01
Closest ocean escape
Seal Beach
Seal Beach Pier District • Classic Pier-Side Surf Beach • Closest True Ocean Beach To Cerritos
A relaxed, small-town beach with a long wooden pier, gentle vibes, and easy access from Cerritos.
Seal Beach is usually the first stop for Cerritos locals who want a real ocean day without driving deep into Orange County. The broad sand, iconic pier, and low-key main street make it easy to pair a few hours on the beach with coffee runs or casual fish tacos. It leans mellow rather than flashy, which suits families, casual swimmers, and anyone who prefers a quieter shoreline feel.
02
Best urban waterfront
Alamitos Beach
Downtown Long Beach Waterfront • Urban Waterfront Beach • Best For Bike Rides And Skyline Views
A city-backed stretch of sand with a long bike and walking path, harbor views, and easy parking options.
Alamitos Beach gives you a downtown-adjacent coastline without feeling overly touristy. The paved Shoreline Bike Path runs the length of the sand, so you can blend beach time with a long ride or stroll toward Belmont Shore. Expect calmer water thanks to the breakwater, wide open sand for spreading out, and a mix of locals walking dogs, playing volleyball, and unwinding after work.
03
Lively neighborhood pick
Long Beach City Beach (Belmont Shore)
Belmont Shore, Long Beach • Active Neighborhood Beach • Best For An All-Day Beach And Dining Combo
A long, active stretch of sand backed by volleyball courts and an easy walk to Belmont Shore’s restaurant streets.
Set just south of Alamitos, Long Beach City Beach near Belmont Shore draws a crowd that likes to stay busy—think volleyball games, paddleboarding, and long walks along the path. After the beach, you can rinse off and wander up to 2nd Street for cafes, ice cream, and casual spots with outdoor seating. It’s a strong choice when you want a full day out that doesn’t end when you shake the sand from your towel.
04
Top pick for young kids
Mother's Beach (Marine Park)
Alamitos Bay, Long Beach • Sheltered Bay Beach • Best For Toddlers And Cautious Swimmers
A calm, bay-front beach with shallow water, a playground, and a laid-back picnic atmosphere.
Mother’s Beach trades waves for still, sheltered water, which is exactly what many Cerritos families want for little kids. The roped-off swim area, gentle entry, and nearby playground let kids move between the sand and the water without parents worrying about surf. Pack snacks or grab something nearby and plan to linger—this is a spot where blankets, shade tents, and easygoing afternoons are the norm.
05
Best classic SoCal stretch
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington Beach Coast • Wide State Beach With Fire Rings • Best For Bonfires And Sunset Gatherings
A long, open ribbon of sand with surfable waves, roomy parking lots, and coveted fire rings for evening hangs.
A bit farther than Seal Beach but worth the extra drive, Bolsa Chica feels like the classic Southern California picture: long shoreline, steady waves, and families set up for the entire day. Surfers head toward the jetties while casual beachgoers spread out along the wide sand with coolers and shade canopies. Stay into the evening if you can—grabbing a fire ring and watching the sky change over the water is one of the better ways to end a day out from Cerritos.