Santa Monica offers something for everyone in the beach-going party. On more than 3 miles of sand, plan to swim, surf, fish, play volleyball or take a ride on the bike path. Wander to the Santa Monica Pier when you've had your fill of sand. Grab a bite to eat, play games at the arcade, visit the aquarium, or try your hand at the trapeze school. Take the Interstate 10 freeway straight west until it ends, about 40 miles from Covina. Paid parking is available around the pier; metered street parking is hard to find, but available.
Bring the dog to play on the sand or swim in the surf. The Huntington Dog Beach (dogbeach.org) is between Seapoint Avenue and 21 Street, at the north end of the 3.5-mile stretch of the city's beach. While the city ordinance states dogs must remain leashed, owners do play Frisbee and fetch with unleashed dogs. They also swim without restraint. Owners are expected to pick up after their dogs. If you don't have a dog, you'll enjoy "Surf City," for swimming, fishing from the pier (permit required) or surfing on the south side of the pier. The beach is a little more than 50 miles southwest of Covina.
The charm of the town of Laguna Beach, as well as its 20 public beaches stretching longer than 7 miles, draws people to the area. Main Beach, in downtown, offers a playground for kids near the boardwalk, basketball courts and tide pools at the north end, and swimming off Main Beach. Surfers head farther south or north because surfing is not allowed at Main. Park in paid lots or on the street; some downtown street meters accept credit cards. The beach is about 60 miles southeast of Covina.
You'll pass through historic downtown San Clemente on the way to Parque Del Mar -- also known as the Pier Bowl or Main Beach. Swim or play in the water south of the pier, and surf to the north. A swingset for kids is on the south side where the sand is wide and the water more gentle for child's play. If you have teens in your group, they'll want to walk about a mile south to Esplanade, or T Street beach, where the younger crowd hangs out. Concession stands and restrooms are open at both beaches, and a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating is on the pier. Fishing is allowed on the pier with a permit. San Clemente is about 70 miles southwest of Covina.
