01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Lively, Amenity-Rich City Beach • Great All-Around Choice
Big, busy, and classic, with a wide sandy stretch that works whether you want to stroll, bike, or just drop a towel near the pier.
If you only make one long beach drive from Glendora, Santa Monica gives you the most options in one stop. The broad sand, paved path, and pier rides make it an easy choice for families and groups who want different things from the day. Aim for earlier arrivals on weekends to avoid the thickest traffic and to find easier parking in the lots north of the pier.
02
Best classic surf town
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach • Classic Surf-Town Shoreline • Best For Surfy, Social Energy
A long, wavey stretch anchored by the Huntington Beach Pier, with volleyball courts, fire pits, and a laid-back Main Street right across the road.
Huntington City Beach is a good match if your Glendora crew cares more about surf and bonfires than boardwalk attractions. The sand is wide, the waves are consistent, and the scene stays lively from sunrise surf sessions through sunset. Scope out a fire ring earlier in the day if you want to stick around for an evening beach hang.
03
Best for varied group plans
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Newport Beach • Relaxed Harbor And Peninsula Beach • Best For Mixed Groups And Easy Wandering
A flexible spot where you can switch between oceanfront sand, harbor views, casual bars, and classic beach-town distractions in just a few blocks.
Newport’s Balboa Peninsula works well when not everyone in your group wants the same kind of beach day. The main beach by the pier has consistent surf and plenty of space, while the side streets hide coffee shops, taco spots, and bars for breaks from the sun. It feels a little more relaxed than Santa Monica but still offers plenty to do within walking distance of the sand.
04
Best for an active afternoon
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach • Upscale, Active Neighborhood Beach • Best For Volleyball And People-Watching
A polished, athletic-feeling beach with volleyball courts, a scenic pier, and a compact downtown that’s easy to explore on foot after your swim.
Manhattan Beach has a more local, residential feel than some of the bigger tourist beaches but still makes a solid reward after the drive from Glendora. The strand is lined with volleyball courts and cyclists, and the streets above the sand are packed with cafés and small restaurants instead of souvenir stalls. It is a good pick if you want to mix a workout, a swim, and a nicer dinner without moving your car far.
05
Best scenic escape
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove-Lined Arts Town Beach • Best For Coastal Scenery And Date Days
A picturesque central beach framed by rocky points, tide pools, and an artsy village that feels like a small getaway despite the drive.
When you want the drive from Glendora to feel like it leads to a true change of pace, Laguna’s Main Beach delivers. The water feels more tucked-in than most straight-line LA beaches, and the nearby streets are full of galleries, boutiques, and patios for lingering after the sun goes down. It is especially nice for slower, scenic days where wandering the town is as important as time on the sand.