01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Classic Surf City Strand • Best All-Around Experience
A broad, lively beach with reliable waves, a long pier, and plenty of classic SoCal energy.
Roughly a 30-minute drive from Anaheim, Huntington City Beach delivers the quintessential Southern California scene: surfers lining up beyond the pier, volleyball nets in the sand, and a long, walkable waterfront. You get easy access to shops and restaurants along Main Street, so it is simple to turn a few hours by the water into a full outing. Stick around for sunset when the pier lights up and the crowds thin just enough for a relaxed stroll.
02
Best for a full beach day
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Peninsula • Lively Pier And Boardwalk Beach • Great For Groups And People-Watching
A long stretch of sand backed by a bike-and-walk path, with both the Newport and Balboa Piers within easy reach.
Newport Municipal Beach is an easy choice if your group wants options: rent bikes, grab fish tacos on the pier, or just stake out a spot in the sand and watch surfers and bodysurfers cycle through. The broad beach and gentle slope into the water make it approachable for casual swimmers and families who stay close to shore. Parking can be busy on weekends, so aim for earlier in the day or be prepared for a short walk from a farther lot.
03
Best sheltered cove
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar • Scenic Cove-Style Beach • Ideal For Relaxed Swimming And Picnics
A protected, crescent-shaped beach framed by cliffs and jetties, popular with families and casual swimmers.
Tucked into the mouth of Newport Harbor, Corona del Mar State Beach feels more intimate than the larger strand beaches up the coast. The protective jetty usually keeps waves smaller, so you will see plenty of kids splashing near shore and people floating on boogie boards. Pack a picnic and set up near the rock formations on the east side if you want a quieter corner and a great vantage point for boats cruising in and out of the harbor.
04
Best mellow stretch of sand
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach Area • Laid-Back State Beach With Fire Pits • Top Choice For Bonfires And Easy Parking
A wide, relatively low-key beach with RV access, long shoreline walks, and popular fire rings for evening hangouts.
Just up the coast from Huntington, Bolsa Chica is a favorite for locals who want more space and a calmer pace. The beachfront parking lot runs alongside the sand, so you are never far from your car, coolers, or gear. Reserve or snag a fire ring in the late afternoon, then settle in for a sunset cookout as the air cools and the glow from the fire pits dots the shoreline.
05
Best coastal scenery
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Artsy, Cove-Lined Coastline • Perfect For Views And Strolling
A picturesque central beach with a boardwalk, palm trees, and easy access to shops, galleries, and smaller nearby coves.
Main Beach sits at the heart of Laguna Beach, where the sand meets a compact downtown full of galleries, cafes, and side streets to wander. The beach itself has a park-like feel, with lawns, basketball courts, and a boardwalk that lets you soak in the views even if you are not planning to swim. Use it as a starting point: walk north or south along the coast to find smaller coves, tide pools, and scenic overlooks that feel far removed from Anaheim’s theme park buzz.