01
Best overall pick
Newport Beach
Central Newport Beach • Lively Harborfront Beach Town • Best Overall Day Trip From Joshua Tree
A broad sandy beach backed by a classic pier, bayside harbor, and plenty of spots to grab a bite before heading back to the desert.
Newport Beach is a strong all-around choice if you’re driving in from Joshua Tree and want a little bit of everything in one stop. The main oceanfront stretch near the Newport Pier offers wide sand, restrooms, and easy access to cafés and casual restaurants. Walk the pier, watch surfers below, then swing over to the harbor side for a different feel before you head back inland.
02
Most scenic coastline
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Artsy Cove-Lined Shoreline • Best For Coastal Scenery And Tide Pools
A picturesque central beach framed by rocky points, tide pools, and a compact downtown filled with galleries and cafés.
If you’re trading Joshua Tree’s rock formations for ocean views, Laguna’s Main Beach delivers one of the prettiest stretches of coast within a reasonable drive. The sand here is backed by a landscaped park, volleyball courts, and easy access to the walkable downtown. Explore the tide pools at low tide, then wander up the hill for sunset viewpoints before making the return drive through the canyon and back to the desert.
03
Quintessential SoCal vibe
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Waterfront • Classic Surf City Strand • Best For Long Boardwalk Walks And People-Watching
A long, energetic beachfront with a wide path, iconic pier, and steady surf that feels straight out of a Southern California postcard.
Huntington City Beach is ideal if you want the full Surf City experience after quiet nights in Joshua Tree. The paved beach path runs for miles, perfect for a long stroll or bike ride between lifeguard towers and fire pits. Between the pier, surf shops, and casual spots along Pacific Coast Highway, you can easily make a full afternoon of it before driving back up through the Inland Empire.
04
Laid-back family choice
Oceanside Pier Beach
Oceanside Waterfront District • Low-Key Pier And Surf Beach • Most Relaxed Option For Families And Beginners
A mellow North County San Diego beach with a long pier, wide sand, and a growing food scene just steps from the water.
Oceanside Pier Beach has a slower pace than some Orange County spots, which can be a welcome match after Joshua Tree’s quiet desert nights. The beach is broad and generally uncrowded on weekdays, and there’s usually space to spread out with kids or a picnic. From the pier, it’s an easy walk to coffee, tacos, or a quick sit-down meal before the drive back toward the high desert.
05
Worth-the-drive stunner
Coronado Central Beach
Coronado Island Oceanfront • Grand, Wide-Open Urban Beach • Top Pick For A Full San Diego Beach Day
A sweeping, gold-flecked beach fronting the historic Hotel del Coronado, offering a classic Southern California backdrop for a longer day trip.
If you’re willing to add some extra miles beyond the closer Orange County beaches, Coronado’s main beach is a memorable payoff. The sand is exceptionally wide, the surf is usually manageable, and the skyline views toward downtown San Diego give it a distinct sense of place. Pair your beach time with a stroll around the Hotel del Coronado or the nearby village before heading back through the mountains and into Joshua Tree country.