01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Classic Socal Surf Beach • Great All-Rounder
A big, sandy, high-energy beach with a long pier and reliable surf, about an hour from Montclair on a good traffic day.
If you want the full Southern California beach experience, Huntington City Beach delivers it in one stop. The pier area concentrates rentals, food stands, and people-watching, but you can walk a few blocks north or south to spread out on the sand. It works just as well for a casual morning walk and coffee as it does for a full day of surfing, volleyball, and sunset photos.
02
Great for a full beach day
Newport Municipal Beach
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Pier-Side City Beach • Best For Boardwalk Energy
Long and sandy with a paved path, piers, and plenty of food options, this is an easy pick for mixed groups and families.
Newport's main strand along the Balboa Peninsula feels like a classic beach town without being overwhelming. The paved oceanfront path makes it simple to bike or stroll between the Newport and Balboa piers, ducking off for tacos or ice cream when you need a break from the sun. It is a good choice when your group wants a little bit of everything: swimming, bike rentals, bar patios, and easy parking if you arrive on the earlier side.
03
Most scenic choice
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Scenic Coves And Art-Town Vibe • Best For Scenery And Strolls
A picturesque stretch of sand backed by palms, public art, and a walkable village, ideal when the day is as much about browsing as beach time.
Main Beach sits right at the heart of Laguna, so you can step off the sand and be in the middle of galleries, cafes, and side streets to explore. The protected coves in either direction give you calmer water and tidepool peeks on lower tides, while the park and boardwalk keep non-swimmers happy. It is a great option when you want a beach day that still feels a little more refined than the usual cooler-and-volleyball scene.
04
Best bonfire spot
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Between Huntington Beach And Seal Beach • Wide, Mellow State Beach • Best For Bonfires And Relaxed Hangs
A broad, laid-back beach with fire rings and room to spread out, popular with groups who like low-key cookouts by the water.
Bolsa Chica is where many inland locals head when they want a beach that feels calmer but still easy to reach. The shoreline is wide, the vibe is more low-key than the main Huntington stretch, and the fire rings make it a natural choice if you are planning to stay through sunset. Aim to arrive earlier on summer weekends if you are set on snagging a ring for an evening s'mores session.
05
Iconic day-trip option
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica Pier And Oceanfront • Iconic Urban Beachfront • Best For First-Time Visitors
A wide city beach backed by a famous pier, bike path, and busy promenade, ideal when you want sightseeing alongside sand time.
Santa Monica State Beach turns a simple beach visit into more of a full outing, with the pier, amusement rides, and Third Street Promenade all within walking distance. The sand here is spacious enough that you can still find breathing room if you walk a bit away from the pier. It is especially good if you are hosting out-of-town visitors in Montclair and want to give them a recognizable postcard view of the Pacific in a single trip.