Need help finding a spot for your next beach day?

With just a little over a month left in summer, you might be feeling a serious case of F.O.M.O. (fear of missing out) after realizing you checked everything off your summer bucket list except for the most obvious one – going to the beach! If you’re tossing and turning over which beach to visit before the days become shorter, fret no more.

I’ve put together a list of some of the best beaches to visit in SoCal based on my own personal experiences. Anytime I have a day off, I’m at the beach soaking up the high UV with a good book. As a self-proclaimed “beach bum,” I can assure you I’m highly qualified to share my tips for beach going.

A lot of the beaches on this list are located in Laguna, CA. Let me tell you why. Laguna’s main appeal to me is that the water is so blue and clear, you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise somewhere far away from California. 

While California’s coast is certainly gorgeous, it can be hard to find that postcard-looking beach, but not for Laguna Beach. There, you can drive along Pacific Coast Highway and find a hidden paradise every few miles. 

Another perk to Laguna beaches is that you can often find free parking. The only downside is parking may be a ways from the beach, but luckily the long stroll comes with a killer view.

Located at 1375 Circle Way in Laguna Beach, this beautiful hidden gem will take your breath away. It earned its name for its crescent-shaped coastline surrounded by Laguna’s signature cliffs. 

This beach is located within a residential neighborhood, to the west of Laguna State beach, which is always jam packed. 

Luckily, Crescent Bay is never as busy as the state beach. It has two entrances, each located on a downward slope feeding into the beach. 

If you turn onto Cliff Dr., you might find street parking within the neighborhood. Otherwise you can find parking in the neighborhoods above then walk to the beach. Sure, it might be the longer way, but free parking is always worth it.

I discovered this beach almost five years ago and have made so many memories there. I took my high school graduation photos at Crescent Bay in 2020. 

Later that year, I saw the rare night-time phenomenon that is the bioluminescent waves for the first time. 

Crescent Bay is the perfect beach to see the glow-in-the-dark waves, which usually come to our coastline between the spring and fall.

There are tide pools on the east side where you can get an up-close-and-personal look with marine life such as sea urchins, crabs and starfish. If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity, the tidepools are just the place.

About a quarter-mile long with aqua colored waters grazing the soft sand, you’ll realize Crescent Bay gives an entirely new meaning to the phrase “hidden gem.”

Yet another secluded paradise, Table Rock Beach might be the prettiest beach on this list. When you type “Table Rock Beach” into your maps, the address will appear as Main Beach, Laguna Beach, CA, but don’t feel if you’re still struggling to find it. I had a hard time finding the entrance during my first visit, too.

Located along P.C.H., you’ll find the entrance at Tablerock Dr., which will lead you downhill into gorgeous greenery. 

You’ll know if you’re in the right spot because in just a few steps, you’ll come across the infamous “TABLE ROCK” stone sign with the gorgeous ocean view backdrop.

Continue down the path and get your cameras out, because you’ll want to photograph the view. Pink weigela bushes cradle a stairway into paradise.

The sleek concrete staircase gives way to an antique wooden one. Don’t worry, it’s stable and a beautiful photo spot. 

It’s a steep climb, but it’s also worth a pit stop to take in the picturesque scenery. 

Known for its unique, flat rock formations that feed into the ocean, Table Rock Beach is one of the Laguna’s better kept secrets since it’s never as packed as other California beaches. 

Be prepared, this beach isn’t monitored by lifeguards and there aren’t any bathrooms on the beach. 

Parking can also be tricky since the actual beach parking is so limited, but luckily there is plenty of room along PCH. It’s a great time to practice your parallel parking.

Another thing I should warn you about is that the cove has strong currents, so swimming can be challenging. 

As long as you don’t venture too far out, you should be okay to take a dip in the ocean. And trust me, you’ll want to since the water is crystal clear.

Don’t let the name scare you, there’s not a thousand steps you need to take to get to this Laguna staple; Only around 200 (I’ve counted).

With many entrances located along PCH, there’s an ample amount of free parking. You will have to walk along the highway, down the stairs and, eventually, back up again to return to your car, doubling as a workout.

This beach is much larger than the previous ones on this list, which means it’s hardly ever crowded. There’s so much room for people to spread out so it constantly feels private. 

