Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Pirate's Cove Beach

    4.4 (63 reviews)

    Pirate's Cove Beach Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Pirate's Cove Beach

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Stephanie D.

    Had a great time today! Went with the kiddos and they had such a blast at this beach. We drove down a bit to the tide pools and that was cool too! Love this beach!

    05.01.23 'Jesus Revolution' Filming Location
    May A.

    Filming Location Scene, Newport Beach CA We only knew about this beach in the city of Newport Beach after watching the movie 'Jesus Revolution' [Kelsey Grammer]. The movie is a true story of a national spiritual awakening in the late 60's/early 1970s. We had to climb rocks to see the beach and the cove but we were able to pinpoint the beach scenes from the movie. Hollywood made the area look big when it wasn't really in real life but it featured some impressive visuals. We parked at the Corona Del Mar Beach parking lot. Entrance fee is required but we were there early and the beach wasn't crowded on a Monday morning that we got a pass to get in free to park for a short time. From the parking lot we climbed the rocks to get a view below unaware that there was street parking spaces at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Heliotrope Avenue where a small city park called Lookout Point Park is located. There is a stairway in the middle of the cliff at the back of the cove that provides the only safe access to Pirates Cove Beach. Water was calm during our visit. This is a small beach on the west side of the parking lot at Corona Del Mar State Beach. Review #2969

    Nicole P.

    This beach is dreamy! It's quiet during the morning and the best colors in the sky show themselves in the morning. If you are not from SoCal, you quickly find out the water is freezing. No matter how hot the day is, the ocean water here and all along the coast is a steady 68 degrees which feels cold at first but you get used to it after a few mins. This beach has very little waves so it's a good swimming beach especially for kids. I would be careful that I'd you have challenges with mobility, this is hard to get to. It isn't wheel chair accessible. Parking is laid down below or it's free in the neighborhood but it's a long walk down and even tougher walking up the steep hill. This little beach is worth a visit because of its unique beauty.

    Jagruti L.

    Perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach. Bring your family. There is parking lot at the Pirate Cove with fees. If you are lucky you can park at the residential streets and walk down the steps.

    Jesus Revolution baptism
    Steve S.

    Loved visiting Pirates Cove for the Harvest baptism. The location is secluded from the parking for privacy which made the experience special. The weather was perfect. Parking is a challenge if you don't get there early but we arrived at 7am so no issue there. The only drawback was the lone stairway in and out from the cove itself. But we loved it and will be back again.

    Lookout point from above Pirates Cove
    Michelle H.

    Maybe 3 1/2 stars for this small spot. Pros: no waves, clear water, tide pools to explore, parking lot is close, next to corona Del Mar, lifeguard was on duty. Cons: very crowded, small sand area, kinda tricky to access. Overall is was a nice ways to escape heat and explore a new spot, but next time I'd set up camp at Corona Del Mar and walk over to Pirates cove. LIMITED space was the main issue.

    Nicole W.

    Cool spot to chill n hang out. Kinda hard to find, I usually go in by paddleboard, or boat. When the tide is high, usually ur not able to access the beach area cause it's a small beach

    Rosa C.

    Love love this little private beach!! The water is clean, no waves, perfect for little ones! The only thing is that you do need to climb climb climb rocks to get to it!! There is no other way! But once your there it's so nice and peaceful!

    Tin T.

    Pirates cove beach, is a beautiful secluded area, steps away from Corona Del Mar beach. We came here on a weekday, which made the experience more serene and enjoyable because it wasn't overcrowded like beaches usually get. There's a beautiful pathway to Pirates cove, the water was clear compared to the beaches I've been to.

    Sunset was amazing
    Rehma N.

