01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica Oceanfront • Lively, Full-Service Beach • Best Mix Of Sand, Amenities, And Classic Pier Vibes
A broad, busy stretch of sand backed by the pier, bike path, and plenty of food and entertainment options.
From South Monrovia Island, this is the classic straight-shot beach day: take the 210 to the 10 and you roll right into Santa Monica. Expect wide sand, lifeguards, restrooms, rentals, and a full pier scene with rides and casual food. It gets crowded on summer weekends, but the convenience and people-watching make it a reliable choice for mixed groups.
02
Sporty coastal town feel
Manhattan Beach
South Bay Coast • Upscale, Athletic Beach Town • Great For Beach Volleyball And Sunset Walks
A polished South Bay beach where locals jog the strand, play volleyball, and linger around the pier at golden hour.
Manhattan Beach has a more polished, neighborhood feel than Santa Monica, with chic cafes and boutiques clustered near the pier. The sand is clean, the waves are usually manageable, and volleyball courts line the shore. It’s a top pick if you want a beach day that easily turns into dinner and drinks without ever moving your car.
03
Most relaxed shoreline
Junipero Beach (Long Beach City Beach)
Long Beach Shoreline • Relaxed Urban Shoreline • Good For Mellow Outings And Bay Views
A gentler, harbor-protected stretch of sand with calmer water and a laid-back, neighborhood crowd.
Junipero Beach in Long Beach is an easy option if you want ocean air without big surf or a party scene. The water is calmer thanks to the breakwater, making it comfortable for casual swimmers and families that prefer a quieter day. The bluff-top park and bike path give you options to stroll or ride when you’ve had your fill of sand.
04
Classic surf scene
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • High-Energy Surf Beach • Ideal For Surf Culture, Bonfires, And Long Sandy Stretches
A long, wave-rich beach anchored by the Huntington Beach Pier, where surf culture is front and center.
If you’re chasing a stereotypical SoCal surf vibe, Huntington City Beach delivers: steady waves, surf shops, and a busy pier. The sand seems to stretch forever, and designated fire rings make evening bonfires a big draw when conditions allow. It’s a bit farther from South Monrovia Island, but worth the drive if you want a full day of surf, sun, and boardwalk energy.
05
Best scenic escape
Crystal Cove State Beach
Between Newport Beach And Laguna Beach • Scenic, Preserved Coastline • Perfect For Tidepooling, Bluff Hikes, And Quieter Escapes
A protected stretch of coastline with bluffs, coves, and trails that feels far from the city despite being just off the freeway.
Crystal Cove is where you go when you want more nature and fewer arcade lights. The beaches sit below coastal bluffs, with trails connecting multiple coves and lookout points, plus tidepools at lower tides. It’s a bit more of a walk from parking to sand than at city beaches, but the payoff is prettier scenery, fewer crowds, and a slower, more coastal-park pace.