01
Best overall pick
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • Lively Surf Town Beach • Best For A Classic Socal Beach Day
Pier views, good surf, and a busy but fun scene make Huntington City Beach the go-to choice when you want the full Southern California package.
From Westminster, you can be parked near the pier in about 15–20 minutes, with plenty of lots and garages if you arrive earlier in the day. The wide, well-maintained sand works just as well for volleyball and sunbathing as it does for surf watching along the pier. Stick around Main Street and the nearby shopping blocks for an easy après-beach drink or dinner without moving your car.
02
Best for bonfires
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington Beach Shoreline • Wide State Beach With Fire Rings • Top Pick For Sunset Bonfires
Bolsa Chica’s long, flat shoreline and rows of fire pits make it a favorite spot for unhurried afternoons that roll straight into s’mores at sunset.
This stretch feels a little more low-key than the scene down by the Huntington pier, with fewer high-rises and more open sky. Reserve or claim a fire ring early on busy weekends, then split the day between mellow surf, bike path cruising, and grilling at your spot. It’s an easy straight shot from Westminster up Bolsa Avenue or Warner Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway.
03
Best for a boardwalk vibe
Newport Beach Pier & Municipal Beach
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach • Energetic Pier And Boardwalk Beach • Great For People-Watching And Variety
If you like your sand paired with bike rentals, bars, and packed sidewalks, the Newport Beach pier area delivers a buzzy boardwalk feel within an easy drive of Westminster.
The beach itself is broad and clean, but the real draw here is how much is packed into a small area: pier views, casual eateries, bars, and rental shops. Parking can be tight and pricier than at some other local options, so aim for earlier in the day or be prepared for a bit of a hunt. Once you’re set, you can walk or bike for miles along the oceanfront path.
04
Best small-town feel
Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Perfect For A Quieter Day By The Water
Seal Beach pairs a mellow, family-friendly stretch of sand with a compact Main Street that feels more like a coastal small town than a big resort.
Compared with Huntington and Newport, this beach tends to feel calmer and more local, especially on weekday mornings. You can usually find a spot in the lots or on nearby streets if you don’t mind a short walk. After your time on the sand or fishing off the pier, it’s a quick stroll to coffee shops, ice cream, and casual restaurants along Main Street.
05
Best quick escape
Sunset Beach
Pacific Coast Highway Strip, Sunset Beach • Laid-Back Local Strip Of Sand • Best For A Low-Key, No-Frills Outing
Narrow but uncrowded, Sunset Beach is a straight shot from Westminster when you want ocean air, easy street parking, and fewer distractions.
The beach runs alongside a stretch of older cottages and small apartment buildings, giving it a more lived-in neighborhood feel than the big tourist hubs. There are no amusement-style attractions here, just sand, surf, and a few casual spots across PCH for tacos or a drink. Bring your own gear, pick a spot near one of the walkways, and you can be settled on the sand within minutes of stepping out of your car.