01
Best overall pick
Laguna Beach – Main Beach & Coves
Laguna Beach Village Coast • Art-Minded Cove Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
Scenic coves, tide pools, and an artsy walkable town make Laguna Beach feel like a full vacation in a single day.
Park near Main Beach for an easy base, then wander north or south to find smaller coves with clearer water and fewer crowds. Between swims, you can explore galleries, grab coffee along Pacific Coast Highway, or walk the bluff-top paths for views back toward the cliffs. Go early on summer weekends to avoid the worst traffic and snag a reasonable parking spot.
02
Best blend of hiking and ocean
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Newport And Laguna • Rugged State Park Shoreline • Top Pick For Hiking Plus Beach Time
A stretch of protected coastline where you can pair a morning trail loop with an afternoon on a quieter-feeling beach.
From Claremont, Crystal Cove is a great choice if you want nature first and beach crowds second. The bluffs offer simple loop hikes with big views of the Pacific, and several access points lead down to wide sand and rocky tide-pool zones. The restored historic district by the water adds charm, with a few low-key spots to eat before heading back inland.
03
Best for classic surf vibe
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Waterfront • Big Energetic Surf Strand • Great For Classic Surf Culture
A long, lively beach anchored by a pier, volleyball courts, and year-round surf breaks that match the “Surf City” nickname.
If you picture a Southern California beach with packed volleyball courts, steady waves, and a pier full of people, Huntington is it. The sand stretches for miles, so you can walk a bit north or south of the pier to find more space while still being close to restrooms and food. The scene skews active and social, which is perfect if your group wants energy instead of solitude.
04
Best mix of pier, harbor, and sand
Newport Beach – Balboa Peninsula
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Pier-Side Neighborhood Beach • Ideal For Mixed Groups And Families
A versatile spot where you can split time between swimming, strolling the pier, and wandering the harbor-side streets.
The main stretch near Newport Pier gives you soft sand, manageable waves, and plenty of lifeguard coverage, which works well for families and casual swimmers. Just inland, the streets are lined with casual food, coffee, and ice cream, making it easy to keep everyone fed without moving the car. Stay for golden hour when the pier and houses along the peninsula light up in the evening sun.
05
Best for bonfires and mellow hangs
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington / Seal Beach Corridor • Relaxed Fire-Ring Beach • Best For Sunsets And Bonfires
A wide, low-key beach known for its fire rings, mellow surf, and long bike path running parallel to the sand.
Compared with the busier city beaches nearby, Bolsa Chica feels more open and unhurried, especially outside peak summer weekends. Many Claremont locals come here specifically for the evening, claiming one of the fire pits to grill and watch the sunset. The adjacent wetlands across the highway add a bird-filled backdrop, and the flat path along the sand is ideal for a simple bike or sunset walk.