Tourists from all over the world come to Orange County to experience the weather with their toes in the sand. But people who live in Ladera Ranch don’t need to travel far to dip their toes in the ocean. You can spend an afternoon at many beaches near Ladera Ranch whenever you want.
Southern California is known for its beaches, and if you live in Ladera Ranch, you have access to many of them. The best beaches near Ladera Ranch help you experience beach days that thousands of people travel far distances to experience.
Beaches Near Ladera Ranch California
Salt Creek Beach is one of the closest beaches to Ladera Ranch. You can visit Salt Creek Beach any day of the week from 5 am until 12 am, and parking is only $1 per hour. This beach is perfect for relaxing on the sand or getting active in the water.
Surfing, swimming, body surfing, and scuba diving are all great ways to experience Salt Creek Beach. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sunbathing on shore and relaxing the day away.
Doheny Beach | 10 Miles
Doheny State Beach is another beach just a short drive from Ladera Ranch. As one of California’s most popular state beaches, Doheny State Beach has almost a million visitors each year. You can relax on the sands and picnic on a 5-acre lawn, play volleyball at the courts, or camp out overnight on the southern end of the beach.
There are many tidepools for you to explore if you get the urge to get in the water, and many people love to surf fish in the area. The beach is open from 6 am until 10 pm all year, and camping requires reservations to be made beforehand.
Dana Strands Beach | 12 Miles
Also known as the Strands, Dana Strands Beach is a public beach, although it’s somewhat connected to a private community. Parking at the Strands is free, but there is a bit of a path that needs to be walked to get down to the sands.
However, once you arrive, you’ll be glad you walked because this beach is one of the best beaches in the area. Normal beach activities are going on all around you, and you’re welcome to get involved. Surfing, water sports, tide pooling, and just watching the sun rise or set are all great ways to enjoy this beach.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two during your visit.
Woods Cove | 14 Miles
Laguna Beach is not too far from Ladera Ranch, and there are many beaches to visit in the area. One of the best beaches near Ladera Ranch is Woods Cove. Locals love coming to this beach because there are two spots to enjoy: Woods Cove and Lover’s Cove.
However, its popularity can lead to crowds on the weekends during the summer season. Conversely, locals don’t always need to wait for the weekend to enjoy the beach. Before heading to either cove, make sure you check the tide conditions because the high tide can make this beach inaccessible.
Once at the beach, though, you can snorkel, stand up, paddle board, swim, explore tide pools, relax on the beach, and so much more.
Capistrano Beach | 11 Miles
Capistrano Beach is another one of the beaches near Ladera Ranch, with many facilities for different activities. There are 7 different volleyball courts, a basketball court, and outdoor showers. You can even sit by a fire in one of the many different fire rings on the beach.
Capistrano Beach is open from 6 am until 10 pm every day of the year. Parking is similar to Salt Creek Beach, only $1 per hour. Orange County also makes it easier for locals who love the beaches. People can purchase annual county beach parking, so you don’t need to pay every time you visit.
You can get the special parking decal at the Sailing & Events Center, and it’s good for any state beach that has a pay and display machine.
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