Ultimate Guide to Little Corona Beach: Parking, Best Photo Spots & Visitor Tips
Plan Your Visit to Little Corona Beach:
📍 Little Corona Beach
📍 Address: 3729 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
💲 Free street parking available
⏰ Best time: Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset)
📸 Perfect for: Family, maternity, engagement & couples photography
🔗 More Beach Info: City of Newport Beach
Little Corona Beach is one of the most scenic and peaceful beaches in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach. With its stunning tide pools, dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and breathtaking sunset views, this hidden gem is a must-visit for families, photographers, snorkelers, and nature lovers. Unlike its larger and more crowded neighbor, Corona del Mar State Beach, Little Corona Beach offers a quiet and intimate coastal experience—perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean or a professional photoshoot.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Little Corona Beach, including parking, accessibility, best times to visit, photography tips, and fun activities.
Where is Little Corona Beach?
Located in Corona del Mar, Little Corona Beach is tucked away at the end of Poppy Avenue, making it a quiet retreat compared to larger beaches in Orange County. While it does not have an exact physical address, I always give my clients this address for Little Corona Beach: 3729 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
How to Get There:
From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Turn onto Marguerite Ave and follow it toward Ocean Blvd.
Turn right on Ocean Blvd and drive along the coastline until you reach Poppy Avenue.
The entrance is at the end of Poppy Ave, with a paved path leading directly down to the beach.
🔗 Google Maps Directions: Get Directions to Little Corona Beach
Parking at Little Corona Beach
🚗 Street Parking Only
Unlike larger beaches like Crystal Cove, there is no dedicated parking lot at Little Corona Beach. However, free street parking is available along:
✔ Ocean Blvd (closest to the entrance)
✔ Poppy Ave & nearby residential streets
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends and summer evenings, as street parking fills up fast.
Beach Access & Facilities
Unlike some beaches in Laguna Beach that require steep staircases, Little Corona Beach is very easy to access—no difficult hikes required!
🚶 Beach Access:
✔ A paved walkway leads directly from Ocean Blvd & Poppy Ave down to the sand.
✔ No stairs, making it stroller-friendly & wheelchair accessible.
✔ Short walk (about 2-3 minutes) from street parking to the beach.
🏖 Facilities Available:
✔ Public restrooms near the beach entrance.
✔ Outdoor showers to rinse off sand & saltwater.
✔ No lifeguards on duty (always swim with caution).
Best Things to Do at Little Corona Beach
1. Explore the Tide Pools 🦀
One of the biggest attractions at Little Corona Beach is its incredible tide pools, which are home to:
✔ Sea anemones & starfish
✔ Hermit crabs & small fish
✔ Colorful marine life & seaweed formations
💡 Best Time to Visit Tide Pools:
🌊 Low tide (check tide charts before you go )
Tide Pool Etiquette:
🚫 Don't remove or touch marine life (it’s illegal in California).
🚫 Avoid stepping on rocks covered in seaweed (they are slippery!).
🚫 Stay on dry rocks to avoid harming the ecosystem.
2. Plan a Photoshoot 📸
With its dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and ocean views, Little Corona Beach is one of the best photography locations in Newport Beach.
📍 Best Photo Spots at Little Corona Beach:
✔ By the Cliffs: Natural rock formations create a stunning backdrop.
✔ At the Tide Pools: Reflective water and unique textures add depth to photos.
✔ By the Ocean Waves: The wide shoreline allows for gorgeous movement shots.
✔ Golden Hour Glow: Best lighting happens 1 hour before sunset.
📸 Planning a Photoshoot Here? Check out some recent photoshoots at Little Corona Beach:
3. Snorkeling & Diving 🤿
For ocean lovers, Little Corona Beach is one of the best snorkeling & diving spots in Newport Beach. The calm waters and rocky reefs make it a great place to see:
✔ Colorful garibaldi fish (California’s state fish!)
✔ Schools of kelp bass & perch
✔ Hidden underwater caves & reefs
💡 Best Snorkeling Conditions:
✔ Low tide for calmer waves
✔ Mornings for best visibility
✔ Bring reef-safe sunscreen & water shoes for extra protection
🔗 Best Snorkeling in OC: Snorkeling California
Best Time to Visit Little Corona Beach
🏖 Best Time of Year:
✔ Spring & Fall – Mild temperatures & fewer crowds
✔ Summer – Warmer weather, but busier
✔ Winter – Best for tide pool exploration & sunsets
🌅 Best Time of Day:
✔ Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset) for photography
✔ Morning (before 10 AM) for fewer crowds
✔ Low tide for tide pools & longer beach area
Final Thoughts: Is Little Corona Beach Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Little Corona Beach is one of the most scenic and peaceful beaches in Newport Beach, offering:
✔ Stunning views
✔ Easy access & free parking
✔ Perfect conditions for photography, snorkeling & tide pools
💡 Thinking about a photoshoot at Little Corona Beach?
Check out my photography services for more details:
📸 Family Photography
📸 Maternity Photography
