01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach Waterfront • Classic Surf City Beach With A Busy Pier Scene • Best All-Around Beach Day
If you want the full Huntington Beach experience, this is the stretch of sand to start with.
Centering on the pier and Main Street, Huntington City Beach is where surfers, families, and people-watchers all overlap. Expect steady waves, volleyball courts, and a lively boardwalk feel, especially on weekends and summer evenings. It can be busy, but the energy and convenience make it the go-to choice for a first or only beach day.
02
Best for dogs
Huntington Dog Beach
Between Goldenwest And Seapoint Streets • Casual Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Stretch Of Coast • Top Pick For Pups And Owners
A long, sandy run where dogs are free to play off-leash right by the water.
Huntington Dog Beach is a rarity in Orange County: a roomy oceanfront zone where dogs can actually sprint through the surf. The vibe is informal and social, with regulars who know each other and visiting dogs mixing in. Bring water, a towel, and a well-socialized pup, and be ready for sand everywhere by the time you head home.
03
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Of Downtown Along Pacific Coast Highway • Relaxed State Beach With Wide Sands And Fire Rings • Great For Sunsets And S'mores
A broad, mellow beach known for its fire pits, easy parking, and less hectic feel than the pier area.
Bolsa Chica State Beach stretches out with plenty of room to spread blankets, set up chairs, and settle in for the day. Many locals come later in the afternoon to claim a fire ring and stay through sunset, when the sky and coastline really show off. It is a smart choice for groups, low-key surf sessions, and evenings that end with charred marshmallows and warm hoodies.
04
Best for long walks and rides
Huntington State Beach
South End Of Town Toward Newport Beach • Expansive State Beach With A Long Multi-Use Path • Ideal For Biking, Jogging, And Big Groups
A long, open stretch of sand that pairs ocean views with a paved path for bikes and strollers.
Huntington State Beach feels a bit more open and less commercial than the pier area, with long sightlines and room to spread out. The coastal path makes it especially good for travelers who want to rent bikes or go for a run without leaving the water. It is also a practical pick for large gatherings, thanks to its broad parking areas and wide beach.
05
Best nearby cove
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar, Just South Of Newport Beach • Sheltered Cove-Style Beach Framed By Cliffs And Jetties • Great For Gentler Surf And Coastal Views
A more protected, postcard-ready beach that feels like a small cove compared with Surf City's long open shoreline.
Corona Del Mar State Beach trades Huntington's wide-open feel for a cozy, scenic cove tucked below bluffs and neighborhoods. The jetties and shape of the bay often mean slightly calmer water, which can appeal to tentative ocean swimmers and relaxed paddlers. It is close enough for an easy half-day side trip when you want a change of scenery without leaving the coast.