a field of tide-dependent rocks.
- Parking: Street parking is extremely limited; metered spots are available on Pacific Coast Highway or adjacent residential side streets.
2. Table Rock Beach (Secret Cove)
This is an intimate neighborhood cove that feels like a private estate. It’s defined by steep sandstone bluffs and high-angle vantage points.
- Landmark: High sandstone bluffs and a natural rock arch located at the south end directly beneath a cliffside home.
- Access: The entrance is hidden on Table Rock Drive, one block west of PCH off Bluff Drive.
- The Path: A long, steep wooden staircase leads from the top of the bluff directly to the sand.
- Layout: Features a large flat rock formation (“Table Rock”) in the center of the cove and a secondary sandy area known as Secret Cove.
3. Thousand Steps Beach (The Sea Cave)
If you want a wilderness look that feels moody and expansive, this is the spot.
- Landmark: A massive 60-foot-tall natural sea cave tunnel at the southern end of the coastline.
- Access: A concrete stairway entrance is located at the intersection of 9th Ave and PCH.
- The Path: There are approximately 220 to 233 steps down to the beach; the cave is reached via a 10-minute walk south along the sand.
- Layout: Walking through the cave leads to a secondary private cove with hidden saltwater pools.
4. Little Corona del Mar
This is a local favorite because it offers the rugged Laguna look but with the easiest logistics for gear and wardrobe changes.
- Landmark: Distinct jagged rock outcroppings and a prominent natural rock archway at the south end.
- Access: Located at the intersection of Poppy Ave and Ocean Blvd in Corona del Mar.
- The Path: This is the only “gem” location with a wide, paved ramp leading directly to the sand with no stairs required.
- Layout: Free street parking is available on Poppy Ave and Ocean Blvd, but fills quickly on weekends.
5. Woods Cove (Lovers Cove)
This beach blends historic Hollywood glamour with intimate natural formations. It was a favorite of Bette Davis, whose English Tudor home still overlooks the sand.
- Landmark: A small, 100-yard pocket beach overlooked by the historic Bette Davis English Tudor mansion.
- Access: A steep concrete stairway is located at the intersection of Diamond Street and Ocean Way.
- The Path: The staircase descends through a mid-level landing that features a maintained flower and bougainvillea garden.
- Layout: High tide covers most of the sand; at low tide, a natural rock arch on the north end connects to the neighboring beach.
6. Pelican Point (Crystal Cove State Park)
For a “California high-desert meets the ocean” look, Pelican Point offers wide-open bluffs and sage scrub.
- Landmark: Expansive high-elevation bluffs and the “Little Treasure Cove Viewpoint” overlooking the Newport Harbor jetty.
- Access: Entry is via the “Pelican Point Area” gate at Newport Coast Drive, with parking available in lots P-3 or P-4 ($15 daily fee) .
- The Path: A paved boardwalk runs along the cliff edge; beach access requires walking through a protective fencing arch and taking steep dirt trails down to the sand.
- Layout: At the north end of the beach, low tide exposes a wide field of tide pools and jagged boulders.
7. Crescent Bay (Twin Points)
This is the quintessential California postcard location, offering a large, crescent-shaped cove in North Laguna.
- Landmark: The “Twin Points” peninsula, characterized by a grove of tall palm trees situated high on the cliff.
- Access: Public entrances are located on Cliff Drive and Circle Way.
- The Path: A long, sloped vehicle ramp serves as the primary walking path to the center of the crescent-shaped cove.
- Layout: Offshore rocks host sea lions that can be seen and heard from the sand.
8. Shaw’s Cove
A quiet, 500-foot sandy beach that offers a greener, more botanical aesthetic than most OC spots.
- Landmark: A secluded 500-foot sandy beach known for dense “hanging vegetation” on the sandstone cliffs.
- Access: Entry is via a 58-step concrete stairway at the intersection of Fairview Street and Cliff Drive.
- The Path: Tucked behind a residential neighborhood, the beach is primarily used by locals and the scuba diving community.
- Layout: At low tide, a rocky shelf on the north end provides a walkable passage around the point to Crescent Bay.
9. Dana Point Caves (Pirate’s Cave)
For the adventurous couple, these caves offer a dramatic, high-contrast grotto experience.
- Landmark: A giant marine grotto located at the base of the Dana Point Headlands.
- Access: Trailhead begins behind the Ocean Institute; parking is free at the Baby Beach or Ocean Institute lots.
- The Path: A 1.5-mile round-trip journey along a rocky shoreline; there is no sand path and it requires scrambling over large boulders.
- Layout: Access to the cave is through a 3.5-foot wide slit in the cliff wall that often requires getting your feet wet.
10. Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek provides a “park-like” aesthetic with its expansive, sloping green lawn overlooking the Pacific.
- Landmark: Salt Creek Beach Park, featuring an expansive, sloping green lawn overlooking the ocean.
- Access: Located off Ritz Carlton Drive with a large metered parking lot and full restroom facilities.
- The Path: A wide paved path leads from the parking area down to the lawn and the wide sandy beach below.
- Layout: Offers the longest and most consistent “golden hour” light due to the open, west-facing nature of the bay.