Corona Del Mar California Day Trip Things To Do & See

Corona Del Mar is an upscale neighborhood situated on the coast of Newport Beach, California. It is located at the base of the San Joaquin Hills and faces the Pacific Ocean. The name “Crown of the Sea” in Spanish was given to the area due to its stunning location. In the past, Corona del Mar was a small village that could only be reached by boat or a dirt road across Irvine Ranch. Today, it is well-known for its immaculate beaches, picturesque Cliffside views, fashionable eateries, and charming local shops.

Things to Do in Corona Del Mar, California

Sherman Gardens on PCH

Visitors traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway in Corona Del Mar can enjoy the many opportunities for window shopping at the studios, design shops, antique stores, and galleries dotted along the way. One stand-out attraction on Coast Highway is a 2.2-acre haven for horticulture enthusiasts known as the Sherman Library and Gardens.

The gardens offer a museum of living plants, presented among immaculate gardens, patios, and conservatories connected by brick walkways, seasonal flowers, and sparkling fountains. The Sherman Library and Gardens has a beautiful collection of flowers, plants, and Café Jardin.

Corona Del Mar Beaches: Big & Little Corona

The biggest draw of the city is its beaches. Corona del Mar State Beach (Big Corona) is popular with beachgoers and has a wide sandy beach with plenty of fire rings. Pirates Cove is adjacent to the state beach and the harbor channel and has several hidden coves and caves. If you are okay with climbing over the rocks, this beach area is well worth a look. About a half-mile down the coast at Ocean Boulevard Poppy Avenue is Little Corona Beach, the minor sister of Big Corona. The beach here offers some excellent tide pool areas plus a less crowded experience than the state beach.

Goldenrod Footbridge

The Goldenrod Footbridge was built in 1928 to provide a safe and easy way for residents to access the beach. The bridge spans Bayside Drive, previously known as Pacific Gulch. Before the bridge was constructed, beachgoers had to climb down the steep valley to reach the beach. Today, the 250-foot flower-decorated walkway reflects the charming beauty of Corona del Mar.

Corona Del Mar Yacht Clubs

Corona Del Mar boasts two exclusive yacht clubs, the Balboa Yacht Club and the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, located along Bayside Drive on the southern side of the entrance to Newport Harbor. The Balboa Yacht Club was established in 1926, while the Bahia Corinthian Club dates back to 1958. Both clubs have restaurants, but they are only accessible to members. If you are not a club member, there is a good selection of dining establishments open to the public, from coffee shops to fine dining in town.

Corona Del Mar Events

Because of its moderate year-round climate, there are several annual events. During June, the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K takes runners through some of Orange County’s most prestigious residential areas and finishes at the bluffs of Big Corona State Beach. The Annual Sandcastle Contest is held at Big Corona State Beach every autumn. Participants of all levels and experience build their creations. The city celebrates the Christmas spirit in December with its annual “Christmas Walk” in the Village.

Where is Corona Del Mar, California

Corona del Mar is a coastal community between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in Southern California. To access Corona Del Mar State Beach from PCH, take Marguerite Ave to Ocean Boulevard. A paid parking lot is available at the state beach, as well as metered parking and hard-to-find free street parking.

More Southern California Day Trip Ideas

Newport Beach California

Newport Beach is an ideal destination for a beach escape without sacrificing comfort. Unlike other popular tourist spots like Huntington Beach, it provides a relatively serene ambiance, allowing you to relax and appreciate the natural surroundings.

Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is a perfect destination for a day trip, with a blend of a sleepy beach town and a thriving art colony. This charming Orange County beach town has everything for those who want a relaxing getaway and some fun in the California sun.

Huntington Beach, California

The weather in Huntington Beach is usually sunny and comfortable throughout the year, making it one of California’s most sought-after surfing destinations. Despite undergoing significant development over the years and becoming a popular tourist spot that attracts millions of beachgoers annually, the city has managed to preserve some of the remnants of the 60s, when surfing was a popular subject in movies and music.

---