It’s also one of the cleanest beaches I have ever visited. Restrooms are conveniently located on the beach. The best part about this beach is its secret sea cave and hidden cove with saltwater pools, which can only be accessed during low tide. 

Somehow, I have yet to visit during low tide, but when I do, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

For this beach, the only parking available is along PCH. So brace yourselves, it’s time to parallel park again. 

I actually learned to parallel park during my beach trip to Thousand Steps years ago.

It was nerve racking, but all my fears and anxiety washed away the second I laid eyes on that ocean, after huffing and puffing down the 200-and-something steps.

I’ve seen some of the most jaw-dropping sunsets at Treasure Island in Laguna. 

But the main standout has to be the tunnel along the beach that you have probably seen photographed a million times. 

You can venture through the tunnel to the Montage Resort beach or stop underneath it for the perfect Instagram photo.

I have also heard and read that Treasure Island is one of the best snorkel spots in SoCal, but I have yet to snorkel there. I’m always too busy with my camera.

You can find this stunning beach by simply typing “Treasure Island” into your maps, with the address being the same as the name.

Parking is easier at this beach, as there's a parking garage above the beach and by Aliso Beach Park for a fee (yes, we have officially ventured away from the free parking). 

If you have your heart set on free parking, you can always park along PCH. Yet another perk of this beach is that it’s pet friendly, so even our four-legged family members can enjoy a beach day too.

The largest beach on this list with 3.2 miles of sandy beaches, Crystal Cove State Beach, located in between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, is a great destination if you’re with a larger group. 

There is plenty of parking ($15 on weekdays and $20 on summer weekends and holidays) within the park and restrooms readily available. 

There is a steep incline to get to the beach, by either stairway or slope.

Crystal Cove also has beautiful walking trails to visit before you start your beach day. There’s nothing like a good workout to warm you up before taking a dive into the ocean.

The highlight of Crystal Cove is not the beach itself. In fact, it’s the destination located three minutes down PCH from it – Crystal Cove Shake Shack at 7703 E. Coast Highway. 

This is the perfect date spot for either breakfast, lunch or dinner, as there’s menus for all three meals of the day. 

I can never skip getting a thick, creamy chocolate shake regardless of the time of day.

While you can certainly pick up food on the way to the beach, I recommend sitting on their patio overlooking the ocean. 

Why not enjoy dinner and a view when it’s so conveniently located?

Crystal Cove State Beach is located at 8471 N. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.

While the next two beaches didn’t make my top five, I still think it’s worth mentioning them. Here are two honorable mentions:

Pirate’s Cove Beach in Newport Beach, located at Heliotrope Ave. & Ocean Blvd., has plenty of parking both in the lot (if you’re okay with spending $25 for a four hour stay) and up above along the street (but be prepared for the walk back uphill, it will be brutal).

I prefer this beach for a picture spot versus a beach day, mostly because it overlooks the houses along Balboa Pier so it looks gorgeous during golden hour.

There is a stairway that feeds to the beach during low tide, and feeds straight into the water during high tide.

I’ve gotten such great pictures in that spot, and while I originally had planned to selfishly keep that spot all to myself, I decided that everyone should enjoy that serene setting. 

You will have to climb over some rocks to get to the stairway, but those also provide another great view, so it’s a win-win situation.

Last on this list is Huntington Beach, either state side or city side, located in Huntington Beach. 

The state side has bonfire pits to cozy around and roast marshmallows over, so I’m partial to the state side. 

I met my boyfriend of seven years at Tower 13 at this beach, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

The beach is not as clean as the ones previously mentioned in this list, but with the pier and the stores along Main Street located close by, it’s still a must-see spot for your summer vacation.

Huntington Beach offers various parking options with different costs, including metered parking, parking lots and parking structures. 

Metered parking along PCH is $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $15. The City Beach Parking Lots cost $15 per day, but the price can increase during weekends, peak seasons and special events. 

For Huntington State Beach, parking is $15 per day for standard vehicles and $30 per day for oversized vehicles, with no in or out privileges.

Huntington Beach is located at 1 Main St., from there you can decide if you would rather be on the state side with the fire pits or on the city side closer to the pier.

Hopefully this list helps you decide where your next beach day will be, or maybe you can use it to tick off some bucket list destinations. Until then, surf’s up!

Taylor Moore can be reached at bytaylormoore@gmail.com.