01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach • Classic Socal Surf Beach • Best All-Around Beach Day
A long, lively stretch of sand with a big pier, steady surf, and plenty of space to spread out.
From Citrus, Huntington is the most reliable all-purpose choice: easy to navigate, with wide sand, bike paths, and room for both surfers and casual swimmers. The area around the pier has fire pits, volleyball courts, and plenty of snack spots, so you can park once and settle in. Arrive before midday on summer weekends if you want a close parking lot spot and a fire ring for sunset.
02
Best for classic pier vibes
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Newport Beach • Pier-And-Boardwalk Beachfront • Great For Groups And Strolling
A busy but charming peninsula beach framed by a long pier, rentals, and a casual boardwalk scene.
Newport Municipal Beach gives you the full postcard view: broad sand, a photogenic pier, and a steady stream of bikers and skaters along the boardwalk. It is a great pick if your group wants different things, since you can swim, rent bikes, or wander to nearby bars and taco spots without moving the car. Parking can be tight near the pier, so consider the larger lots a short walk away if you arrive later in the day.
03
Most scenic option
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove-Style Town Beach • Best For Scenery And Photos
A picturesque town-front beach ringed by bluffs, tide pools, and a walkable village just steps from the sand.
If you are willing to drive a bit farther from Citrus, Main Beach rewards you with dramatic coastal views and a more intimate cove feel. The sand is backed by a grassy park, basketball courts, and a boardwalk that makes it easy to wander between the shore and the art galleries and cafes in town. Plan to park in one of the public lots and stroll down, and time your visit for lower tide if you want to explore the nearby tide pools.
04
Best for laid-back elegance
Manhattan Beach
South Bay • Upscale But Relaxed Surf Town Beach • Great For Sunsets And Dining
A polished but welcoming South Bay beach with a photogenic pier, active surf lineup, and strong food scene up the hill.
Manhattan Beach feels like an easy upgrade when you want a beach day plus a nice meal without driving all the way to the Westside. The strand is perfect for long walks or bike rides, and the pier offers classic sunset views with surfers framed in the break below. After the sun drops, you can rinse off and head into the compact downtown for everything from casual tacos to sit-down seafood.
05
Best for first-time visitors
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Iconic Urban Beachfront • Best For A Full Day And Night Out
A broad, busy beach backed by a famous pier, amusement rides, and a long bike path connecting to neighboring coastal towns.
Santa Monica is farther from Citrus but earns the drive if you are showing visitors the classic California beach scene. The sand is wide and forgiving, and you can easily mix swim time with rides on the pier, people-watching on the path, and shopping or dining in the city just uphill. Plan your route and parking ahead of time, since this is one of the most visited beaches in the region and fills quickly on peak weekends.