Sandwiched between iconic beach cities Los Angeles and San Diego lies a sprawling swath of vibrant California coastline.
Not all of Orange County straddles paradisal shoreline, but after a day of screaming kids at Disneyland, there's no better place to find blissful shores, often without the level of tourists LA and San Diego see.
We at Travel Off Path do our best to serve as your North Star, avoiding the crowds each season. The great thing about the OC is it's well known, but not as well connected as California's household names.
That said, Laguna Beach was really only a household name after its cheesy, definitely unscripted portrayal on MTV's (somehow) popular reality show.
Nowadays, Laguna Beach and nearby Newport Beach are basically beachside versions of Beverly Hills. Those being the OC's most notable names, it clears out other coastal gems, as many vacationers stick to places they know.
That's why we did some digging and uncovered what we truly feel are Orange County's 3 most underrated beach towns, far more wallet-friendly and less touristy.
PLUS: We've built a quiz for you at the end of the article so you can know which one is perfect for you, so stick around!
Seal Beach: The OC's Secret Sliver Of Paradise
For the record, Anaheim probably tops Laguna Beach in terms of popularity, but it's more of a sports town and family-fun retreat.
While many do opt to stay in Anaheim given the breadth of nice hotels, it does make sense for coastal day trips, especially since little-known hideaways like Seal Beach don't have beachfront resorts.
This map-dot is the OC's northernmost shores, hugging up against one of California's suddenly trendy destinations, Long Beach.
In fact, I'm going next week…
Seal Beach is for travelers who can't stand packing up the car only to have to fight for space when you get here.
This is the spot to enjoy sunsets, the sounds of crashing waves, and working on your tan unbothered.
It's the SoCal you envision if you've never been — chiseled lifeguards, bleach-blonde surfers, and old-school motels like The Pacific Inn instead of flashy resorts.
Main Street is where the “action” lies in this small town, and is well worth a stop for a bite to eat or perusing beach-themed boutiques.
Huntington Beach: Hang Loose In “Surf City USA”
Full disclosure: We understand not every beachgoer hits the waves, or even likes getting in water in general.
Heck, I've lived in nearby San Diego for a solid decade now and haven't hopped on a surfboard once.
That said, many people live and breathe this lifestyle. For those who do, there's arguably no place better.
Dubbed “Surf City USA”, Huntington Beach holds numerous surf competitions throughout the year and obviously tends to be in the goldilocks zone for the perfect conditions.
But that's not even close to being all there is to do here:
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 ‘Surf City' attractions that have nothing to do with surfing:
- Huntington Beach Pier (nearly 2000 ft. long; great for fishing, sunsets, and scenic strolls)
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (for birdwatching, scenic wetlands, and peaceful walking trails)
- Huntington Dog Beach (Fido deserves a vacay too!)
- Main Street (enjoy restaurants, bars, surf shops, and lively beachside nightlife)
- Huntington Central Park (Orange County’s largest city park)
Huntington Beach offers many more accommodations than the aforementioned Seal Beach, so you won't have to make the trek from Anaheim or go into debt for a Newport Beach resort.
Beachside Paséa Hotel & Spa has Travel Off Path's stamp of approval as the perfect middle ground.
San Clemente: An Unexpected Slice Of Spain
If you drive up from San Diego, San Clemente makes for the perfect entry point into Orange County.
This (mostly) whitewashed beach town with fiery terracotta rooftops is a Spanish oasis brimming with sun, sand, charm…and taco stands.
Just pretend I said tapas…
Exploring downtown is just as enjoyable as its sparkling beaches. If you want to indulge its Spanish aura, there's no better spot than Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens if you don't want to fork over a pretty penny for a waterfront hotel.
Though from firsthand experience, it really is worth it. There's no other spot in the OC with this level of beauty without losing its local feel.
For those up for the adventure, San Clemente is at the very least worth a stopping point along the must-grab-window-seat route of California's Pacific Surfliner train ride that traverses from downtown San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
Find Your OC Beach Vibe
Skip the crowded, overpriced shores of Laguna and Newport Beach. Take this 3-step quiz to find the perfect underrated Orange County coastal town for your travel style.
What is your ideal beach vibe?
What is your preferred daytime activity?
What kind of accommodation are you looking for?
Your Match: Seal Beach
The Secret Sliver of Paradise. You want to completely avoid the crowds.
Why It Fits: Located on the OC's northernmost shores, it offers peaceful sunsets, chiseled lifeguards, and old-school motels like The Pacific Inn. You can actually relax here while still enjoying the beach-themed boutiques on Main Street.
Your Match: Huntington Beach
Surf City USA. You want action, activities, and legendary waves.
Why It Fits: Whether you surf or not, Huntington Beach has it all. You will love strolling the 2000-foot pier, exploring the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, visiting the famous Dog Beach, and enjoying the lively beachside nightlife.
Your Match: San Clemente
An Unexpected Slice of Spain. You want coastal beauty and culture.
Why It Fits: Brimming with whitewashed buildings, fiery terracotta rooftops, and excellent taco stands, it is a true Spanish oasis. Taking the Pacific Surfliner here and exploring the Casa Romantica Cultural Center is an unmatched OC experience.
