Los Angeles is world-famous for its amazing beaches. From Malibu to Santa Monica, there are endless stretches of sand and surf to explore. So whether you’re looking for a place to sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, or just take in the incredible views, there’s definitely a beach for you. In this post, I have compiled a list of the 12 Best Beaches in Los Angeles that will not disappoint. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for some serious beach time.
Best Beaches in Los Angeles, CA
1. Malibu Beaches
Malibu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Los Angeles. With its stunning coastline, picturesque scenery, and perfect weather, it’s no wonder that Malibu is such a popular beach destination.
There are 21 miles of beaches in Malibu, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Zuma Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Malibu. It’s known for its long stretches of sand, great surfing, and beautiful sunsets. Zuma beach is also a great place to people watch, as it’s often packed with locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, check out Malibu Surfrider Beach. It’s located just south of Zuma Beach and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Another great beach in Malibu is Topanga Beach. It’s located in the Topanga Canyon and is a great spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The beach is also known for its rocky cliffs and stunning views.
If you’re looking for a romantic beach getaway, head to Paradise Cove Beach. It’s located just north of Malibu and is known for its secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful sunsets. The beach is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.
As you can see, Malibu has some of the best beaches in Los Angeles. So whether you’re looking for a place to surf, sunbathe, or just take in the stunning views, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. So come on out and enjoy some California beaches.
2. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is a world-famous ocean beach that stretches for almost three miles along the Santa Monica coastline. The beach is next to Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Promenade, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The beach is backed by a wide, paved promenade and a bike path, with numerous restaurants and shops along the way.
Santa Monica beach is great for sunbathing, surfing, and paddleboarding, and there’s plenty of space to spread out. The ocean here has very gentle waves and is therefore perfect for swimming. There are also lifeguard towers, restrooms, showers, and a children’s play area. The Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles. The pier has an old-fashioned carousel, a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and a seafood restaurant.
Santa Monica Beach was one of my personal favorite beaches in Los Angeles. I love that it’s so close to all the shops and restaurants on the promenade, and the waves are perfect for swimming. It can get a bit crowded on weekends, but it’s usually pretty quiet if you go during the week.
In short, Santa Monica Beach is perfect for those looking for a classic California beach experience. It’s one of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles, but it’s also one of the most popular. So no matter what you are looking for, Santa Monica State Beach is a great option for a day at the beach. With its wide variety of activities and attractions, the beach is sure to please everyone in your group.
3. Long Beach
Long Beach is a diverse beach city located just south of Los Angeles and is home to some of the best sandy beaches in California. This is also where you’ll find a large shipping port, the Queen Mary ocean liner, and miles of beaches. The city is also home to the annual Grand Prix of Long Beach auto race.
One of my favorite beaches in Long Beach is Belmont Shore. This is a wide and sandy beach that stretches for almost two miles. There are several restaurants and shops along the beachfront, as well as a bike path and a walking path. The water here is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding.
Another great beach in Long Beach is Alamitos Beach. This beach is located in the downtown area of Long Beach and is smaller than Belmont Shore. However, it’s still a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also close to a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a great spot to spend a day in Long Beach.
Long Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Los Angeles, as it’s close to both Interstate 405 and Highway 710. It’s also served by the Metro Blue Line light rail, which has a stop right at the beach.
Overall, Long Beach is home to some of the best beaches in Los Angeles, and I would highly recommend spending a day at Alamitos or Belmont Shore beach. They are the perfect places for swimming and sunbathing, with plenty of shops and restaurants close by. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is a large, well-known Los Angeles beach located in Playa del Rey. The beach runs for almost three miles along the coast, making it one of the longest stretches of beach in Los Angeles County.
Dockweiler is a wide, flat beach with a gradual slope toward the water. There are lifeguard towers spaced out along the length of the beach, as well as several restaurants and snack shacks. The beach is also adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport, so you can sometimes see planes taking off and landing while you’re relaxing on the sand.
Despite its proximity to the airport, Dockweiler is a popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There’s also an RV campground located right on the beach, making it a great option for those who want to spend a few days by the ocean.
Dockweiler was one of my favorite beaches in Los Angeles because it was so peaceful and provides some amazing views of the cityscape and the mountains. It’s also a great spot for fishing, and I’ve had some luck catching barracuda and catfish here. The only downside to this beach is that it can be quite windy, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater.
