A List of Beaches Near Irvine, California

The city of Irvine may not have its own beaches, but there’s no shortage of stunning beaches nearby. In fact, some of the most beautiful beaches in California are located all around the city. 

If you’re a young professional or college student at the University of California Irvine (UCI), whether you already live in Irvine or you’re still looking for an Irvine apartment to rent, rest assured that you’ll never run out of coastline to explore, from small local spots to popular water sports hubs. 

If you’re looking to enjoy a few outdoor activities or venture down the beach to watch the sunset, surf, or run along the coast there’s undoubtedly an ideal beach for you near Irvine.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s more popular spots, but it’s located far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city to feel relaxing and remote. Laguna Beach is fairly expansive and within it you can also find smaller areas to explore, such as Thousand Steps Beach and Three Arch Bay.

As an added bonus, Laguna Beach also offers Crystal Cove State Park with stunning views of the Southern California coastline. You can also access a multitude of walking trails. It’s hard to beat the view from the Top of the World trail in Alta Laguna Park.

Newport Beach

Regardless of your skill level, Newport Beach is the place to go to for all things related to water sports, which makes it the ideal spot for those looking for something a little more exciting than catching a tan. Newport Bay also offers some more low-key activities, such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Alternatively, you can head down to the main beach to learn how to jet ski or scuba dive.

You can also make a visit to Balboa Island, a quaint beach community in Newport Beach which is accessible by ferry or car. Then there’s the option of renting a Duffy boat for a couple of hours with your roommates! Newport is a popular spot for college students and young professionals because it’s the closest beach to the University of California’s Irvine campus, accessible by bus from the city center.

Huntington Beach

Although Huntington Beach is best known for its surfing, this picturesque beach has something to offer everyone. Though a bit further from Irvine than the other beaches, Huntington Beach is perfect for a bonfire with friends since it’s quite expansive. People love the culture and atmosphere of HB and it continues to be one of the more popular spots for young professionals.

Little Corona del Mar

With so many beautiful smaller beaches speckling the coast, it’s almost impossible to rank them, but Little Corona del Mar may just edge out the rest. Corona del Mar (better known as CDM) boasts rocky shorelines and incredible sunsets. It’s perfect for those with dogs and explorers alike looking to climb around the rocks and spot the sea creatures in the tide pools.

That said, it would be wrong to leave out the other smaller, more secluded sights such as Aliso Beach, Treasure Island, Table Rock and Crescent Bay. CDM does not disappoint!

Dana Strands Beach

Dana Strands Beach is one of the hidden gems on the California coastline that is ideal for individuals looking for something quieter. It’s popular with surfers for its clean breaks, but it’s also a wonderful beach for long strolls or simply for relaxing and catching some rays. 

One of the factors that really sets Dana Strands apart from other beaches is that it has a free funicular (tram) to get down the hillside to the beach. Of course, this is a great addition for those who may not be as mobile as others and ensures everyone has access. At low tide, you’ll find a variety of exceptional tidal pools filled with warm water and a myriad of small ocean creatures.

Housing in Irvine

If you're considering a move to the stunning coastal city of Irvine, there are a few things you should know first. For example, it's important to familiarize yourself with the housing options available. Whether you're a college student attending UCI or a young professional seeking accommodation in a vibrant community, finding the right living arrangement is crucial. One popular and highly recommended option is a co-living situation. It’s a great way to meet new people in the area to explore the outdoors with.

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent near UCI, check out the housing options Tripalink has on offer.