01
Best all-around beach day
Newport Beach
Newport Peninsula • Classic Wide Sandy Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
A long, lively stretch of sand with a bit of everything—surf, bike paths, piers, and plenty of food options.
From El Modena, Newport is one of the easiest full-featured beaches to reach, with wide sand, gentle waves, and a familiar OC pier scene. Park near the Balboa or Newport Pier areas to be close to rentals, snacks, and restrooms. It’s an easy choice when your group wants options, from surfing and volleyball to low-key people-watching on the boardwalk.
02
Best for surf and bonfires
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Surf-Centric Beachfront • Top Pick For Surfers And Bonfires
A broad, wave-rich shoreline anchored by the iconic Huntington Pier and lined with fire pits and bike paths.
If you want a classic Southern California surf town vibe, Huntington City Beach delivers, especially around the pier. The waves draw surfers year-round, and the fire pits make it a strong choice for late-afternoon hangouts that roll into s’mores after sunset. Expect more energy here—great for groups and teens who like a busy, active beach.
03
Best family-friendly cove
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar Village • Protected Family Cove • Best For Young Families
A sheltered, crescent-shaped beach with calmer water, easy facilities, and a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Corona Del Mar’s curved shoreline and rock jetties take the edge off the swell, making it a comfortable pick for younger kids and casual swimmers. Parking and restrooms sit just above the sand, so hauling gear from the car is straightforward. Walk toward the rocky ends of the cove for tide pools and harbor views that feel a bit quieter than the center of the beach.
04
Best for scenery and walking
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Newport And Laguna • Scenic State-Park Shoreline • Best Coastal Hike-And-Beach Combo
Miles of natural coastline with bluffs, trails, and quieter coves that feel far from the city.
Crystal Cove is where you go when you want more nature than boardwalk, yet still stay within an easy drive of El Modena. Park at one of the state park lots and follow the trails down to broad beaches or tucked-away coves, depending on the access point. It’s a strong pick for pairing a short bluff-top hike with time on the sand and some classic coastal views.
05
Best for a walkable beach town feel
Laguna Main Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Lively Artsy Beach Town Hub • Great For People-Watching And Galleries
A central, busy beach framed by volleyball courts, tide pools, and a walkable downtown arts district.
Main Beach gives you an easy blend of sand time and small-town browsing, thanks to its location right at the heart of Laguna. Families appreciate the playground, courts, and lifeguard presence, while adults can wander to nearby cafes and galleries between swims. Expect more crowds here, but also the most polished mix of beach, restaurants, and culture in one compact stop.