Region: Corona Del Mar - Oceanview Location: Crossroads are Pacific Coast Highway & Poppy Ave., Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Phone: (949) 644-3309

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From Pacific Coast Highway, turn south on Poppy Avenue, a very narrow road that leads to a cliff above the ocean. This is where you can go down a paved path to the beach. The road here abruptly turns right into Ocean Blvd which leads to Big Corona. This vantage point offers one of the most breathtaking views of the ocean. To the right, you can see the beach of Big Corona and the mouth of Newport Harbor and to the left, a long stretch of rocky cliffs starting with Little Corona. On a clear day you can clearly see Catalina Island some 25 miles away.

The path to Little Corona is one of very few in Orange County that does not involve stair steps. One can wheel equipment right down to the beach and this alone makes Little Corona a desirable spot for divers and picnickers alike. This site also has a public restroom and shower facility that is open during the summer months. The walk down a steep hill and street parking only makes access for the disabled a problem. The seclusion and tide pool are highlights here and the visitors are predominantly locals.

The beach is relatively small, flanked on both sides with rocky reefs that offer the spectacular diving well known to local divers. The beach is very well protected from swells and surf, making it one of the easier beach diving sites and a great beach for families who don't want to worry about their little ones getting towed away by a large wave or undercurrent. Beyond the water edge, the sandy beach drops off to scattered rocks hidden among eel grass making Little Corona an excellent snorkeling site. There are several buoys about 150 yards out marking the boundary where boats and jet skis cannot enter.

User Reviews

Parking: Limited street parking in surrounding neighborhoods.
Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Facilities: Lifeguard, access for disabled, portable restrooms, fishing.
Insiders Tip: There are no snack bars or food vendors at this beach, so make sure you pack a sack lunch or bring something to snack on.

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