01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Lively Surf Town Strand • Best Mix Of Surf And Scene
Wide sand, consistent waves, and a classic pier make Huntington City Beach the most versatile choice for a full beach day from Cabazon.
Roughly 90 minutes to two hours west of Cabazon, Huntington City Beach delivers that postcard SoCal combo of big sandy shoreline, surf breaks, and a busy promenade. It’s easy to spend the whole day here, with rental shops, casual food, and people-watching centered around the pier and Main Street. Aim to arrive early on summer weekends if you want easier parking and a good spot near the water or fire pits.
02
Most scenic in easy reach
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Central Laguna • Scenic Cove With A Boardwalk • Great For Strolling And People-Watching
Main Beach brings a more intimate, scenic feel, framed by bluffs, palms, and a relaxed boardwalk right in the heart of Laguna Beach.
If you want a prettier, more small-town feel than the big surf beaches, Main Beach in Laguna is worth the slightly twistier drive from Cabazon. The shoreline is smaller and more sheltered, with volleyball courts, a grassy park, and an easy boardwalk that’s ideal if you’d rather stroll and snack than commit to a full beach setup. Parking can be tight near the sand, so factor in time to circle or use one of the nearby city lots and walk down.
03
Best for families
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar Neighborhood • Sheltered Family Cove • Best For Families And Mellow Swims
This horseshoe-shaped cove in Newport Beach offers gentler surf, roomy sand, and a tucked-away feel that works well for families coming from Cabazon.
Corona del Mar State Beach sits at the end of a residential hill, giving it a cozy, enclosed feel compared with the open coast just up the road. The break is usually calmer, which makes it a comfortable option for kids and more casual swimmers, and the parking lot drops you close to the sand so you’re not hauling gear too far. It’s a solid pick if your group wants more relaxed water time with the option to explore Newport’s harbor and shops before heading back inland.
04
Top camping escape
San Clemente State Beach
South San Clemente Bluffs • Laid-Back Bluffside Shoreline • Top Pick For Camping And Sunsets
San Clemente State Beach pairs wide sand and steady surf with bluff-top campsites, making it ideal if you’re stretching a Cabazon trip into an overnight coastal escape.
Farther down the coast but still realistic for a weekend from Cabazon, San Clemente State Beach feels a bit quieter and more low-key than many Orange County spots. Steep paths connect the bluff-top campground and parking area to a wide, open beach that’s great for long walks, sunset watching, and intermediate-level surf. If you’re day-tripping, plan on a bit of a hike back up from the sand; if you’re camping, book early because ocean-view sites fill fast in peak season.
05
Classic pier experience
Oceanside City Beach & Pier
Oceanside Waterfront • Classic Pier Beach • Good All-Rounder For Groups
Oceanside’s main beach and long wooden pier deliver a classic SoCal shoreline with plenty of space, casual food, and a relaxed, slightly scruffy charm.
If your group doesn’t mind driving a bit farther, Oceanside offers a big-tent beach experience with room for everyone to spread out. The wide sandy stretch north and south of the pier handles crowds better than many smaller coves, and there are usually multiple parking options within walking distance of the water. Between the pier, nearby shops, and regular events along the strand, it’s easy to make a full afternoon here before you head back over the pass to Cabazon.