Corona del Mar State Beach sits at the mouth of Newport Harbor in Orange County, a crescent of fine sand backed by sandstone bluffs at the base of Corona del Mar village. The beach runs about a mile and a half from Pirate’s Cove south to Little Corona del Mar Beach, with tidepools at the southern end that are part of the Robert E. Badham Marine Life Refuge. The jetty at the harbor entrance attracts swimmers, divers, and surfers depending on the swell.

Dogs on leash are welcome at Corona del Mar State Beach with specific time restrictions: dogs are allowed before 10 AM and after 4:30 PM year-round, and off-leash is never permitted. The leash limit is six feet. Dogs are prohibited in the marine life refuge at Little Corona del Mar Beach regardless of time, to protect the tidepool ecosystems.

The main beach parking lot is at the end of Marguerite Avenue with stairs down to the sand. Early-morning walks work best for dogs — sand is cool, the beach is emptier, and the light across the bluffs is particularly good an hour before sunrise. After 4:30 PM is the other reliable window; summer sunset crowds can pick up but remain less dense than midday. Little Corona del Mar’s walking access to the tidepools is closed to dogs.

Reach the beach from Pacific Coast Highway at Marguerite Avenue, then one block toward the water. Paid parking is enforced year-round at the beach lot; street parking on the bluff above is metered. Restrooms, showers, and fire rings are at the main beach. Water temperatures range from the upper 50s in winter to the upper 60s in late summer.