01
Best overall pick
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Peninsula • Classic Socal Pier Beach • Best All-Around Choice
A broad, lively stretch of sand with a bit of everything just 20–30 minutes from central Santa Ana.
Anchored by the Newport Beach Pier, this long, flat beach delivers easy parking, wide sand for spreading out, and dependable surf breaks for all levels. The paved oceanfront path makes it simple to bike or stroll between piers, and casual spots for tacos, ice cream, and cold drinks are never more than a few minutes away. It’s the most versatile option if your group wants surf, sun, and a classic boardwalk atmosphere in one place.
02
Iconic surf town vibe
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Waterfront • Laid-Back Surf Town Strand • Top Pick For Surf And People-Watching
A long, energetic beach framed by the Huntington Beach Pier and a downtown packed with surf culture.
This is the ‘Surf City’ you see in postcards: volleyball courts, pro-level waves near the pier, and a steady flow of surfers and sunset photographers. The sand seems to run forever, so it’s easy to find your own patch even on busy days, and fire pits add a social, beach-bonfire feel in the evenings. With Main Street’s bars, coffee shops, and surf boutiques a short walk away, it’s ideal if you like to mix time on the sand with a stroll through town.
03
Most relaxed family spot
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar Village • Sheltered Family Cove • Best For Relaxed Swimming
A protected cove with gentle waves, great for low-key beach days, young kids, and mellow ocean dips.
Tucked below bluffs at the end of a residential street, Corona del Mar feels quieter and more contained than the big surf beaches up the coast. The curved shoreline and jetty help soften the swell, so you’ll often see families wading and bodyboarding near the shore. With restrooms, showers, and lifeguards in season, it’s a straightforward, stress-free option when you want calm water and easy logistics.
04
Scenic nature escape
Crystal Cove State Park Beach
Between Newport Beach And Laguna • Scenic State Park Shoreline • Best For Coastal Hikes And Tide Pools
A rugged, less-developed stretch of coast where trails, bluffs, and tide pools steal the show from the usual boardwalk scene.
Crystal Cove swaps piers and arcades for open bluffs, coastal trails, and a more natural feel, all within an easy drive from Santa Ana. You can hike down from the parking areas to quieter pockets of sand, then explore tide pools at low tide or wander the historic beach cottages near the water. It’s a strong pick if you want a beach day that mixes walking, photography, and ocean time in a single stop.
05
Best for art and ambiance
Laguna Main Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach • Lively Downtown Beach • Great For Art, Food, And Sunsets
A compact, scenic beach backed by parks, galleries, and cafes in Laguna’s walkable village center.
Main Beach puts you right in the heart of Laguna, with its boardwalk, grassy park, and gently shelving sand all framed by rocky points. Lifeguards, basketball courts, and nearby gelato and coffee spots make it easy to fill an afternoon without ever getting in your car. When you’re done in the water, you can wander straight into town for galleries, boutiques, and a sunset drink overlooking the ocean.