01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Lively Surf Town Beach • Great All-Rounder For Groups
A big, energetic stretch of sand with surf, a classic pier, and plenty of space for Upland crews to spread out.
Huntington City Beach hits the sweet spot for most Inland Empire day trips: easy-to-spot parking lots, predictable surf, and a long, wide beach that can absorb crowds. The area around the pier has fire pits, volleyball courts, and snack stands, so you can settle in without having to move your car. It’s an especially good choice when you’ve got a mixed group that wants a bit of everything—surfing, people-watching, and sunset walks along the pier.
02
Best for classic beach-town feel
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach
Balboa Peninsula • Classic Harbor And Boardwalk Stretch • Best For Families And First-Timers
A breezy blend of wide sand, kid-friendly waves, and old-school attractions just a coastal drive from Upland.
Balboa Peninsula gives you the postcard version of Orange County in one compact strip: the Balboa Fun Zone, harbor views, and a generous sandy beach facing the open ocean. The waves are usually manageable near the pier, and there are restrooms, rentals, and casual food within a short walk, which makes it easy with kids or visiting relatives. Plan to arrive earlier on summer weekends, as street parking and small lots fill fast near the pier and Fun Zone.
03
Best for scenery
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Scenic, Artsy Beach Hub • Great For Strolling And People-Watching
Laguna’s central beach pairs mellow waves with dramatic headlands, a park, and an artsy small-town backdrop.
Main Beach sits right at the heart of Laguna, with a grassy park, basketball courts, a boardwalk, and easy access to galleries and cafés across Pacific Coast Highway. The sand is framed by rocky coves and bluffs, so even a simple beach walk feels more dramatic than the flatter stretches up the coast. Parking can be tight, but the nearby structures and pay lots are worth it if you want a beach day that easily blends into shopping, gallery hopping, and dinner in town before heading back to Upland.
04
Best for an upscale South Bay vibe
Manhattan Beach
South Bay, Los Angeles County • Polished But Laid-Back City Beach • Best For Beach Volleyball And Dining
A clean, hilly beach town with endless volleyball courts, a photogenic pier, and strong restaurant options steps from the sand.
Manhattan Beach feels like a compact, walkable beach village built for day-trippers who care as much about food and coffee as sun and surf. The strand is lined with volleyball courts and a paved path for biking or long walks, while the pier offers ocean views and a small aquarium at the end. Expect pricier parking and a bit more of a scene than the OC beaches, but the atmosphere and dining options make it worth the slightly longer drive from Upland, especially for adults and older teens.
05
Best for a quieter, natural setting
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Newport And Laguna • Preserved Coastal Park Beach • Best For Coastal Walks And Tide Pools
A rugged, protected shoreline with long sandy stretches and coves that feel far from the Inland Empire bustle.
Crystal Cove is where you go when you want more nature than boardwalk: rolling bluffs, dirt trails, and a broad beach backed by coastal scrub instead of shops. Several access points and pay parking lots feed down to the sand, and you can walk for long stretches without hitting a dense crowd, especially on weekdays. At lower tides, the coves near the historic district offer tide pools and photo-ready rock formations, making it a solid choice for Upland locals who don’t mind a short hike for a more tranquil day by the water.