01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Lively Surf Town Strand • Best All‑Around Beach Day
A long, wide stretch of sand with a classic pier, steady surf, and plenty of food and coffee steps from the shoreline.
From La Verne, Huntington is a straightforward drive that delivers the quintessential SoCal beach experience without feeling overwhelming. The wide beach gives groups plenty of room to spread out, and the pier area is ideal if some people want to surf while others just stroll and people‑watch. Stick around for sunset when fire pits start glowing and the sky puts on a show.
02
Classic SoCal boardwalk vibe
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Balboa Peninsula In Newport Beach • Relaxed Harbor‑And‑Peninsula Beach • Best For Bike Rides And Sunset Walks
A long, mellow beach lined by a paved path, piers, and snack spots that make it easy to turn a quick swim into a full afternoon outing.
Newport’s main beachfront is a good pick when you want sand time plus simple diversions like renting a beach cruiser or grabbing tacos near the pier. The Balboa Peninsula feels a bit more laid‑back than some L.A. beaches but still has plenty of energy on weekends. Parking can fill near the piers, so aim for earlier in the day if you’re coming from inland.
03
Big‑city beach experience
Santa Monica State Beach
Downtown Santa Monica • Bustling Urban Beachfront • Best For People‑Watching And Variety
A sprawling beachfront with a famous pier, bike path, and quick access to shops, cafes, and transit once you leave the sand.
If you don’t mind a longer drive from La Verne, Santa Monica rewards you with plenty to do before or after your time in the water. The beach itself is huge, but what sets it apart is the mix of street performers on the pier, nearby shopping streets, and the bike path running along the coast. It’s a strong pick when you’re hosting out‑of‑town visitors who want a ‘movie version’ of Los Angeles by the sea.
04
Polished small‑town escape
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier Area • Upscale Small‑Town Surf Beach • Best For Volleyball And Brunch
A clean, sun‑soaked strand lined with volleyball courts and a compact downtown that’s made for post‑beach coffee or a nicer sit‑down meal.
Manhattan Beach feels more intimate than Santa Monica, with a neighborhood vibe that makes it appealing for couples or small groups. The sand slopes gently and is usually packed with volleyball games, giving the shoreline a sporty, social feel. Plan to wander up the hill into the downtown grid for independent shops and restaurants once you’ve had your fill of the water.
05
Most scenic shoreline
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Newport Coast And Laguna Beach • Scenic State Park Coastline • Best For Coastal Hikes And Tide Pools
A more rugged stretch of coastline with bluffs, trails, and coves that trade boardwalk bustle for views, quiet, and pockets of tide‑pool exploring.
Crystal Cove is a smart pick when you’d rather hike and explore than sit shoulder‑to‑shoulder on a crowded urban beach. Trails along the bluffs give you wide ocean views, and the coves below feel surprisingly removed from the city despite being an easy drive from La Verne. Check tide times if you’re interested in tide pools, and be ready for a bit of a walk from parking down to the sand.