    Gorgeous beach for watching the sunset, I love climbing the rocks and finding a good spot to chill out.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2
    Photo of John S.
    890
    3004
    4462

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 39
    Thanks 4
    Love this 32
    Oh no 3

    6 months ago

    This place is great for kids. Lots of climbing areas, no waves so swimming was easy. We will def return!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    this beach was on the smaller side, but i still enjoyed being here. very nice weather when i came.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Baptism w Harvest Church. Beach and surrounding area well kept and clean. Plenty of parking

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    It's actually not a business but a beautiful beach. Clear water and away from others.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rosa C.
    5
    99
    487

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hema K.
    402
    1156
    644

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Tin T.
    1
    16
    14

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of e n.
    4
    212
    688

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Hubby brought me here on our first family date with our oldest son. Loved the location, we got lots of great pics that day

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Plan B.
    44
    87
    532

    11 years ago

    Helpful 40
    Thanks 0
    Love this 41
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda W.
    43
    210
    372

    13 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rachel W.
    74
    120
    320

    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Natalie J.
    112
    119
    199

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric H.
    273
    43
    40

    6 years ago

    Suck a cool place for your kids and u. Go to the bathroom before going it is a hike to the restrooms.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Super fun beach spot but expect lots of people when you go, definitely not a secluded spot. Fun trails and hikes and sites!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adam B.
    81
    53
    805

    10 years ago

    Best. beach. ever. Plus, this is my go-to place for burying dead bodies. MUAH HAHAHAHA HAAAAA!

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bianca C.
    67
    59
    78

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Pirate's Cove Beach

    Are there showers to rinse off?

    Are there restrooms nearby?

    Yes

    Are dogs allowed?

    Newport Beach allows dogs on most of their beaches with certain limitations. They are not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. year-round, and must be leashed at all other times. This includes Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport… 

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Pirate's Cove Beach

    t. This is a small beach on the west side of the parking lot at Corona Del Mar State Beac

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 10,125 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Inspiration Point - The bottom of the trail down to the beach. There is a railing along the steepest points.

    Inspiration Point

    4.8(190 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I've been coming to Inspiration Point for many years, and I still enjoy it every time I visit…read more I usually bring my dog here for a walk so She can enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the sunset with me. Sometimes I bring a blanket, sit on the grass, and bring some food to have a little picnic. It's a simple thing, but I always enjoy spending time here with the ocean view and the sound of the waves. I also like that they have bags available the area in case you need to clean up after your dog. I noticed there is a one of stations near the end of the street where you can grab them. From here, you can walk down toward little Corona del Mar and get closer to the beach. You can also walk on the sand, but personally I prefer staying up here because it feels cleaner and more convenient when I don't need to go down to the beach. Street parking is available nearby, but you may need to drive around a little to find a spot for parallel parking.

    What a gorgeous spot I stumbled upon! I had no idea how gorgeous this would be! I'll definitely be…read moreback to visit again. I entered the park from above and walked down the steep paved trail to the landing about halfway down. The path is too steep for wheelchairs but does offer a railing for stability and some places to sit at the landing. The view at sunset is breathtaking! There are public bathrooms and a parking lot down at the beach, as well as some volleyball nets, etc. The beach looked clean, welcoming to families, and was a good size where people could spread out. I'll definitely be back

    Photos
    Inspiration Point - Photo from the soft sandy beach

    Photo from the soft sandy beach

    Inspiration Point - Inspiration Point from the halfway down landing area

    Inspiration Point from the halfway down landing area

    Inspiration Point - View at the point.

    See all

    View at the point.

    Balboa Island - Sunset in September

    Balboa Island

    4.4(266 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    What a cute and quaint little island! I really loved visiting. There's plenty of free parking if…read moreyou drive down the residential streets, and you can see plenty of cute little homes. This would be a lovely place to own a vacation home. I absolutely love driving over the bridge with American flags flying on both sides; it's something you don't see often in SoCal. There are several cute shops on both sides of the main street, and there's really something for everyone. The island is known for two things: chocolate-covered frozen bananas and Balboa bars. I apparently missed the memo on the Balboa bars, but we got to visit both Dad's Donuts and Sugar 'n Spice for some frozen chocolate bananas, and they were lovely! I recommend coming in the morning to beat the rush. We brought lunch and went to the beach for a picnic on the park benches. It was a lovely day with family! I look forward to coming back to Balboa Island in the future!

