01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Waterfront • Lively Classic Socal Beach • Best Mix Of Sand, Pier, And Amenities
A big, busy stretch of sand backed by an iconic pier, bike path, and plenty of things to do once you towel off.
From Charter Oak, Santa Monica Beach is a straight shot west, trading inland heat for ocean breeze in under an hour when traffic cooperates. The wide beach, lifeguard presence, and nearby restrooms make it easy for families, while the pier, bike rentals, and restaurants keep adults and teens entertained all day.
02
Wide-open escape
Zuma Beach
Northern Malibu • Wide, Laid-Back Surf Beach • Best For Long Walks And Waves
A long, open Malibu shoreline with reliable surf, plenty of sand, and fewer distractions than pier-side beaches.
Zuma Beach rewards the extra drive from Charter Oak with room to spread out and a more relaxed feel than the busier city beaches. It’s a favorite for long walks, watching surfers from the sand, and beach days where you’re more interested in the ocean and sky than shops and attractions.
03
Surf-town classic
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • Surf-Centric City Beach • Best For Surf Culture
A lively beach anchored by a long pier and a walkable downtown that leans fully into its Surf City USA reputation.
Head south from Charter Oak and you can swap foothills for Huntington’s pier, volleyball courts, and constant line of surfers just offshore. The combination of wide, sandy beach, fire pits, and restaurants and shops along Main Street makes it ideal for full-day outings that run straight into sunset.
04
Most variety in one stop
Newport Municipal Beach
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Bustling Harbor-And-Ocean Beach • Best For Mixing Beach Time With Activities
A busy peninsula beach where you can pair a classic ocean day with harbor views, pier strolling, and people-watching.
Newport Municipal Beach gives Charter Oak locals an easy way to pack several experiences into one coastal drive: sandy shoreline, a pier, harbor scenery, and a dense mix of bars, cafes, and bike rentals. It’s especially good for groups where some want to lounge in the sand while others prefer exploring the neighborhood or grabbing a drink nearby.
05
Most scenic escape
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Western Malibu • Scenic Cove And Tide Pool Beach • Best For Coastal Exploring
A rugged stretch of coast with coves, rock arches, and tide pools that feels farther from the city than the drive suggests.
For Charter Oak residents willing to drive a bit beyond central Malibu, Leo Carrillo offers dramatic scenery and a more tucked-away feel. Come at lower tide to poke around tide pools and rock formations, then settle into one of the sandy coves for a quieter, more nature-focused beach day.