15 Best Beaches Near Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is a top choice for having fun in the desert.
It’s no surprise that tourists adore visiting this oasis-like city because of its chic, mid-century hotels and fantastic thermal springs.
But other well-liked lake and ocean beaches close to Palm Springs are also accessible by day excursion.
For a relaxing day on sandy coastlines, check out some of the greatest beaches on this list that are close to Palm Springs, California.
- Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Municipal Beach is located in Orange County, roughly 1 hour and 39 minutes away from Palm Springs.
Why We Recommend This Beach
One beach close to Palm Springs is the magnificent Newport Municipal Beach, which has the Newport Beach Pier right in the middle.
This wooden fishing pier is a popular place for beachgoers to unwind because of its magnificent views of the seaside.
On this beach, many people surf and ride the waves.
Expert Tip
If you want to exercise while admiring the seaside, use the paved Newport-Balboa Bike Trail, situated behind Newport Municipal Beach.
It’s a great way to be healthy while enjoying the seaside scenery of Southern California.
- Balboa Pier Beach
Newport Municipal Beach is only a short bicycle ride from Balboa Pier Beach. Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 42 minutes distant.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Although Palm Springs doesn’t have any beaches, some lovely beaches close by, notably Balboa Pier Beach.
When you’re here, you have the option of staying on the pier and fishing or going surfing and parasailing.
During your vacation, you can also participate in activities like bicycling, skating and lighting bonfires.
Expert Tip
Want to bring your animal companions?
Dogs on leashes are welcome at Balboa Pier Beach before 10 am and after 4:30 pm.3. Corona del Mar State Beach
Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 39 minutes distant from Corona Del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You must look beyond Corona Del Mar’s south-facing beach for fun and adventurous weekend beach excursions from Palm Springs.
Many granite jetties along the shorefront protect from strong waves and are a secure swimming spot.
Expert Tip
There are many flat rooms because Corona Del Mar’s shorefront is so large.
You can play volleyball on the courts and have fun in the water.
You might also decide to lounge about while tanning on top of your beach blankets.
- Main Beach – Laguna Beach
One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches is the Main Beach in Laguna Beach.
Palm Springs is roughly 1 hour and 37 minutes distant.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A vacation to this expansive, sandy oceanfront will be fun if you enjoy swimming and body surfing.
The seas at Laguna Beach are typically calm enough to wade in while lifeguards watch from their towers.
Just be cautious because rip currents might still happen.
Expert Tip
From late September to early June, you are welcome to bring your water-loving dogs to the beach before 9 AM and around 6 PM.
Just make sure you visit with them on a leash.
- Tamarack State Beach
Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 54 minutes from Tamarack State Beach in San Diego County.
Carlsbad State Beach includes it.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Tamarack State Beach is among the beaches where swimming is the safest.
The coastline includes lifeguards on duty in addition to the warm waters where you may swim, scuba dive, surf, and kayak.
You may spend the day beachcombing and fishing just off the Carlsbad jetties.
Expert Tip
Tamarack State Beach is a great location in the evening.
When you stay on the north end of the shorefront, you may witness a breathtaking sunset view of the Pacific Ocean.
- Salt Creek Beach
Palm Springs is approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes from Salt Creek Beach in South Orange County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you enjoy surfing, you shouldn’t skip a trip to Salt Creek Beach.
It has some of the best-left swells produced by offshore reefs on this coast.
In addition, when near the water, you can go swimming, body surfing, and tide pooling.
Expert Tip
Want to escape the sandy beaches?
For the wonderful grassy areas and several picnic tables, go to Salt Creek Beach Park.
- Los Trancos Beach – Crystal Cove State Park
In Crystal Cove State Park, there is a beach called Los Trancos.
Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 42 minutes distant.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Los Trancos Beach in Newport Beach is the best option if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach.
Young swimmers will have no trouble wading in the water because the surf is often welcoming with modest waves.
However, water is unpredictable, so stay alert at all times.
You can also go along the beach to search for cool tide pools and undiscovered nooks.
Expert Tip
You might stay here in addition to swimming and strolling along the lovely beaches in the park.
Choose between pitching a tent on the beach’s cliffs or renting a charming beach home from the 1930s.
- Robert Frazee State Beach
Tamarack State Beach is close to Robert Frazee State Beach, which is one hour and 55 minutes drive from Palm Springs.
