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Family surf spots

A surf spot that is safe for the whole family to enjoy instead of being reserved for the local experts.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Fletcher Cove Beach Park image 1
Fletcher Cove Beach Park image 2
Fletcher Cove Beach Park image 3
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Small sandy beach meets family-friendly park with playground and basketball court. Calm, quiet atmosphere invites relaxation and sunset viewing. Nautical-themed paths and a hilltop lookout offer scenic ocean views.

Well-kept grounds and a neat layout create a family-friendly atmosphere. The beach area welcomes both families and dogs, adding to its inclusive vibe.

Waves here offer good surfing and boogie boarding opportunities with two beach levels. The sea has fun waves for body surfing and longboarding, attracting surfers and kids alike.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean, with nice facilities for washing off sand."

"The surf spot has good waves, perfect for boogie boarding and surfing."

"It's a really nice, family-friendly place with a playground."

Good to know

1

Free outdoor concerts happen once a month during the summer.

2

A new children's playground opened on 6/28/23.

3

Parking costs $15 for self-parking, but free parking is available.

02
Hermosa Beach Pier image 1
Public beach

Pier extends over soft sand and calm water, offering picturesque views of surf and city skyline. Atmosphere stays peaceful and family-friendly, with live music and volleyball games adding gentle energy. Amenities include beach chair and surfboard rentals, making it easy to relax or stay active.

Lifeguards keep the beach safe and the pier buzzes with family-friendly eateries and ships to explore. Clean surroundings and a lively atmosphere make it welcoming for all ages.

Good-sized waves roll in consistently, making it a solid spot for surfing. The pier offers a great vantage point to watch surfers and enjoy the surf culture alongside views of the city skyline.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be clean and beautiful."

"The waves here are beautiful and great for surfing."

"It's a family-friendly beach with lifeguards and lots of life."

Good to know

1

Parking is very hard to find near the Hermosa Beach Pier.

2

The pier often hosts events like beach volleyball tournaments and concerts.

3

Expect limited parking availability on weekends.

03
Huntington State Beach image 1

Large sandy beach offers spacious and calm atmosphere with fire pits and volleyball nets for activities. Ocean views provide stunning sunsets and a relaxing vibe. Facilities include paved paths and food stands, attracting families and beachgoers seeking a peaceful setting.

Clean sand and calm waters create a safe environment for kids. Plenty of space makes it easy to set up for a family day out.

Huge, dangerous waves attract surfers and body surfers alike. Plenty of space offers waves to yourself and chances to catch surfing competitions.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful and has large sandy areas."

"It's a fun beach day with lots of activities for the kids."

"It's really clean and family friendly here."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 for the day pass at Huntington State Beach.

2

Expect limited parking availability during peak summer months.

3

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

04
Pier Playground | Seal Beach image 1

Playground features sun shades, swings, and climbing structures with a huge sandbox shaped like Seal Beach inside a gated area. Surrounding space offers beautiful ocean views and big shady trees that provide ample shade. The atmosphere is family friendly and peaceful, with a community vibe and nearby street performers and live music.

Clean and spacious playground sits right by the beach, making it easy for families to hang out and take walks. The whole area feels very family friendly and well kept.

Waves here are beautiful and strong, offering a laid-back surfing atmosphere. Low tides and warm weather add to the experience, but caution is needed due to used needles in the sand and surf.

People are saying

"It's a fun playground, really great for kids."

"It's clean and family friendly, especially the playground."

"The waves here are beautiful and strong."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and affordable at $3 per hour or $15 per day.

2

Musical activities occur on weekends at Pier Playground.

3

The playground is well-maintained with a soft foam base under climbing equipment.

05
La Jolla Shores Park image 1

Large beach with spectacular ocean views and a spacious grassy area creates a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards and fire pits add to the safe, relaxed vibe. The park feels well-maintained and perfect for quiet afternoons or casual gatherings.

The area offers a clean and beautiful environment with a family friendly vibe. Both the beach and park welcome families and pets, creating a relaxed atmosphere for all ages.

Gentle, nice-sized waves make this spot great for beginners. Plenty of space lets surfers find their own spot, while clean, clear water supports both surfing and snorkeling.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean and felt safe."

"The beach here is gorgeous and so clean."

"The beach here is beautiful and family friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Jolla Shores Park is limited, especially on weekends.

2

Free parking is available, but it can fill up quickly.

3

Public restrooms are located near the parking lot.

06
Newport Beach Pier image 1
Fishing pier

Fishing pier offers amazing ocean views and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and fire pits on the beach. Amenities include bike rentals, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants. The area attracts people for surfing, fishing, and relaxing while enjoying scenic sunsets.

Gentle family-friendly waves keep kids entertained for hours. The overall atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming for all ages.

Waves stay gentle and family-friendly, making it easy for kids to enjoy. The ocean water is generally clear, supporting activities like surfing, kayaking, and swimming.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing."

"The waves here are great for surfing."

"It's a nice atmosphere and family friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking payment machine requires cash; cards are not accepted.

2

Parking is very limited and fills up fast near the pier.

3

Public restrooms are available but may not be well maintained.

07
Imperial Beach Pier image 1
Tourist attraction

Long pier extends over the ocean with stunning sunset views and a seafood restaurant at the end. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, often accompanied by live music. Facilities include handicapped accessibility and amenities for fishing, making it welcoming for various visitors.

The area feels very safe and welcoming for families. Both the beach and the pier offer a relaxed, family friendly environment.

Waves reach up to 13 feet with a lot of wind, creating a challenging surf environment. The spot features the fastest surf break on the West Coast and hosts magnificent, dreamlike waves.

People are saying

"The beach and pier offer beautiful ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere."

"The surf spot had huge waves, some reaching 30 feet."

"I felt the area was safe and family friendly."

Good to know

1

The beach water is currently closed due to contamination from sewage.

2

Parking costs $2, but it's limited near the pier.

3

A farmers market occurs every Saturday morning at the pier.

08
The Wayfarer San Diego image 1

Rooms offer direct ocean views and pool access with sliding doors, creating a romantic atmosphere near the beach. Courtyard features include a heated saltwater pool, hot tub, and gas fire pit, all overlooking the ocean. The setting combines quiet hallways with a lively boardwalk vibe just steps away.

Vibrant, colorful spaces include books and play areas for kids. The family-friendly pool and hot tubs add convenience for parents and children.

Waves roll in day and night with surfers visible from rooms. A surf school operates right in front, and surf lessons are available alongside bike rentals.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from my balcony."

"You can hear the waves and watch the surf from your room."

"It's so family-friendly, with play areas and books for kids."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located directly across the sidewalk from the beach access door.

2

On-site parking costs $40 per night, automatically charged.

3

The hotel does not have a restaurant on the premises.

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