    We went on a cloudy weekday in late March. We parked in the parking lot on Palm street and took the…read moreferry there. At around 10:30 in the morning, there was plenty of parking available. We paid about $11 for 4 hours which comparing with Santa Monica is reasonable. On our way we also saw free street side parking , but those spots are not close to the ferries. There is a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to where the ferries are. You will have to cross a couple of streets. The ferries are pretty basic but they have capacity for 3 cars as well. Adults pay $2 each to get to the other side. They ONLY accept cash. There and back, the wait time was under a couple of minutes. The island itself is clean and serene. Other than a minimart, a fishing gear shop and a grocery store, there weren't any shops on the oceanfront walkway and no signage as to where you can find any stores. We walked for a bit and then returned to the mainland and Balboa village. Overall, we loved how clean and family friendly the beach and the pier and the island were. If we lived closer, we would visit more often for sure!

    Photos
    Balboa Island - Yummy cookies from Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop.

    Yummy cookies from Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop.

    Balboa Island
    Balboa Island - The Teddy Bear House.

    See all

    The Teddy Bear House.

    Marina Park

    Marina Park

    4.7(135 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Wonderful summer spot for families with YOUNG KIDS!!!…read more Lots of different ways to play: Large grass area Lagoon/bay with sand and seashells Playground with lots of slides There are also lots of PICNIC TABLES at this location so it's easy to set up for breakfast or lunch. It's a very fun and safe environment for our kids and makes our summers days more fun! Our 3 year old enjoys the playground and the lagoon too. You have to PAY FOR PARKING but that's pretty normal for Newport Beach. We usually find parking very easily near here. Also, there are PUBLIC RESTROOMS and showers to rinse off available inside & next to the "lighthouse" - another thing that makes this spot easier with kiddos!

    I enjoy walking through this park near the marina in Newport Beach. Parking can be a hassle in…read moreNewport Beach and I always get lucky and find a spot near this park. Marina Park is a community and sailing center. It is a great spot for kids to play or for walking your dog because of its large grassy area. I enjoy looking at all of the boats docked in the marina when I walk through the park. There is a mini decorative lighthouse in the park that has restrooms and a tube slide for kids to slide down. Marina Park offers many amenities like kayak and stand-up paddle boarding rentals. There is a playground, basketball court and an outdoor fitness area. Lighthouse Bayside Café is a restaurant in the park that has great views of the marina. There is a on-site pay lot for parking at Marina Park or park at a nearby street meter. Newport Pier and the beach are just a short walk away.

    Photos
    Marina Park - Fun

    Fun

    Marina Park
    Marina Park - View facing the marina.

    See all

    View facing the marina.

    Corona Del Mar State Beach - Beautiful

    Corona Del Mar State Beach

    4.4(445 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Beach Therapy at Its Best! Absolutely love this beach! It's…read morelike a genie in a bottle; it somehow gives me everything I need. Beautiful, clean, peaceful, and just the right amount of relaxation. The water was warm, the lifeguards were attentive, and the overall atmosphere was so serene. Yes, there's some seaweed, but honestly, you can get over that when everything else is this good. There are fire pits, a place to grab a bite right along the beach, and plenty of other restaurants nearby. You can pay to park, or do what I did, park on the street for free and take the walk down. Just be ready for that hill on the way back up! It's definitely a workout, but I'll take it. This beach is one of those places that works for a solo day to reset, family time, or a beautiful date by the water. Hubby and I did a date day, sun kissed and perfect. There's a drop-off area near the beach, and parking was around $10 I believe. Like I mentioned we exercised. Peaceful views, warm water, good energy...this is definitely my kind of therapy.

