Pirate’s Cove

Awesome beach! Get there early and avoid the crowds. It’s worth paying to park. Great for kids. The water is amazing. Don’t forget your snorkel gear and Buggy boards. Plenty of shade in the morning due to the rocks. Bring sun block for afternoon fun.

fun little cove to play on with the family

It’s a trek to get there. Lots of stairs and rock wall to climb up and down. Went on a Monday and it was super crowded. There was no room to put our stuff. There were were tons of kids there screaming and laughing. Plus 15 grown men playing soccer. We got hit with the ball twice. If you are looking for seclusion and relaxation, AVOID this beach. Very disappointing!

DIRECTIONS:
Find the stairs leading down to the cove at the corner of Ocean blvd and Heliotrope Ave!
I had trouble finding this place when I went the other day, so that’s for those that get lost easily like I do. Go down the stairs and you will see a wooden boardwalk leading to the right and you will pass through a picnic area with BBQs and tables and then you traverse the rock wall (you can wear slippers) to get to the stairs that leads down to the cove.
ENVIRO:
We went on a Tuesday, and it was crowded! Sorely disappointed. I guess school’s out and so are the kids… meh… So we decided to check out Corona del mar beach and it was even MORE crowded. DUDE. why is everyone off on a Tues?!
So if you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach. Sorry, you won’t find that here. You will hear a lot of screaming, kids laughing and running though, so if you’re into that. This cove is small so be prepared to be in close proximity to other people.
ALSO:
I saw so many people there that brought no type of sun protection/​shade… No umbrella/​easy up. not even wearing a hat! Please don’t do this to your skin or your children’s skin! It’s not worth getting skin cancer for a temporary tan. AM I RIGHT?!

Review 12
Pirates Cove (beach) and picnic area are absolutely beautiful. The picnic area is shaded by huge mature trees that are important during summer. It’s protected from wind on the west by a natural rock formation that you can hike to the top or over into the beach. Parking is either on street and about what feels like 150 stairs down or in the parking lot for a fee. I prefer to park on top to appreciate the views, sitting areas, take pictures and enjoy the small bluff on the westerly side. I’ve had picnics here many times, if you’re planning an event; arrive early to get your tables.
Plan B.

I loved this spot. If you’re a beach lover you must try this little cove. It’s great for kids and swimming. This summer I definitely will be enjoy more of this little hideaway.

Very serene and a good place for watching Christmas boat light shows during December.
Came here during the holiday seasons to catch a show, but almost caught a flu — bring your jackets, peeps! Yes, it was very cold, but at least the bathrooms were spacious.
Will probably come here again during daytime to check out the surrounding boutiques, as they looked pretty interesting when driving down pacific coast hwy.

NOT SO SECLUDED ANYMORE!
Breathtaking views!
Rock climbing!
Tidepools!

My favorite beach to go to. It’s secluded sectioned off from the other beaches. And might I also add you can rock climb. It’s probably the only place where you can actually climb outdoors in orange.

Very cool little beach the really does it’s name justice! Looks like you are in the Caribbean or somewhere off Greece or Italy! A great place to swim and enjoy a day at the beach!
The views from up top are spectacular and breath taking as you can see everyone frolicking and having fun in the water!

Absolutely breathtaking!
Came on a late Saturday afternoon to dust off the old DSLR and practice shooting silhouettes during golden hour. This place does not disappoint!
The sand and rock areas have great levels to shoot from different perspectives (high and low). Sun glare from the water is nice as well.
Went for a stroll on the designated trail, had an impromptu picnic and explored the area. Parking was not a hassle either!

Went here yesterday — I live close by and am aware of the hefty parking fee, definitely worth it to park in the street and walk a bit. Noisy businessman that kind of ruined the experience (but I cannot blame the environment for that). Wanted to go for a swim but realized nearby China Cove is a much better fit for that (much larger swimming area and a rather large sandy beach close by).

Came here on a Monday afternoon and there were few people around, mostly tourists it seems. Overall, it’s quiet and pretty secluded. To get down to the cove, you have to step over a bunch of rocky areas, so wear good shoes or you might slip. Just find flat stepping areas and you can step down easily. Don’t carry heavy things like a water cooler because it’ll be hard to get it down and back up unless you have good sturdy shoes.
There are shallow caves where you can set up your little «picnic.» Lay out your blanket and set up your umbrella. By late afternoon, the shade will be receding, so having a beach umbrella would be perfect.
The water is pretty calm and very clear. There is a breakwater around the area, so you’ll see people kayaking to the cove. You’ll see sailboats in the distance and the view in front of you is a bunch of mansions.
People also attempt to rock climb around there. You can bring climbing shoes and attempt it yourself.
Lots of rock formations makes it nice. Lots of pigeons who aren’t that scared when you follow them. Lots of seagulls as well.
There is a restroom, but you need to climb back up the rocks to get there. It’s near the parking area. There’s a shower-​off area as well. There are also lots of bonfire pits (not at the cove, but I think that’s part of the Corona Del Mar State Beach), but they’re very close together. Looks kinda weird like that. I’m use to more spaced-​out bonfire pit areas.
Minus 1 star for the hefty $ 15 parking and the fishy smell in some of the cave areas. You can park in the neighborhood area and walk down a steep path. It’s do-​able. About 500 ft maybe.

Came for a Sunday afternoon stroll. the place is beautiful and there is serenity on the air. I like to get away (without getting away) sometimes. Not sure about you, but I do like to spend some time with my thoughts at times and this is a nice place to do just that.

A beautiful, geologically interesting, and picturesque beach in Corona Del Mar. A little hard to find, and even harder to get to, as it will require minor rock climbing skills. You are aided in a randomly placed staircase. Get here from ground level at the North side of the Big Corona Del Mar (State) Beach. This is where many Pirate films of the 1930s and 1940s were filmed, hence the name.

Pirate’s Cove is a great place to bring your kiddos and swim in calm waters… as long as they are old enough to hike over the mountain of rock separating it from the Corona Del Mar State Beach.
There are a few different routes from the parking lot to the stairs that lead down to the beach but all are not stroller friendly so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
HOWEVER, if you do not require mass amounts of gear to make your beach day complete, this beach will be a fantastic addition to your summer circuit.
The waters are shallow, crystal clear and calm due to it being at the opening of the Newport Harbor and it is a special spot secluded away from the hustle and bustle. There are a few rocks affording a few tide pools and the sand is prime for building or digging whatever your heart desires.
It is beautiful and perfect for swimmers who just want to wade, not fight the tide.
I parked in the state park when I went but I could see street parking on the residential streets above the state beach and a few staircases leading down so I’m sure there are other, cheaper alternatives.
Definitely go!