Pirates Cove Beach in Corona del Mar

Pirates Cove Beach in Corona del Mar was one of my favorite beaches to hang-out when I was a teenager. Over the years, Big Corona became more popular, and more families frequent this beach on the weekends.

It might be busy on the weekends, but this premiere beach is almost always empty on a weekday afternoon, giving families an entire beach to themselves. The only downside to this beach is that it is *not* easy to get to with little children.

Families can park on the streets above the beach (Ocean Blvd), or pay to park in the Big Corona parking lot. Then your family will need to climb a large rock formation to reach the stairs that lead down to this beautiful cove.

Once inside of the cove, your family can explore the many caves or wade in the calm surf. The water is 50% bay water and 50% ocean water, so the water is not 100% clean (plus there is a big run-off near Big Corona – I’ve gotta be honest). Since the water is not as pure as many of the other surrounding beaches, I only recommend visiting this beach every once in awhile.

This is also a great beach if you are planning a romantic date night, and plan to bring a picnic dinner down to the beach. You and your significant other can relax inside one of the romantic caves while eating dinner and sipping on a glass of your favorite wine as the sun sets.

Where is it located? Pirate’s Cove is located right next to Big Corona Beach in Corona del Mar at the corner of Ocean Blvd. and Heliotrope Ave. in Corona del Mar. (Free parking is available along Ocean Blvd.)