One of the great things about living in Southern California is the beach.  I use the beach for both conventional and somewhat unconvential means.  Coventionally I like to look at girls at the beach.  I make no bones about it.  It is fun.  All shapes and sizes (almost!).  I love it.  Somewhat unconventionally I am not one to go there to suntan and lay around all day.  I like to ride my bike to the beach or go to the beach and stroll the areas surrounding it.  Having some attributes of a beach town is a key component of a good beach for me.  And there are have to mellow spots as well.  I enjoy just going there, sitting in the sand, and listening to all of the different sounds, feeling all of the different feelings the beach and the ocean provide.

Santa Monica Beach is easily the best beach in Southern California.  As sand goes, it appears clean (though some of the official reports might contradict) and the views out to the ocean and around the city are second to none.  The City of Santa Monica itself has tons to offer and much of it is within walking distance to the beach.  There is the famous Santa Monica Pier with its carnival, amusement park, and junk food.  And just blocks from the beach is the core of Santa Monica with the Third Street Promenade and other walkable streets with interesting people watching, food, and shops.  It is just a comfortable place to hang out. 

Huntington Beach is in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles.  It does not have as many bells and whistles as Santa Monica Beach, but it is Surf City.  And it has a great Main Street with surf shops, restaurants, bars, and the like.  The beach itself is stereotypical Southern California complete with hard bodies, surfers, and volleyball players.  It's all good.

Laguna Beach is also in Orange County.  And while its surroundings are bit more upscale than Huntington Beach and even Santa Monica Beach, the scenery (geographically) cannot be beat.