01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Central Orange County Coast • Lively Surf Town Beach • Classic All-Day Ocean Outing
A wide, energetic beach with a long pier, steady surf, and plenty of places to eat or wander between swims.
From Fontana, Huntington City Beach is one of the most straightforward ocean escapes, with long, flat sand that makes it easy to spread out. The vibe is active but relaxed, with surfers near the pier, volleyball courts running along the sand, and fire pits that locals stake out for sunset. Nearby streets are lined with casual restaurants and coffee spots, so you can park once and make a full afternoon and evening of it.
02
Best for mix of pier and promenade
Newport Beach Municipal Beach
Newport Peninsula • Busy But Polished City Beach • Great For Classic Pier Strolling
A long stretch of sand backed by a bike path and the Newport Pier, ideal for pairing beach time with a walk or bike ride.
Newport Beach Municipal Beach offers the postcard version of a Southern California beach day, with lifeguard towers, gentle waves, and an easygoing crowd. The paved path behind the sand is perfect for biking or strolling, and the pier area gives you quick access to snacks and sit-down dining without feeling overly touristy. It works especially well if you’re visiting with a group that wants options beyond just sitting on the sand.
03
Best for a scenic town-and-beach combo
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Scenic, Artsy Seaside Hub • Great For Strolling And People-Watching
A compact, picturesque beach backed by a boardwalk, park, and easy access to Laguna’s galleries, cafés, and side-street viewpoints.
Main Beach in Laguna packs a lot into a relatively small space: tide pool areas, a grassy park, basketball courts, and a short boardwalk all blend into the edge of town. It’s a good choice if you like to break up your beach time with coffee breaks, window shopping, or short walks to nearby coves. Parking can be tight, so plan to arrive earlier in the day or be willing to walk a few blocks from a paid lot or side street.
04
Best for sheltered, family-friendly swimming
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Newport’S Corona Del Mar Neighborhood • Protected Cove-Style Beach • Best For Families And Mellow Surf
A deep, semi-sheltered beach at the mouth of Newport Harbor, with softer waves and a cozy, enclosed feel.
Corona Del Mar State Beach sits in a natural curve of the coastline, which helps take some of the punch out of the waves and makes it appealing for cautious swimmers and kids. High bluffs frame the sand, giving the whole place a tucked-away atmosphere even though you’re close to residential streets. It’s an easy spot to set up for a few low-key hours, with restrooms and lifeguards that make logistics simpler for families.
05
Best for an upscale beach-town feel
Manhattan Beach
South Bay, Los Angeles County • Sporty, Stylish Pier Beach • Local Favorite For Volleyball And Sunsets
A clean, well-kept stretch of sand with a photogenic pier, endless volleyball courts, and a compact downtown just up the hill.
Manhattan Beach has a distinctly polished but relaxed feel, with locals jogging the strand, playing volleyball, and gathering on the pier at golden hour. From Fontana it’s a bit of a drive, but the payoff is a beach that feels both lively and neighborhood-oriented, rather than purely touristy. After a few hours on the sand, you can walk up into town for dinner or ice cream before heading back inland.