Why Los Angeles Beaches Belong on Every Itinerary
Los Angeles is known for its movies, stars, and sunshine—but its beaches deserve just as much fame. Each stretch of sand has its own personality, from the colorful boardwalk at Venice Beach to the rolling blue waves of Malibu. You’ll find surfers chasing the perfect set, locals out for morning runs, and families soaking up the California sunshine any day of the year. It’s where the city’s energy meets laid-back coastal life.
Whether you’re after surf, scenery, or a quiet spot to watch the sunset, these are the 15 best beaches in Los Angeles that locals love and visitors always remember.
Adding a few beach days is the perfect way to round out your LA adventure—but don’t skip the landmarks that make the city famous. Hollywood Bus Tours makes it easy with our Best of LA tour and Celebrity Homes tour, departing daily from both Hollywood and Santa Monica. It’s the most fun way to see the stars, the skyline, and still make it back in time for golden hour on the sand.
Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Families
Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Beach is the classic California postcard brought to life. Families love it for its wide, clean stretch of sand, easy access to restrooms, and plenty of nearby restaurants and shops. The Santa Monica Pier adds a touch of nostalgia with its Ferris wheel, arcade, and oceanfront dining—plus it’s easy to reach from anywhere in the city. It’s one of LA’s most visited beaches for good reason.
You can see Santa Monica Beach on our Half-Day Best of LA Tour, along with other must-see highlights like Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory—all led by one of our entertaining and knowledgeable local guides.
Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades
Just north of Santa Monica, Will Rogers State Beach offers a quieter alternative with plenty of parking and space to spread out. It’s a great beach for families who want calm surf, lifeguards on duty, and clean facilities. Volleyball courts, bike paths, and picnic areas make it ideal for a full beach day without the crowds of the pier.
Zuma Beach off the Pacific Coast Highway
Zuma Beach is a local favorite and one of the largest in Los Angeles County. Its long stretch of sand and reliable lifeguard presence make it perfect for swimmers and families alike. The water here tends to be cleaner than many city beaches, and the ocean views toward Catalina Island are worth the drive.
Cabrillo Beach and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Located in San Pedro, Cabrillo Beach gives families a mix of fun and discovery. The nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and tide pools are great for kids to explore sea life up close. The beach itself is divided between a calm inner harbor and an open-ocean side, offering options for both swimmers and beachcombers. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly spot in LA County that feels worlds away from the city.
Traveling with little ones? Be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles With Kids for the best tips on hotels, restaurants, and family-friendly things to do in LA!
Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Surfing
Photo courtesy of Discover Los Angeles
Malibu Surfrider Beach and Malibu Pier
Malibu Surfrider Beach is one of California’s most famous surf spots, known for its long, smooth waves that draw surfing aficionados from around the world. The nearby Malibu Pier adds classic coastal charm, with oceanfront cafés and views that stretch across the Pacific. Even if you’re not catching waves, it’s worth visiting to watch the surfers carve through the breaks at one of LA’s most iconic beaches.
El Porto Beach in Los Angeles County
Located at the north end of Manhattan Beach, El Porto is one of the most consistent surf breaks in the LA area. It’s popular with local surfers thanks to its strong swells and easy access from Vista Del Mar. The beach has metered parking, restrooms, and a more relaxed, local feel than some of the city’s busier spots. Whether you’re paddling out or watching the action from the sand, El Porto captures the authentic surf culture Los Angeles is known for.
Photo courtesy of Discover Los Angeles
Hermosa Beach and The Strand
Hermosa Beach—literally “Beautiful Beach”—is pure Southern California: laid-back, sunny, and built around beach life.The Strand, a paved path running parallel to the ocean, connects Hermosa to Manhattan Beach and is perfect for biking, skating, or a casual walk between surf sessions. It’s a favorite for locals, with surf shops, beach bars, and volleyball courts giving it an authentic LA vibe.
Most Scenic and Photo-Worthy Beaches
El Matador Beach
El Matador State Beach in Malibu is one of the most photographed spots along the California coast. Dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and unique rock formations make it a favorite for visitors and photographers alike. The steep staircase leading down to the sand can be a workout, but the view at the bottom—waves crashing against the arches and coves—is worth every step. Come at low tide to explore tide pools or stay for sunset to capture the light reflecting off the rocks.
Point Dume State Beach Overlooking the Ocean
Point Dume offers one of the most breathtaking views in Los Angeles County. This protected headland rises above a quiet stretch of beach, with hiking trails leading to panoramic overlooks of the Pacific and Catalina Island. It’s also a great place to spot dolphins or sea lions in the distance. The nearby nature preserve and dramatic cliffs make it a standout for anyone who wants a quieter, more scenic escape from the city.
Leo Carrillo State Park Tide Pools and Coves
Further up the coast, Leo Carrillo State Park blends rugged beauty with family-friendly adventure. The beach features shallow coves, rocky reefs, and tide pools full of colorful sea life like anemones, kelp, and even nudibranchs if you look closely. It’s an ideal place for exploring at low tide, and the surrounding Sycamore groves provide shaded picnic areas when you’re ready for a break. Leo Carrillo is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, making it both a scenic and educational stop along the Malibu coast.
Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Relaxation and People-Watching
Venice Beach Boardwalk and Street Performers
Venice Beach is one of LA’s most iconic places to visit, known for its vibrant street performers, murals, and skate park that keep the boardwalk buzzing year-round. It’s a great spot for long walks, people-watching, and soaking up that unmistakable Southern California energy. Beyond the entertainment, the wide sandy beach is perfect for a laid-back afternoon or a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean.
Playa del Rey Beach near Marina del Rey
Playa del Rey is one of the more peaceful, lesser-known beaches in the L.A area. It’s easily accessible and less crowded than nearby Venice, offering a quiet place to sunbathe, watch the waves, or enjoy a bike ride along the path that runs parallel to the shore. Locals love it for its clean bathrooms, calm atmosphere, and easy parking—rare perks along this part of the coast.
Dockweiler State Beach and Sunset Bonfires
Dockweiler sits just south of Marina del Rey and is one of the few easily accessible beaches in Los Angeles County with public fire pits. It’s popular with groups who come to watch the sunset, roast marshmallows, and listen to the crashing waves. The beach’s long, open area is great for walks or picnics, and the nearby sand dunes make it feel surprisingly secluded despite its proximity to LAX. It’s one of those classic LA experiences that feels both local and memorable.
Best Beaches for Dining and Entertainment
Redondo Beach Pier and Waterfront Restaurants
Redondo Beach is one of the most inviting coastal spots in the LA area, offering a mix of ocean views, dining, and local charm. The waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean, often with sea lions lounging nearby. Visitors love strolling the pier for long walks and sunset views, and the nearby bike path makes it easy to explore the beach area without driving. With plenty of parking, clean bathrooms, and shops close by, Redondo feels like an easily accessible mini escape within the city.
Manhattan Beach Pier and Local Shops
Manhattan Beach blends small-town energy with modern California style. The pier is surrounded by lively restaurants and boutiques, perfect for grabbing lunch after a morning by the water. The beach here stretches for nearly a mile, ideal for sunbathing or simply watching people catch waves. Manhattan Beach consistently ranks among locals’ favorite beaches for its relaxed atmosphere, oceanfront dining, and walkable downtown area. It’s one of those places that perfectly captures the LA lifestyle—laid-back, scenic, and full of character.
Local Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches Near Los Angeles
What Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles Beaches?
The best time to visit Los Angeles beaches is from late morning to early evening, when coastal clouds lift and temperatures are warm but comfortable. Mornings can be overcast due to marine layer, but afternoons typically bring sunshine year-round. Fall and winter are also great for fewer crowds and clear skies.
How Do You Get to the Beaches in the LA Area?
Most beaches are easily accessible by car, with parking lots or metered street spaces nearby. Santa Monica and Venice are connected by the beach bike path, while areas like Zuma and Redondo are best reached via the Pacific Coast Highway. For a car-free option, ride shares and public buses run directly to major beach areas.
Which Los Angeles Beaches Are Less Crowded?
For a quieter experience, visit Will Rogers State Beach, Playa del Rey, or Dockweiler. These lesser-known beaches are popular with locals but often overlooked by tourists. Early mornings and weekdays are the best times to enjoy open space and easy parking.
What Should You Bring for a Beach Day in LA?
Pack water, sunscreen, towels, and layers for cooler evenings. Many beaches have clean bathrooms, picnic tables, and nearby restaurants for convenience. If you plan to sunbathe or stay for sunset, bring a blanket or light jacket as ocean breezes can pick up later in the day.
What Are the Best Beach Day Trips from Los Angeles?
Laguna Beach in Orange County and Paradise Cove in Malibu are two of the most popular nearby beaches for day trips. Both offer scenic coves, clear water, and restaurants overlooking the ocean. These destinations are among the most beautiful places to visit near Los Angeles for travelers who want to explore beyond the city.
Quick Beach Safety Tips
- Always swim near lifeguard towers.
- Watch for changing tides and posted surf warnings.
- Protect local wildlife by staying on marked paths and avoiding dune vegetation.
- Never leave trash behind—help keep LA’s coastline clean for everyone.
Complete Your LA Adventure with Hollywood Bus Tours
Los Angeles has something for every kind of traveler—iconic landmarks, scenic drives, and miles of coastline that never lose their appeal. After spending some time by the Pacific Ocean, see the rest of the city with Hollywood Bus Tours.
Our Half-Day Best of LA Tour covers top highlights like Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica. Or join our Celebrity Homes Tour to see famous homes and the neighborhoods where celebrities actually live. Both options are led by expert local guides who know how to keep things entertaining while showing you the real LA.
Whether you start your trip on the beach or end it there, our tours make it easy to experience Los Angeles from every angle.
