Big Bear Lake - all beaches

You can pay the entry fee online to access the beach, which is generally clean with only a small amount of litter like a crushed coke can and some seaweeds. There are many people playing volleyball on the courts, and most surfers hang out near Second Spot, which is just a bit north of the Main Lifeguard Tower. I saw one lifeguard on duty picking up the orange traffic cones off of Thor's Hammer, which is the embankment from the San Juan Creek. It's a very family-friendly beach, but I would recommend bringing a jacket because of the wind from the ocean. On the northern part of Doheny State Beach (DSB), there are plenty of picnic tables and trashcans, as well as a fairly large patch of green grass. We walked around the bike path to avoid stepping on the beautiful lawn. They also have horseshoe tosses available. We noticed many electric bikes passing by us and onto the sandy beach. Only service dogs are allowed, and they must be on a leash and attended by an adult. In the north parking lot, there were RVs. After doing some internet research, we found out that DSB is a "dry" camping ground, meaning there are no electric or water connections. There is a snack bar called Doho Cafe where you can order your food and drinks online. They also offer bike rentals, which is a great way to explore the entire park. The restroom has an open skylight and is very clean. It seems to have shower stalls, although there are no shower heads (maybe they are dressing rooms?). However, there is a shower head outside of the restroom to wash the sand off your feet. Overall, I would definitely visit again during the off-season. Enjoy!

This beach park is a favorite among locals, including myself, because of its natural landscape. The pedestrian paths outnumber the vehicle roads, which creates a nice separation from city life. The sand beach walk is located below street level, away from the busy Pacific Coast Highway. The trails from the parking lots wind through areas of local sage, scrub brush, and chaparral. Along the way, you can also find restroom structures. By using Google Maps Satellite View, you can easily locate the beach access and find highlights along the trail. Crystal Cove State Park is well-known for its clean sand beach and ocean. In the summertime, it's great for swimming and occasionally surfing, although body boarding is more common. Lifeguards are always present and keep a close watch. During the off season, the watch stations are moved and lined up on dry land. The waterfront is a year-round spectacle with its tide pools, which are definitely worth the hike. The beach walk is lined with ocean-carved rock formations. You can set up beach chairs, a tarp, or a towel to hold a spot and enjoy watching the waves, boats offshore, or kids building sand castles. The entrance fee for vehicles is $15, but prices may change in the summertime. The day use side is open from 6:00 am to sunset.

Visiting 1000 Steps Beach is always a delightful experience, and the physical exertion required to ascend the steps is quite intense. Although the name is a bit misleading, the climb feels like a thousand steps. It's advisable not to carry any heavy objects down to the beach since you will have to carry them back up. We visited the beach during sunset, and the view was breathtakingly beautiful. Moreover, the water was pleasantly warm, which was an added bonus.

This is, without a doubt, my preferred beach in Orange County. Although the entrance can be a bit tricky to locate, it's conveniently situated across from Starbucks, and if you happen to pass the lighthouse, you've gone too far. Parking is available for a nominal fee of $1 per hour, but I've rarely seen any parking enforcement in the area. Be cautious as you park on the hilltop and make your way down to the beach. A lovely hill park on the right side is perfect for picnics, and there's even a basketball court. As you make your way down, you'll come across restrooms and a bar that's presently under construction. The beach itself is stunning, but the water can be frigid, as is typical for Southern California. The hill's breathtaking views attract wedding photographers. On weekends, a trolley is available for $1 to transport you back up the hill to your car, so you don't have to worry about the uphill climb. I hope this information is useful to you. @ninjaxfang

This idyllic beach boasts a pristine and unspoiled environment, with a refreshing lack of crowds - especially during the quieter months of the year, such as January. For those who work up an appetite while frolicking in the waves, there are various food vendors nearby, although if these don't tickle your fancy, there are plenty of restaurants in close proximity. Alternatively, why not try your hand at fishing from the pier and catch your own dinner?

The beach was absolutely gorgeous! Despite the presence of other beach-goers, it was surprisingly serene and not nearly as packed as some of the more well-known beaches. However, be forewarned that the path leading down to the beach is quite steep and paved, so make sure you're up for the challenge of making the return trek. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this beach with its stunning waves and rock formations.