Additionally, it belongs to Carlsbad State Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You shouldn’t pass up Robert Frazee State Beach if looking for stunning, easily accessible beaches.
Although it is less busy, it is just as wide and sandy as Tamarack Beach, the sister beach.
While you’re here, you can swim and surf without any hassles.
Expert Tip
Make the most of the running path near Robert Frazee Beach if you want to stay healthy while on your trip.
It circles the seawall below the cliff and the Carlsbad Boulevard walkway.
- Pier View North Beach – Oceanside
Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 50 minutes from Pier View North Beach in San Diego County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Even though Pier View North Beach is rocky and lacks the idyllic tropical feel of beaches with white sand, tourists nevertheless adore it.
It boasts a long, wide beach with plenty of space for recreation.
It is not as congested on the other side of the pier as in South Beach.
Expert Tip
Even though Pier View North Beach is rocky and lacks the idyllic tropical feel of beaches with white sand, tourists nevertheless adore it.
It boasts a long, wide beach with plenty of space for recreation.
It is not as congested on the other side of the pier as in South Beach.
- Del Mar City Beach
About 2 hours and 5 minutes separate Palm Springs from Del Mar City Beach in San Diego County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Locals refer to the North Beach at Del Mar City Beach as “Dog Beach” since you can always find a dog or two playing on the sand.
So if you go swimming here, bring your four-legged companions.
Expert Tip
Head over to Powerhouse Park when you wish to escape the sandy shorefront.
Even if the grounds are grassy, you can still see the beach on its whole.
You may even enjoy lunch or snacks on the many picnic tables and seats in the area.
- Huntington City Beach
Palm Springs is located in Southern California, approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes from Huntington City Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Huntington City Beach is known as “Surf City USA” for a reason.
This beach should be visited if you’re looking for the greatest beach vacations from Palm Springs that have anything to do with surfing.
Because the surf is typically rising, you’ll never run out of waves to catch on this 3.5-mile coastline.
Expert Tip
When you visit this shoreline, be sure to stop at the Huntington Beach Pier.
You can swim, fish, and even play volleyball near the pier.
- La Jolla Shores Beach
San Diego is where La Jolla Shores Beach is situated. Palm Springs is roughly 2 hours and 7 minutes distant.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Beach enthusiasts will undoubtedly be drawn to La Jolla’s mile-long length of wide, sweeping white sand.
Given that its waves are frequently quiet, it is also the greatest swimming beach on this list.
You’ll likely enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this spot on La Jolla Bay.
Even barking and playful seals may be found.
Expert Tip
Visit the adjacent La Jolla Cove while you’re in the area.
The location is ideal for kayaking and paddling.
Additionally, the cove’s crystal-clear waters entice you to snorkel there to see the variety of marine life, including vibrant fish and amiable leopard sharks.
- San Clemente Pier City Beach
Palm Springs is around 1 hour and 48 minutes from San Clemente Pier City Beach in Orange County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Any time of day is beautiful on San Clemente’s broad, sandy Main Beach.
Tall palm trees and green spaces surround it, which are sure to charm you.
Photographers will delight in snapping images all over this lovely beach.
Expert Tip
Normal beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, are always available here.
But be sure to check out the San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail if you’re up for it.
It links all of San Clemente’s beaches.
- Manhattan Beach
Palm Springs is located in Los Angeles County, about 1 hour and 58 minutes from Manhattan Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Make sure to include Manhattan Beach on your list of places to see if you want to see one of the top beaches close to Palm Springs, California.
Photographers will have a great time capturing the picturesque views of this shorefront, especially its pier with a red roof.
Additionally, you can enjoy swimming in the ocean and tanning on the extensive sandy beaches.
Expert Tip
Don’t worry if you ever need to leave the beach for a snack break or to go shopping.
The pier entrance is lined with a tonne of stores and restaurants.
- Lake Perris State Recreation Area
The 8,200-acre Lake Perris SRA is home to the artificial Lake Perris.
The distance from Palm Springs to this beach location is around 50 minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Go to Lake Perris SRA for fast beach escapes from Palm Springs.
The picturesque views from this man-made lake overlooking the mountains will delight you.
Two swim places with sandy, and grassy coastlines are also present at Lake Perris SRA.
Moreno Beach and Perris Beach are your options.
Expert Tip
There are more than 300 picnic areas in the Lake Perris SRA, so there is no worry about finding a place to eat.
These areas have plenty of picnic tables and grills, so you can even eat freshly prepared food there.
