Sand volleyball courts at Corona del Mar State Beach are located just steps from the parking lot.  With a handful of courts, you'll often find the beach deserted except for the volleyball courts and nets. 

One of the best places to play beach volleyball in Orange County, the nets are in semi-protected cove where the winds are subdued by a huge jetty to the north and cliffs to the south. Yet while you play, you have the ocean in view, and restrooms just feet away.  It's all in one place, and that makes them somewhat popular. Beach volleyball is so hot in this region, Olympic stars such as Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings can occasionally be seen on the OC beaches in competition or practicing in off hours.

Locals who have made it on the circuit or in the Olympic Games have fueled the flame and passion for the outdoor version of volleyball, though indoor games and teams on the collegiate level are extremely popular. While claims that volleyball is one of the top sports in the US and is gaining strength worldwide are disputed, in California beach volleyball is doing extremely well. As we drive the coast of California from San Diego to Santa Cruz especially, it is rare not to see the sand courts in use on a sunny day. Weekends, afternoons, summer, anytime is a good time to play sand volleyball, so say the players at Corona del Mar.

When visiting, you'll need to bring your own ball to Corona del Mar beaches. Across the bay in Newport Beach shown in one photo where the pier stretches to the sea (bottom left),  there are concessions that sell or rent balls. Corona del Mar charges parking in the state beach lot, but many park above on the city streets where first come first serve parking is an option if you find it. Also next to the volleyball courts are square cement bonfire rings ideal for beach fires and barbeques with hotdogs and s'mores (chocolate bars, graham crackers and melted marshmallows in the center). The beach does not allow glass objects such as bottles, and the volleyball courts are available on a first come first serve basis. You can't really reserve them. So if you're itching to play, scratch away those sand fleas and go on over to a game that matches your skill level. It doesn't hurt to ask if you can join in, sub, or volley for a bit of warm up practice with the locals and other vacationers.