01
Best for classic bonfire nights
Bolsa Chica State Beach
North Huntington Beach Shoreline • Wide Sandy State Beach With Fire Rings • Top Pick For Group Hangouts
A broad, easygoing stretch of sand that’s perfect for late-afternoon hangs and sunset bonfires.
From Whittier, Bolsa Chica is one of the most straightforward drives to a big, open beach where parking and space are rarely a problem. The long shoreline is ideal for casual swimming, tossing a frisbee, or just setting up a simple base camp for the day. As the sun drops, the fire rings turn it into one of the area’s most reliable spots for s’mores and mellow group gatherings.
02
Lively surf-town experience
Huntington City Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach • Energetic Pier-Front Beachfront • Best For People-Watching And Surf Culture
The main Huntington stretch delivers classic SoCal energy with surfers, volleyball courts, and a busy pier scene.
If you want the full ‘Surf City’ picture after the drive from Whittier, this is where to land. Park near the pier and you’re steps from surf breaks, rental shops, and plenty of places to grab tacos, coffee, or a post-beach drink. It can get crowded on summer weekends, but the buzz and boardwalk atmosphere are a big part of the appeal.
03
Laid-back small-town strand
Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach Oceanfront • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Great For A Mellow Day Trip
A softer, slower alternative to the bigger beaches, with a welcoming main street just off the sand.
Seal Beach feels like a small beach town that just happens to be an easy hop from Whittier. The wide, gentle beach is good for families and anyone who prefers reading and strolling to nonstop action. After your time on the sand, wander up Main Street for ice cream, casual eats, or a low-key drink before heading back inland.
04
Closest big stretch of sand
Junipero Beach (Long Beach City Beach)
Belmont Shore And Bluff Park Waterfront • Urban Beach With A Long Shoreline Path • Most Convenient From Whittier
A broad city beach with calm water, a paved path, and quick access from Whittier via the 605 and 405.
For a quick coastal fix without committing to a long drive, Junipero Beach is often the most practical choice. The sand backs up to a bluff with grassy picnic spots, and the paved path is ideal for biking, skating, or long walks. It’s more about easy access and a long, usable shoreline than crashing surf, which suits families and casual beachgoers just fine.
05
Postcard-perfect peninsula scene
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula • Bustling Southern California Beach Town Strip • Best Mix Of Sand, Shops, And Food
A lively but polished beach with soft sand, a photogenic pier, and plenty of places to eat within a short walk.
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther from Whittier, Newport’s main beach rewards you with classic views and an upscale but casual vibe. The area around the pier is packed with rentals for bikes and bodyboards, plus everything from fish tacos to sit-down restaurants. It’s a strong choice when your group wants a full ‘day out’ with as much time exploring the neighborhood as sitting on the sand.