01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Classic Surf Beach With A Busy Pier Scene • Top Pick For Classic Socal Surf Vibes
A big, lively stretch of sand where you get the full Surf City experience in one stop.
If you picture longboards, a tall pier, and wide golden sand, you’re probably thinking of Huntington City Beach. The main stretch by the pier has consistent waves, volleyball courts, and easy access to shops and restaurants along Main Street. It’s ideal when you want a full day that feels like a postcard version of Southern California.
02
Closest easy option
Alamitos Beach
Downtown Long Beach Waterfront • Wide Urban Beach With Mellow Waves • Best Quick Escape From Huntington Park
Flat, easygoing sand just beyond downtown Long Beach, great when you want the ocean without a long drive.
Alamitos Beach is one of the fastest ways to get from Huntington Park to real ocean breezes, sitting just beyond the high-rises of downtown Long Beach. The waves are usually gentle, making it friendly for kids and casual swimmers, and the paved path is perfect for a stroll or bike ride. Parking lots and nearby city streets make it a practical pick when you only have a few hours.
03
Best for a full beach day
Belmont Shore Beach (Granada Beach)
Belmont Shore, Long Beach • Lively Neighborhood Beach With A Local Feel • Best For Sand Plus Food And Bars
A fun stretch of sand backed by a walkable neighborhood packed with cafés, bars, and shops.
Belmont Shore’s broad beach near Granada Avenue has plenty of room to spread out, with volleyball courts, a bike path, and usually calm water. Just a short walk inland, 2nd Street lines up casual eateries, dessert spots, and night-out bars, so you can roll straight from the sand to dinner. It’s a strong choice when you want the day to blend into the evening without moving your car.
04
Laid-back small-town pick
Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach • Relaxed Pier Beach With Small-Town Charm • Best For A Mellow Stroll And Sunsets
Quieter than the big-name beaches, with a long pier and a compact, walkable main street right behind the sand.
Seal Beach feels slower and more low-key than its neighbors, with a deep stretch of sand, a long pier, and gentle waves. Main Street sits steps from the beach, offering mom-and-pop restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques that feel more small town than big city. Come here when you want an easygoing day that ends with a sunset walk instead of a loud bar scene.
05
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Lax Area • Wide Sandy Beach With Fire Pits And Ocean Views • Best For Evening Hangs With A Fire Pit
A long, flat beach known for its line of fire pits, popular with groups staying past sunset.
Dockweiler State Beach is all about long afternoons that turn into smoky, social evenings around the fire. The beach stretches for miles, but the big draw is the row of concrete fire rings where friends and families set up early to claim a spot. Expect some airplane noise from nearby LAX, but also the kind of casual, hang-out-all-night energy you don’t always find on other local beaches.