When is the best time to visit Orange County, CA?

Orange County is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Orange County chosen?

Each property in Orange County is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Orange County different from other beach towns?

Newport's peninsula, Laguna's coves and the Huntington Beach pier, all inside 42 miles of coast.. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Orange County

Newport's peninsula, Laguna's coves and the Huntington Beach pier, all inside 42 miles of coast.

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5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

Orange County's coast runs 42 miles from Seal Beach to San Clemente. Newport Beach has the Balboa Peninsula, a strip of sand with the ocean on one side and the harbor on the other, lined with rental houses on the boardwalk. Laguna Beach is coves and tide pools under the bluffs. Huntington Beach is the wide surf beach with the long pier. Dana Point and San Clemente at the south end are quieter, with beach houses along Capistrano Beach that sit on the sand.

StateCA

Peak seasonJune to September

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured10 rentals

The curated list · 10 rentals

Where we would stay in Orange County.

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Sleeps

Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

No. 01

Relax, Shop, Dine, Swim, Snorkel TR#4 D'Stella

Condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 about $352 a night

One of the best locations in Laguna Beach, steps to the beach, easy stroll to some of the best shops and restaurants in Orange County, only a few blocks from Main Beach. Once you've arrived you never need to get back in your car. This Villa offers the charming feeling of a casual Italian Café with its open concept kitchen, living, and dining areas. The front door opens to a private outdoor fire pit leading up to our spacious Piazza deck overlooking the coastline. Palazzo D'Stella features a luxury gourmet kitchen with high quality, stainless steel appliances that are surrounded by marble counter tops and elegant dark toned wood cabinets.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Swim, Bike, Stroll to the Main Beach. Fun! TR#1

Condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 about $386 a night

One of the best locations in Laguna Beach, steps to the beach, easy stroll to some of the best shops and restaurants in Orange County, only a few blocks from Main Beach. Once you've arrived you never need to get back in your car. This courtyard facing, luxury vacation villa is well suited for any family or group, offering 1 ½ baths with a wealth of comforting amenities. The master bedroom features a rustic Italian-style bed and bath, while the expansive bathroom features a dual headed shower with beautiful terrazzo tile. This villa does not have it's own private balcony, the balcony pictured is a common area balcony.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

1023 E Balboa B

Apartment

3 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront about $514 a night

Spacious holiday home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, featuring a fully equipped kitchen and balcony with sea views.

Check rates on Booking.com →

No. 04

3607 Seashore Dr B

Apartment

3 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront about $379 a night

3607 Seashore Dr B in Newport Beach offers direct beachfront access with stunning sea views.

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No. 05

2314 W Oceanfront A

Apartment

2 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront about $379 a night

2314 W Oceanfront A in Newport Beach offers a spacious holiday home with two bedrooms and three bathrooms.

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No. 06

3607 Seashore Dr A

Apartment

2 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront about $412 a night

Beachfront location with direct access and stunning sea views.

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No. 07

204 E Oceanfront A

Apartment

2 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront

204 E Oceanfront A in Newport Beach offers direct beachfront access with stunning sea views.

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No. 08

2010 W Oceanfront

Apartment

2 bedroom sleeps 7 Beachfront

Beachfront location offering direct access with stunning sea views.

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Browse more in Orange County

Search every rental in Orange County.

Filter by dates, bedrooms, price, and distance to water. These are the full Vrbo and Booking.com inventories for Orange County.

Browse on Vrbo → Browse on Booking.com → 7 Day Stays for Less →

curated rentals in Orange County

No. 09

Condo in Newport Beach with Private Balcony and Ideal Location by the Pier

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 6 Beachfront

Beachfront location with private balcony and sea views.

Check rates on Booking.com →

No. 10

308 35th Street, Unit A (Lower)

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 6 Beachfront

Beachfront Location with direct access and stunning sea views.

Check rates on Booking.com →

Search every stay in Orange County on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to Orange County Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.