01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Waterfront Near The Pier • Lively Surf Beach With A Classic Pier Scene • Best For Classic Socal Beach Vibes
A long, wide stretch of sand with great surf, a bustling pier, and plenty of food and rental options within steps of the beach.
From Loma Linda, Huntington City Beach is one of the easiest ‘big’ beaches to enjoy for a full day without overthinking the plan. The wide shoreline makes it simple to find space, whether you’re staking out a volleyball court, setting up a family base camp, or just walking the waterline toward the pier. Metered parking lots line the coast, and the nearby Main Street area adds restaurants, bars, and surf shops for when you’re ready to trade flip‑flops for dinner.
02
Most scenic cove
Treasure Island Beach
South Laguna Beach Near The Montage Area • Picturesque Cove Beach With Tide Pools • Great For Views And Relaxed Exploring
A sheltered Laguna Beach cove with bluffs, tide pools, and photogenic viewpoints that feel a world away from inland freeways.
Treasure Island Beach is a favorite when you want scenery as much as sun. A landscaped bluff‑top path leads down to a small but beautiful cove, with rock formations and tide pools to explore at lower tides. It’s a bit more of a stroll and stair descent than the big flat beaches, but in exchange you get calmer water, cleaner views, and a more relaxed feel that’s worth the extra drive from Loma Linda.
03
Best sheltered family spot
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar, South Of Central Newport Beach • Protected Family-Friendly Cove Beach • Best For Families And Low-Key Swimmers
A curved, sheltered beach at the mouth of Newport Harbor with gentler waves, lifeguards, and straightforward parking.
If you’re bringing kids from Loma Linda and want something calmer than open surf, Corona del Mar State Beach is a smart pick. The cove shape and jetty help tame the waves, and there are restrooms, fire rings, and seasonal lifeguards that make spending the whole day easy. The walk from the parking lot is short, and the surrounding bluffs offer viewpoints if you want a quick break from the sand.
04
Best boardwalk energy
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Balboa Peninsula In Newport Beach • Active Boardwalk Beach With Long, Sandy Shoreline • Best For Groups And All-Day Activity
A busy stretch of sand backed by a bike path, rentals, and casual eateries, ideal for full-day outings with plenty to do off the towel.
Newport Municipal Beach along the Balboa Peninsula is where a beach day from Loma Linda can turn into an all‑around coastal outing. You can mix time in the water with bike rides or rollerblading on the paved path, a stroll to the pier, or a quick detour for tacos and ice cream. Expect a livelier crowd in summer and on weekends, but the long beach means you can usually walk a bit to find a more relaxed spot.
05
Best natural-feeling escape
Crystal Cove State Park
Coastal Stretch Between Newport Beach And Laguna Beach • Rugged State Park Beach With Coastal Trails • Best For Long Walks And Quieter Scenery
Miles of less-developed shoreline with bluffs, backcountry trails, and broad sandy sections that feel more like a coastal escape than a city beach.
For Loma Linda locals craving something that feels a little wilder, Crystal Cove State Park offers a good balance of access and open space. You’ll park above the highway and walk down to wide beaches framed by bluffs, where it’s easy to find a quieter patch of sand even on busy days. Add in tide pools, oceanfront historic cottages, and inland hiking trails, and it becomes a rewarding day trip when you want both beach time and a bit of nature.