01
Best overall pick
Alamitos Beach
Downtown Long Beach Waterfront • Classic City Beachfront • Best All-Around Choice
A wide, walkable stretch of sand just off downtown Long Beach with plenty of room to spread out and easy amenities nearby.
From West Whittier-Los Nietos, Alamitos Beach is one of the fastest ways to trade concrete for ocean views. The beach itself is broad and flat, with bike and pedestrian paths, volleyball courts, and a generally relaxed vibe. It’s close enough to downtown to grab coffee or a meal before heading home, but far enough from the pier crowds to feel low-key.
02
Best for ocean views
Junipero Beach (Long Beach City Beach)
Bluff Park / Central Long Beach Shoreline • Scenic Urban Beach • Great For Long Walks And Sunsets
Set below a grassy bluff, Junipero Beach offers long shoreline walks, big-sky views, and a mellow local feel.
Park along the bluff and you’ll get that classic panoramic look at the Long Beach shoreline before heading down to the sand. The paved beach path is ideal if you like to walk, jog, or bike with the ocean in view the entire way. It’s a good pick when you want a simple beach day with space to move and sunset-worthy scenery.
03
Best for a beach-town vibe
Belmont Shore Beach
Belmont Shore Neighborhood • Lively Neighborhood Beach • Local Favorite For All-Day Hangs
A long sandy beach paired with a busy main street full of casual restaurants, coffee spots, and bars just a few blocks away.
Belmont Shore Beach is a go-to when you want sand and a walkable scene in the same outing. The beach is popular but rarely feels overwhelming, with volleyball courts, paths, and views of the bay and peninsula. After you’ve had enough sun, stroll up to 2nd Street for tacos, gelato, or an easy sit-down dinner before heading back inland.
04
Best for families
Mother's Beach (Marine Park)
Naples / Alamitos Bay • Calm Bay Beach • Best For Kids And Beginners
A protected bayfront beach with gentle water, a playground, and grassy areas that make it especially friendly for younger kids.
If open ocean waves are a bit much for your crew, Mother’s Beach offers a much calmer alternative. The shoreline sits inside Alamitos Bay, so the water is usually flat and inviting for wading, paddleboarding, or just splashing around. Shade trees, picnic tables, and nearby parking make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours here without a lot of planning.
05
Best classic pier scene
Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach • Laid-Back Surf Town Strand • Great For Strolling And People-Watching
A wide beach anchored by a wooden pier and a compact downtown, giving you a small-town coastal feel within an easy drive.
Seal Beach is the spot when you want more of a traditional Orange County pier experience without driving all the way to the bigger, busier resorts. The sand is spacious, the surf culture is visible but not intimidating, and the pier is perfect for a casual stroll. Main Street, just steps from the beach, has old-school diners, surf shops, and low-key bars that round out the day-trip feel.