01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Lively Surf Town Beach • Classic All-Rounder
If you want the full Southern California beach experience in one spot, Huntington City Beach is the easy choice from Biola.
Wide sand, reliable surf, and the postcard-ready pier make this a go-to for everything from casual swims to bonfire nights. Parking is straightforward along Pacific Coast Highway, and you are a short walk from Main Street's coffee, tacos, and ice cream when you need a break from the sun.
02
Best for variety in one walk
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Newport Beach Peninsula • Bustling Sandy Stretch With Boardwalk • Great For Groups
Newport's main beachfront lines a long, flat peninsula where you can mix swimming, biking the boardwalk, and pier views in a single afternoon.
The stretch between Newport Pier and Balboa Pier has plenty of space to spread out, plus volleyball courts and rental shops for bikes or surf gear. Street parking can be tight on hot weekends, so plan to arrive earlier in the day or be ready for a short walk from a farther-out spot.
03
Best low-key option
Seal Beach Pier Beach
Seal Beach Waterfront • Relaxed Small-Town Strand • Best For A Calmer Vibe
For a slower, more local feel, Seal Beach delivers mellow waves, wide sand, and an easygoing main street right off the pier.
This is a nice pick when you want ocean time without the crowds and noise of the bigger surf cities. After the beach, stroll down Main Street for casual cafes, burger joints, and independent shops that feel more neighborhood than touristy.
04
Best for sheltered swimming
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach • Sheltered Cove-Like City Beach • Great For Relaxed Ocean Days
Tucked between bluffs and jetties, Corona del Mar State Beach offers calmer water and a cozy, protected feel.
The gently sloping shoreline and usually smaller waves make this a comfortable spot for newer ocean swimmers and casual float days. The surrounding cliffs add plenty of scenery, and nearby neighborhood streets offer an upscale but still approachable café and snack scene.
05
Most scenic escape
Victoria Beach
South Laguna Beach • Picturesque Cove With Rocky Drama • Perfect For Photos And Tide Pools
Hidden just off Pacific Coast Highway, Victoria Beach feels like a tucked-away cove with striking cliffs and a famous turreted tower.
Access is via a residential staircase, so you get a more secluded feel once you are down on the sand. Come at lower tide to explore tide pools and rock formations, but keep an eye on the swell and avoid getting too close to wet, slippery rocks when waves are pushing in.