01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Lively Surf City Strand • Great All-Day Beach For Mixed Groups
A long, action-packed stretch of sand with a classic pier, reliable surf, and plenty of food options steps from the sand.
From Highland, Huntington is one of the easiest big-name beaches to navigate for a full day by the water. Parking is straightforward along Pacific Coast Highway, and you can quickly choose between spreading out south of the pier or staying close to the restaurants and shops. It’s a smart choice when your group wants everything in one place: lifeguards, surf rentals, bike paths, and sunset views over the pier.
02
Best for scenery
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Village Waterfront • Scenic Cove-Style Town Beach • Top Pick For Views And Wandering
A compact, postcard-ready beach framed by bluffs, tide pools, and an artsy walkable town just behind the sand.
Main Beach is ideal when you want a beach day that blends time in the water with exploring galleries, cafes, and side streets. The sand can get busy, but the boardwalk, grassy park, and nearby coves give you room to move around. Plan to arrive earlier from Highland, park once, and then treat the rest of the day as a slow wander between water, shops, and sunset.
03
Best classic pier scene
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula • Wide, Active City Beach • Best For Strolling And People-Watching
A broad stretch of sand anchored by the Newport Pier, with volleyball courts, bike paths, and a casual boardwalk vibe.
Newport Municipal Beach works well when you want a bit of everything without feeling overwhelming. You can park near the pier, stake out space on the sand, then wander the paved path for snacks or to watch surfers near the jetty. From Highland, it’s an easy pick if you’re pairing a beach day with a spin over to Balboa Peninsula or the harbor area for dinner.
04
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington Beach Shoreline • Laid-Back State Beach With Wide Sand • Best For Relaxed Hangouts And Fire Pits
A mellow, spacious beach known for its long shoreline, gentle waves, and coveted fire rings for evening cookouts.
If your group is more about hanging out than hustling around, Bolsa Chica’s slower pace will appeal. It’s usually easier to spread out here than at the busier pier beaches, and the shallow break suits casual swimmers and beginner surfers. From Highland, it’s worth timing your drive to claim a fire ring, then settling in for a late-afternoon barbecue and sunset wind-down before heading back inland.
05
Best sheltered spot
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar Neighborhood, Newport Beach • Sheltered Cove-Style Family Beach • Best For Families And Mellow Surf
A protected, curved beach tucked between cliffs and jetties, with calmer water and an easygoing neighborhood feel.
Corona del Mar is a strong choice if you’re bringing kids or prefer a more contained setting than the open, windy strands. The cove layout means gentler waves and clear sightlines, and the surrounding bluffs make the whole place feel more intimate. From Highland, combine a visit here with a quick viewpoint stop above the beach before you head down to the sand for a low-stress day by the water.