01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Waterfront • Lively Surf-Town Strand • Classic Socal All-Rounder
Big sandy beach with a long pier, steady surf, and plenty of food options steps from the sand.
From Highland, this is often the first place locals think of for an easy beach day: huge stretches of sand, consistent waves, and a real surf-town buzz. Park near the pier if you want quick access to restaurants and shops, or slide south along the sand for a bit more breathing room. If you are staying for sunset, claim one of the fire pits early; they fill up quickly on weekends and summer evenings.
02
Best for scenery
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove-Style Town Beach • Great For Views And Strolling
Compact, picture-perfect stretch of sand backed by a park, tide pools, and art-gallery streets.
Main Beach is where Highland residents go when they want the coastal postcard shot as much as the swim. A small boardwalk, grassy park, and easy access to cafes and galleries make it ideal if not everyone wants to be in the water all day. The tradeoff is tight parking and slower traffic into town, so plan to arrive early or be patient and make the drive part of the outing.
03
Best for a full day out
Newport Municipal Beach
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Busy But Flexible City Beach • Best For Mixed-Interest Groups
Long, wide beach where you can surf, bike the boardwalk, or wander to the Fun Zone and pier.
If your group never agrees on one plan, this stretch of Newport solves the problem with something for everyone. The beach itself is broad and active, with room for volleyball, beginner-friendly surf, and long shoreline walks. Just behind the sand, the paved path links bike rentals, casual food stands, and the Balboa Fun Zone, so it is easy to break up the day into swims, rides, and snack runs.
04
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Between Huntington Beach And Sunset Beach • Straightforward State-Park Shoreline • Top Pick For Fire Rings And Space
Flat, open beach with lots of room, mellow waves, and coveted fire pits along the sand.
For Highland locals who like a simple setup and a guaranteed patch of sand, Bolsa Chica is an easy call. You pay a day-use fee at the gate, then pull right up to the sand with restrooms, showers, and snack bars spread along the lot. Families and friend groups come early to claim a fire ring, then settle in for a low-key day of body surfing, sandcastles, and sunset s'mores.
05
Best for families
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar, Newport Coast • Sheltered Family-Friendly Cove • Best For Easier Waves And Picnics
Protected cove with smaller surf, lifeguards, and grassy picnic spots above the sand.
Tucked between cliffs and a jetty, Corona del Mar feels more protected than many open-ocean beaches, which is a big win for families driving in from Highland. The smaller waves, seasonal swim zones, and regular lifeguard presence make it a comfortable place for newer ocean swimmers. Parking can be competitive and the walk back up the hill is a bit of a climb, so pack what you need in one or two well-planned trips.