01
Best overall pick
Balboa Pier Beach
Newport Beach Peninsula • Lively Classic Socal Strand • Best All-Around Beach Day
A classic pier-and-boardwalk beach with plenty of sand, food options, and people-watching within a reasonable drive from Redlands.
If you only have one beach day coming from Redlands, Balboa Pier is the easiest crowd-pleaser. You get a wide sandy beach, a historic pier, casual spots for burgers and tacos, and the fun of the Balboa Peninsula all in one place. Parking can fill on summer weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you want a smoother experience.
02
Best for surf energy
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • Big, Buzzy Surf City Beach • Great For Surfers And People-Watching
A broad, wavey stretch of sand anchored by the Huntington Beach Pier and a downtown packed with surf-town energy.
Huntington City Beach delivers the full “Surf City” atmosphere within about an hour and change from Redlands when traffic cooperates. Expect steady waves, volleyball courts, fire pits, and a long pier that’s ideal for sunset strolls. After the beach, you can rinse off and walk straight into downtown for coffee, ice cream, or a laid-back dinner.
03
Best for scenery
Treasure Island Beach
South Laguna • Scenic Cove With Bluffs And Tide Pools • Best For Views And Tide-Pooling
A postcard-perfect Laguna Beach cove with turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and well-kept paths above the sand.
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther from Redlands for something special, Treasure Island feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean. The beach sits below landscaped bluff-top paths, with big coastal views and easy access via ramps and stairs. Plan your visit around lower tides if you want to explore the tide pools and rocky outcrops safely.
04
Best for mellow families
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar • Sheltered Family-Friendly Cove • Best For Relaxed Families And Mellow Surf
A protected cove with gentler waves, roomy sand, and a calmer feel than many of the bigger-name beaches.
Corona del Mar State Beach is a solid choice if you’re driving out from Redlands with kids or anyone who prefers smaller surf. The cove is framed by rock jetties, which help knock the edge off the waves and create a more relaxed setting. There’s ample sand for spreading out, plus nearby neighborhood streets where you can find a coffee or snack before heading back inland.
05
Best for a natural feel
Crystal Cove State Park Beach
Between Newport And Laguna • Wide Natural Shoreline With Trails • Best For A Quieter, More Natural Vibe
A long, mostly undeveloped stretch of coast where you can pair a beach day with light hiking and tide-pooling.
For Redlands locals who like their beach days a bit less built-up, Crystal Cove offers a more low-key escape. The sand feels wilder than at the city beaches, with bluffs, trails, and sections of shoreline where you can walk for a while without hitting a pier or boardwalk. Bring what you need for the day, as amenities are more spread out and the focus here is on scenery over scene.