All in all, Dockweiler is one of the best Los Angeles beaches and is perfect for anyone looking for a wide, open beach to relax on. The beach is close to many restaurants and shops, as well as LAX, making it easy to get to.
5. Huntington Beach
Next on my list of the best beaches in Los Angeles is Huntington Beach. Also known as “Surf City,” this beach town is located in Orange County and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. But the main attraction here is, of course, the beach.
Huntington Beach is a wide, flat beach that stretches for almost 10 miles. The waves here are some of the best in Southern California, making it a popular spot for surfing. In fact, the US Open of Surfing is held here every year. There are also several surf schools and shops in the area, so beginners can easily learn how to ride the waves. The beach is also home to the International Surfing Museum, which chronicles the history of surfing and celebrates its present-day popularity.
The main attractions at this beach are the pier and the boardwalk. The pier is the second-longest pier in California, stretching for 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular spot for fishing, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island. The boardwalk is a great place for people-watching, with its mix of roller-bladers, cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians.
Huntington Beach is also one of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles County, so be prepared for crowds on weekends and during the summer. The beach has restrooms, outdoor showers, and a picnic area. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but there are a number of parking structures and lots in the area.
In addition to the beach, there are many shops and restaurants located in the downtown area. Main Street is lined with boutique shops, while 5th Street offers more casual dining options. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
Overall, Huntington Beach is a great place to spend a day (or longer) with family and friends. There’s something for everyone, and the beach is definitely the star of the show.
6. Redondo County Beach
Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities in Los Angeles County, along with Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. It’s located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles, about 20 miles southwest of downtown.
The beach itself is over 1.5 miles long and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. There are also several volleyball courts located along the beach where you can join in on a game or two. In addition, there are restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard tower.
Redondo beach has a great pier that is perfect for fishing or just taking in the views. The pier has a number of restaurants and shops, as well as water sports rentals. In addition to the beach and pier, Redondo Beach also has a number of parks and trails. The most popular is Seaside Lagoon, a man-made lagoon that is perfect for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
Redondo Beach is also among the beaches in Los Angeles County that still allow dogs at all hours. From the pier to the northern end of the beach, dogs are allowed on a leash.
So if you’re looking for a beach that has it all, Redondo County Beach is the perfect spot. With its wide-open spaces, gentle waves, and great amenities, it’s no wonder that this beach is one of the most popular in Los Angeles.
7. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Malibu. This beach is known for its dramatic rock formations, crashing waves, and secluded coves. It’s also one of the most scenic beaches in Los Angeles, with beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
This beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also plenty of tide pools to explore. But be sure to check the tide before heading down to the beach, as it can be dangerous to swim in the ocean when the tide is high. Plus, there are no lifeguards on duty, so be sure to swim at your own risk. Unfortunately, there are no facilities at El Matador State Beach, so be sure to bring everything you need for your day at the beach.
El Matador Beach is also a great spot for photography, as the cliffs and rocks provide a beautiful backdrop for the ocean. The beach is also great for watching the sunset, as the cliffs provide the perfect vantage point.
El Matador Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. It’s perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the tide pools. Just be sure to bring your own food and drink, as there are no facilities at this beach.
8. Manhattan Beach
Located in the South Bay section of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is a world-famous beach town that offers stunning ocean views, a vibrant downtown, and easy access to the city.
The beach is about 2.1 miles long and extends from the Hermosa Beach Pier in the north to the Redondo Beach Pier in the south. The wide, sandy beach is great for sunbathing and swimming, and there are plenty of lifeguards on duty during peak times.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Manhattan Beach is a great place for volleyball. There are courts along the beach, and many tournaments are held here. Beach volleyball isn’t the only sport played, and you’ll also find people surfing, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding.
For those looking for a bit of exercise, Manhattan Beach has a bike path that extends from Hermosa Beach in the north to Redondo Beach in the south. The path is about 10 feet wide and parallels the beach. It’s a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time.
Manhattan Beach is a great place to spend a day or two. There’s something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to volleyball and biking. The only downside of this beach is that it can get quite crowded on the weekends. So if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, I suggest visiting one of the other beaches in Los Angeles. But overall, Manhattan Beach is one of the best beaches in LA and definitely worth a visit.
9. Venice Beach
Arguably the most famous beach in Los Angeles, Venice City Beach is a must-see for any first-time visitor. It’s known for its canals, Muscle Beach, boardwalk, and Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile pedestrian promenade that runs along the beach.
