01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Classic Surf-Town Beach • Great All-Rounder For Groups
A wide, energetic stretch of sand anchored by an iconic pier and walkable downtown scene.
If you want the full Southern California postcard experience after the drive from Bloomington, Huntington City Beach is the sure bet. There’s room to spread out on the sand, steady surf to watch or try, and the pier and nearby Main Street keep food, drinks, and people-watching close at hand. It’s an easy choice when you’re wrangling mixed ages or visiting friends who want that “Surf City” feel in one stop.
02
Best for a classic boardwalk vibe
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Beach Peninsula • Busy Urban Beachfront • Best For Strolling And Bike-Riding
A lively peninsula beach backed by a paved path, rental shops, and the Newport and Balboa piers.
Newport Municipal Beach works well when part of the fun is wandering as much as swimming. The beachfront path is ideal for renting bikes or cruising on a long walk, with snack bars and casual restaurants dotted along the way. From Bloomington, it’s an easy day trip where you can park once, stake out a stretch of sand, and still have plenty to explore without moving the car.
03
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington Beach Shoreline • Relaxed State Beach • Great For Evening Fire Rings
A mellow, linear beach known for its drive-up access, long shoreline, and popular fire pits at sunset.
For Bloomington families or friend groups planning a full afternoon that runs into the evening, Bolsa Chica’s big parking lot and drive-up style make logistics easier. The beach feels a bit less hectic than the pier areas, but you still get consistent surf, clean facilities, and snack stands in season. Time your arrival to claim a fire ring and you can turn a simple beach trip into a low-key cookout before heading back inland.
04
Best for scenery
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove-Style Shoreline • Great For Views And Coastal Wandering
A picturesque central beach framed by bluffs, tidepool-filled coves, and a walkable artsy town.
If you don’t mind a bit more winding coastline driving after leaving Bloomington, Main Beach rewards you with some of the prettiest views on this list. The sand sits right at the edge of downtown Laguna, so you can split your day between swimming, tidepooling, and browsing galleries or cafes. It’s a smart pick when you want the beach to feel like part of a more leisurely coastal day, not just a quick dip in the ocean.
05
Best sheltered option
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach • Protected Cove Beach • Best For Families And Mellow Surf
A curved, protected cove with gentler waves, easy facilities, and a tucked-away neighborhood feel.
Corona del Mar State Beach is a smart choice when you’re driving in from Bloomington with younger kids or anyone who prefers smaller surf. The cove layout cuts down on the open-ocean feel, and the gradual slope of the sand makes wading a bit less intimidating. Add in restrooms, lifeguards in season, and a more residential backdrop, and you get a calmer alternative to the busier big-city stretches nearby.