01
Best overall pick
Crystal Cove State Beach
Newport Coast • Wild-Feeling State Park Beach • Best Balance Of Scenery And Space
Three miles of open coastline, bluffs, and tide pools make Crystal Cove the most versatile beach day near Williams Canyon.
From Williams Canyon, Crystal Cove is one of the first truly expansive beaches you’ll hit, with plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends. Park up on the bluffs and walk down for long shoreline strolls, or drop into the Historic District for cottages, tide pools, and a more old-California feel. It’s a smart pick when you want ocean time without the crush of the more urban piers.
02
Classic coastal town vibe
Main Beach
Laguna Beach Village • Lively Town Beach With Boardwalk • Best For Mixing Sand, Shops, And Galleries
Main Beach brings together a central stretch of sand, a palm-lined boardwalk, and easy access to Laguna’s restaurants and art scene.
If you want a full day that moves easily from the water to a café table, Main Beach is the obvious choice. The sand sits right in front of downtown Laguna, so you can grab coffee, browse boutiques, or wander to the art galleries between swims. Expect more crowds and a bit of a parking hunt, but also plenty of people-watching and a classic SoCal postcard backdrop.
03
Most scenic cove
Treasure Island Beach
South Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove Below Bluffs • Best For Tide Pools And Photo-Worthy Views
Sheltered by cliffs and landscaped paths, Treasure Island feels tucked away yet still easy to reach from the canyon.
Accessed via paths and ramps near the resort above, this cove offers a more intimate feel than the main town beaches. Tide pools, clear water, and sculpted rock formations make it a standout for sunrise and sunset photography. It’s not the place for sprawling games of beach volleyball, but it shines if your priority is scenery and a slower, more tucked-in day by the water.
04
Best classic surf stretch
Huntington State Beach
Huntington Beach Shoreline • Wide Sandy Surf Beach • Best For Bonfires And Long Walks
This broad, straight stretch of sand is built for big-group hangouts, steady surf, and sunsets around a fire ring.
Compared to the coves of Laguna, Huntington State Beach feels wide open, with enough space for surf breaks, volleyball courts, and biking the paved path behind the sand. Fire pits dot the shore, making it a go-to for evening gatherings once the wind drops. It’s a bit farther from Williams Canyon than the Newport and Laguna spots, but the easy parking and classic surf-town energy can be worth the drive.
05
Most family-friendly pick
Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar • Protected Family-Friendly Cove • Best For Relaxed Swimming And Picnics
Sheltered by jetties and cliffs, Corona del Mar offers gentler waves, plenty of sand, and a low-key neighborhood feel.
This crescent-shaped beach usually sees calmer water than the more exposed stretches up and down the coast, which makes it appealing for families and casual swimmers. Grassy areas, fire rings, and a broad, flat shoreline make the logistics of a full beach day easy. From Williams Canyon, it’s a straightforward drive, and you can cap it off with a quick detour through the surrounding residential streets and viewpoints.