01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Classic Socal Surf Town Beach • Best For All‑Day Beach Days
A long, wide stretch of sand with a busy pier, steady surf, and enough amenities to keep a crew happy from morning through bonfire time.
From Duarte, Huntington is one of the most straightforward coastal drives, with wide beaches that make it easy to spread out even on busy days. Lifeguards, volleyball courts, fire pits, and a long pier keep groups, kids, and surfers equally happy. Parking is abundant in the state lots, but arrive earlier on summer weekends to avoid long entry lines.
02
Best for a full-day outing
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica Waterfront • Lively Pier And Boardwalk Beach • Great For Rides And People‑Watching
An iconic wide beach backed by a pier with rides, a paved bike path, and a dense mix of restaurants and shops a short walk from the sand.
If you want a beach day that feels like a mini vacation, Santa Monica packs in the classic pier, amusement rides, and a buzzing boardwalk scene. The beach is huge, but it still fills up near the pier, so look slightly north or south for more breathing room. Expect higher parking prices than in Orange County, but the tradeoff is being able to stash the car and explore the area on foot or by bike.
03
Best for laid‑back surf vibe
Manhattan Beach
South Bay Coast • Upscale Yet Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Ideal For Sunset Walks
A polished but low‑key stretch of sand with a photogenic pier, steady surf, and a compact downtown full of cafes a few blocks above the water.
Manhattan Beach feels calmer and more neighborhood‑oriented than Santa Monica while still offering excellent surf and a beautiful pier to stroll at sunset. The sand is clean, the crowd leans local, and the beach volleyball culture gives it a distinctly sporty feel. Parking is mostly in smaller lots and hilly residential streets, so be prepared for a short walk back down to the water.
04
Best for coastal hiking
Crystal Cove State Park Beach
Newport Coast Bluffs • Scenic Protected Cove Shoreline • Perfect For Tidepools And Trails
A more natural slice of coast with rugged bluffs, quieter coves, and a network of trails that give you both sand and hillside views in one trip.
Crystal Cove is the spot when you want a break from crowded piers and packed boardwalks, trading them for bluffs, backcountry trails, and pocket beaches. From Duarte, it’s a bit farther than Huntington but rewards the drive with tidepools, clear water, and more of a state‑park feel. Bring what you need for the day, as services are limited compared with city beaches and some access points involve a short hike down from the parking lots.
05
Best for coastal scenery
Laguna Beach Main Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Art‑Driven Small‑Town Beach • Top Pick For Scenery
A compact, lively beachfront at the heart of a walkable artsy town, framed by rocky points and park space with big views up and down the coast.
Main Beach puts you right in the middle of Laguna’s mix of palm‑lined sand, basketball courts, and grassy parkland, all steps from galleries and casual restaurants. It is busier and more compact than the nearby coves, but the payoff is a town‑and‑beach combo that works as well for an evening stroll as for a full‑day outing. Metered street parking and small lots mean you may circle a bit, so consider parking a few blocks inland and enjoying the walk through town.