Hey can someone tell me some great beaches in the southern california that make cool photographs?

im a photographer and for christmas my mom wants a really neat picture of the beach. i live in long beach but ive only been here for a couple months so i have no idea where to go. im willing to travel up to like 45 min. away. i would really like more than just the beach though. possible some cool rocks or anything else the might add some diversity to my picture. im looking for like specific beaches not just "Huntington beach" or "laguna beach" because i still wouldnt know where to go. if anyone has taken some great pics somewhere close please let me know. thanks so much!