01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Lively Surf And Pier Beach • Classic Southern California Experience
Big waves, a landmark pier, and endless amenities make Huntington City Beach the go-to ocean day trip from La Habra.
Plan on roughly a 35–45 minute drive, then park near the pier to be in the middle of the action. Lifeguards, wide sand, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants make it easy to spend a full day here without feeling rushed. It does get busy on summer weekends and event days, so arrive earlier if you want easier parking and more room to spread out.
02
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Between Huntington Beach And Sunset Beach • Wide Mellow State Beach • Top Pick For Fire Pits And Relaxed Hangs
Bolsa Chica State Beach offers a long, open stretch of sand with fire rings, mellow surf, and a laid-back feel that suits unhurried afternoons and evenings.
If you like your beach days slow and social, this is a great alternative to the busier pier scenes to the south. The beach has bike and walking paths, restrooms, concessions, and plenty of fire pits that locals claim early for sunset cookouts. Across the road, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve adds an easy nature walk if you want a break from the sand.
03
Best small-town vibe
Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach • Low-Key Pier And Family Beach • Closest Feeling To A Walkable Beach Town
Seal Beach pairs a broad, manageable shoreline with a classic pier and a compact downtown that feels made for strolling before or after your time in the sand.
From La Habra, Seal Beach is one of the more convenient coastal options, especially if you value an easygoing pace over big crowds. The waves are usually gentler than at major surf breaks, which suits families with younger kids or anyone who prefers waist-deep wading and boogie boards. Main Street sits right behind the sand, so coffee, lunch, and ice cream are all an easy walk from your towel.
04
Best for an all-day outing
Newport Municipal Beach (Newport Pier)
Newport Peninsula • Busy Urban Strand With Surf And Scene • Best For Groups And Activity-Packed Days
Newport’s main beach by the pier delivers active surf, people-watching, and plenty of spots to eat, drink, and wander when you’re off the sand.
This is the place to go when your group wants options, from renting bikes for the boardwalk to grabbing tacos or a sit-down meal steps from the beach. The shoreline is wide, with consistent surf breaks and lifeguard towers, but it can feel energetic rather than quiet, especially on warm weekends. Plan for paid parking and a bit more bustle in exchange for having nearly everything you need within a short walk.
05
Best for sheltered swimming
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar • Scenic Cove-Style Beach • Great For Calmer Water And Coastal Views
Corona del Mar State Beach sits in a protected cove with calmer surf, framed by cliffs and harbor jetties that give it a more intimate feel than open-ocean strands.
If you prefer easier entry into the water and a more contained setting, this beach is well worth the slightly longer drive from La Habra. The curved shoreline, rocky outcrops, and harbor entrance make for photogenic views and mellow swims on typical days. Parking fills quickly on prime weekends, so aim for a morning arrival if you want to snag a spot close to the sand.