    Beautiful cloudy day. Luv going when the sun isn't blazing on the sand and you're doing the lava…read morerock walk. Parking in the lower lot has pay stations located throughout the lot $10 per hour. Short distance walk from beach to parking. Volleyball courts on left hand side from the entrance. Lots of kelp in sand has bits n pieces of jagged stuff recommend shoes or slippers. Water was perfect! Again just a lot of kelp that wrap around ya. Lifeguards were attentive especially near the rocky areas. A beautiful beach area more inclusive feel. Pathways to walk up if you're wanting a cardio boost. Downtown area has a lot of eateries and shops.

    Photos
    Corona Del Mar State Beach - Beach selfie

    Beach selfie

    Corona Del Mar State Beach - "Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." -- Christy Ann Martine

    "Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." -- Christy Ann Martine

    Corona Del Mar State Beach

    See all

    The Wedge - Great waves

    The Wedge

    4.6(103 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    The Wedge is definitely one of those places you have to check out at least once if you're in…read moreNewport Beach. The area itself is beautiful, especially walking through the neighborhood on the way down to the beach. It's a little more tucked away and peaceful compared to some of the busier parts of Newport. The main attraction is obviously the waves. When there's a good swell, it's honestly crazy watching how powerful they get and seeing the surfers and bodysurfers out there. Even on a calmer day, it's still a really nice place to walk around, sit by the water, watch the boats coming in and out of the harbor, and enjoy the view. Parking can be a little tricky since it's mostly street parking, but overall it's definitely worth checking out. Just be careful getting in the water because the waves and shore break here are no joke. Beautiful spot and one of those places that really feels like Newport Beach. Definitely recommend checking it out, especially when the waves are going off.

    Newport Beach is a beautiful community. We come together for the surf, the community and for…read morecheering on everyone brave enough to take on the surf during the biggest swells. If you can't swim, stay away away from the shoreline. Highly recommended for the experienced. Find videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@domcars

    Photos
    The Wedge - Sand Line up #TheWedge 9/6/2026

    Sand Line up #TheWedge 9/6/2026

    The Wedge - Nice waves!

    Nice waves!

    The Wedge - Lifeguards doing their job well: Question to body surfer: "Have you surfed here before?"  Response: "Never" ... he didn't go in 9/6/2026

    See all

    Lifeguards doing their job well: Question to body surfer: "Have you surfed here before?" Response: "Never" ... he didn't go in 9/6/2026

    Balboa Pier

    Balboa Pier

    4.4(152 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Beautiful scene for pictures and sightseeing! Only in California do we get gem like this…read more Parking is a nightmare if you arrive after 10am so come early. Download parking app and do your parking research before. It will save you time immensely and money! I saw a car with a parking ticket of $79!! Friday 07/03/26- waves were very strong so no swimming. Restroom is next to the pier. There's also a playground next to the restroom and a clean place with water to wash off. Lots of places to eat and Fun Zone is a short walk. There were many people fishing as well. There are bike rental shop and a lots of people biking - children, teens and adults. SO MANY EV Bikes!

    We mistakenly parked near the Newport Beach Pier, thinking it was the Balboa Pier. The two piers…read moreare about 2 miles from each other and the Balboa Pier houses the original Ruby's Diner. We took this mistake as an opportunity to take a nice walk along the bike path to the Balboa Pier, which is shared with pedestrians. There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the Balboa Pier. Parking can be a bit pricey in the lot and with the metered parking. We paid about $10 for three hours at a metered spot. We noticed during our walk, that you can park for free on some of the side streets. We enjoyed our walk on the pier with beautiful views and and a spacious beach. We had lunch at Ruby's and then headed to the Balboa Fun Zone which is just a short walk. Our walk back was just as nice along the beautiful homes adjacent to the water.

    Photos
    Balboa Pier
    Balboa Pier
    Balboa Pier

    See all

    Pirate's Cove Beach - beaches - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...