Pirate's Cove Beach
Corona del Mar, CA
A small, cliff sheltered cove that has stood in for tropical islands in old film productions, accessible only by a narrow path and low tide timing. Locals treat it as the quiet alternative to the busier Corona del Mar State Beach just around the point.
A quiet, cliff sheltered alternative to the busier Corona del Mar beach nearby, access is easiest and safest right around low tide.
How we score beachesThe path in is easiest to find and safest to use around low tide.
Leashed dogs are allowed only before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. year-round, with no dogs permitted on the beach during the day.
Orange County's water takes until late summer to really warm up, climbing into the low 70s by September after the early season marine layer clears. Low tide access matters here year round, but conditions are calmest and clearest in the fall.
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