01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Classic Surf-Town Beach • Great All-Rounder
A long, lively stretch of sand with a pier, steady surf, and plenty of food options just off the beach.
From Oak Glen, Huntington is the go-to if you want the full SoCal beach experience in one place: wide sand, volleyball courts, bike paths, and a landmark pier. The breaks near the pier draw surfers, but there is plenty of room for casual swimmers and sunbathers to spread out. Parking is paid but straightforward along the beach lots, and Main Street across PCH keeps the energy high with cafes and bars for an easy post-beach meal.
02
Best for a boardwalk stroll
Newport Municipal Beach (Balboa Peninsula)
Newport Beach Peninsula • Bustling Boardwalk Beach • Best For People-Watching
A busy, fun stretch along the Balboa Peninsula with a paved path, classic pier, and easy rental shops for bikes and gear.
Newport’s main beach along the Balboa Peninsula is ideal if you like having activity built into your beach day. A wide paved path runs behind the sand for biking or strolling, and the Newport Beach Pier area is lined with casual eateries and snack spots. Expect more crowds than some alternatives, but in exchange you get that lively seaside-town feel that makes the longer drive from Oak Glen worth it.
03
Best sheltered cove
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar Cove • Protected Family Beach • Best For Families And Mellow Waves
A curved cove backed by cliffs and homes, with gentler surf and a more contained feel than the big open beaches.
Corona Del Mar’s main state beach sits in a protected cove, so the waves are usually manageable for kids and cautious swimmers. The surrounding bluffs block some wind, and the beach has fire rings, restrooms, and a compact layout that makes it easier to keep track of your group. It is a slightly more relaxed alternative to Newport’s and Huntington’s main beaches, but still close enough to combine with a quick drive through Newport Harbor or a stop in the village area above.
04
Best for scenery and art-town vibes
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Downtown Waterfront • Scenic Cove-Front Beach • Great For Coastal Scenery
A picturesque central beach framed by rocky points, a small boardwalk, and walkable access to Laguna’s galleries and cafes.
Main Beach puts you right at the front door of Laguna Beach’s artsy downtown, making it an appealing day trip if you want more than just sand and surf. The beach itself has a small boardwalk, tide pool areas nearby, and courts and play structures that keep kids busy between dips. Parking can be tight and pricy in peak season, but the payoff is walkable access to coffee shops, galleries, and hillside viewpoints just a few blocks from the water.
05
Best mellow hangout
Doheny State Beach
Dana Point Harborfront • Laid-Back State Beach • Best For Relaxed Picnics
A low-key beach near Dana Point Harbor with grassy picnic areas, gentle waves, and a less hectic pace than many bigger-name spots.
Doheny State Beach is a good fit if you are driving from Oak Glen with a cooler and camp chairs and want a more relaxed scene. The mix of sand and grassy picnic areas, along with easy access to restrooms and day-use facilities, makes it especially friendly for groups and multigenerational outings. The harbor is an easy walk away if you feel like stretching your legs, watching boats, or grabbing a bite without moving the car.