A teeny-bopper beach, a pier that refuses to die, an unpretentious village atmosphere — all are apt descriptions of this small, often overlooked seaside town, the northernmost beach in Orange County.
It is quiet, perhaps too quiet for visitors seeking a glamorous experience. Most of the beach-goers here are locals. It attracts a young set, those kids who can’t yet drive but can take the bus or bike. It also gets some young pier rats, those kids who hang around under the pier and get into mischief. The north half of the beach is traditionally a family area. Parking is handy, the walk is short and Mom can keep close watch. This is a good spot for beginning surfers. North beach also is called the Gold Coast, named for the row of high-value residences that sit atop a bluff along Ocean Avenue. South of the pier base is a cute tot lot with block wall around it to corral the kids. Notice the town’s little mascot that sits beside the pier entrance walk, a seal statue named Slick. Old-timers say they used to see seals on the beach here