The beach itself is a wide, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing. There are also a number of volleyball courts located on the beach, as well as a skate park.
The highlight of Venice City Beach is probably famous for its boardwalk, which is home to a variety of street performers, artists, vendors, and more. There are also a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars located on the boardwalk, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. The boardwalk is also a great place to people watch.
Muscle Beach is located at the south end of Venice Beach and is famous for its outdoor weightlifting equipment and for being a gathering spot for bodybuilders. The Venice Skate Park is also located here.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed beach experience, head to Venice Fishing Pier. It’s located at the end of Washington Boulevard and is a great spot for fishing, birdwatching, or just enjoying the views of Santa Monica Bay.
One of the best things about Venice Beach is that it has a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to come to unwind and soak up the California sun. However, it can get quite crowded during the summer months. So be sure to come early if you want a spot on the beach.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do at Venice Beach, making it one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. So whether you’re looking to people-watch, go shopping, or just relax on the sand, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
10. Marina Del Rey
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach atmosphere, Marina del Rey might be the perfect spot for you. This man-made harbor is the largest artificial small-craft harbor in the United States and home to more than 4,600 boats. The Marina is also a recreational spot with bike paths, playgrounds, and of course, beaches.
The Marina also has a beautiful shoreline with several sandy beaches. One of my favorites is Mother’s Beach, which has a large grassy area for picnicking and playing games, as well as a playground and a large sand area perfect for building sandcastles. This is a great beach for families, as there are lifeguards on duty and plenty of things to keep the kids busy. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area if you need to take a break from the sun.
The Marina del Rey Beach area is great for those who want to enjoy the water without having to go too far from civilization. The beaches are well-maintained and offer all of the amenities you would expect, such as bathrooms, showers, and lifeguard stations. And if you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
Overall, Marina del Rey offers a wide variety of beaches in Los Angeles to choose from that are perfect for any activity you’re looking for. Whether you want to relax in the sun, go for a swim, or take part in some water sports, you’ll find it all here.
11. Hermosa Beach
Just south of Venice Beach is Hermosa City Beach, one of the three beach cities in the South Bay. This wide, sandy beach is almost two miles long and one of the most popular in Los Angeles. The strand, a pedestrian and bike path, runs the length of Hermosa Beach and is a great way to get to know the city.
Hermosa is known for its wide variety of beach activities, as well as its laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, volleyball, and fishing. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as a few bars along the beach.
This beach also hosts a weekly farmers market and weekly concerts on the strand. The farmer’s market features fresh produce from local farms as well as prepared food from some of the best restaurants in town. The concerts are a great way to enjoy the music of some of Southern California’s best up-and-coming bands.
The main streets in Hermosa are Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue. On Pier Avenue, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Hermosa Avenue is a bit more laid-back, with mostly local businesses.
Hermosa Beach is a great spot for anyone looking for a relaxed beach experience with all the amenities of a big city. The wide beach offers plenty of space to spread out, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. The pier is also a great place to spend an afternoon, and the restaurants and bars make it the perfect spot to spend an evening. Therefore, this is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles you’ll not want to miss.
12. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is a beautiful, wide beach located in the Malibu area of Los Angeles. The beach is named after actor Leo Carrillo, who was born in Los Angeles in 1881. He was known for his roles in early western films and TV shows, and he was also an avid environmentalist.
This fun-family beach destination features 1.5 miles of beachfront, with a broad strand of sand and excellent surf break. Other popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. In addition to the beach, there are also hiking trails that wind through the bluffs and offer stunning ocean views. Facilities at the park include restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a small store. There’s also a picnic area with barbecue pits and tables.
The beach has also has tide pools, reefs for snorkeling, and beach caves to explore. The reef is home to many different types of fish and sea creatures. The tide pools are a great place to see starfish, urchins, and other marine life up close. The caves are a bit more challenging to get to, but they’re worth it for the views.
The beach is located just north of Los Angeles and is easily reachable by car. It’s also a stop on the Pacific Coast Highway bus line.
Overall, Leo Carrillo State Beach is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the California coastline. If you’re looking for a beach with plenty of activities and stunning scenery, Leo Carrillo is definitely worth a visit.
In summary
Los Angeles has a variety of beaches that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly spot, or a place to surf and people-watch, there’s a beach in LA for you. These 12 top-rated beaches in Los Angeles are just a taste of what the city has to offer, so be sure to explore and find your perfect spot. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
