7 Perfect Beaches in Los Angeles You’ve Got to Visit
7 Perfect Beaches in Los Angeles You’ve Got to Visit
Any trip to Los Angeles, California isn’t complete without a beach day (or two, or three, or four!). LA is home to soo many amazing beaches that you will be sure to find something that is perfect for what you are looking for. Near Malibu (the northern end of Los Angeles County) you’ll find quiet, serene beaches with opportunities for hiking and tide-pooling (plus some swoon-worthy Airbnbs). And in more central LA, you’ll find loads of iconic So-Cal beaches that just scream California summer.
This list of beaches in Los Angeles includes amazing surfing spots, gorgeous sunset spots, fun water-front amusement parks, perfect spots for beach bonfires, and even popular filming locations! Let us share with you our favorite beaches to visit whenever we are vacationing in ‘the city of angels’.
Los Angeles Beaches:
- Hermosa Beach
- Dockweiler Beach
- Venice Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- El Matador State Beach
- Santa Monica Beach
- Zuma Beach
Use this map to help pick a beach based on where you will be staying in LA or based on how long of a drive you want to make. I highly suggest renting a car for your time in Los Angeles because public transportation isn’t convenient or easy to use.
related post: 19 Unique Airbnbs in California You Need to Experience
7 Perfect Beaches in Los Angeles You’ve Got to Visit
1. Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is perfect for all you lovers of La La Land because this LA beach is home to not one, but two La La Land filming spots. Right near the beach on Pier Ave, you’ll find The Lighthouse Cafe which is a popular, hip jazz club that has been around since 1949 and also stars as a jazz club in the movie. You can visit The Lighthouse Cafe for brunch or bar food while watching an eclectic variety of bands.
Hermosa Pier is the other filming location from La La Land you may recognize. This pier is where Sebastian walks along singing ‘City of Stars’ under the moon and lamplight (bad news though, the cute lamps were movie props and not permanent fixtures on the pier).
This LA beach is a popular location due to its excellent waves, great swimming areas, multiple volleyball nets and easy access to the bike path. Hermosa Beach downtown is full of cute and charming shops and restaurants. This area starts on Hermosa Avenue extending along Pier Avenue and down to Pier Plaza.
By: Destination Daydreamer (me)
2. Dockweiler Beach
If you are looking for a picture-perfect beach bonfire, look no further than Dockweiler Beach. Even though Dockweiler Beach has around 60-80 fire rings, you’ll want to get to the beach early to claim a spot. You might also be able to join another group’s fire, while still doing your own thing as a group.
Another great thing about Dockweiler Beach is it’s the closest beach to the LA Airport (only a 7-minute drive!). This means you can squeeze one last beach trip in as your last stop on your way out of town. Some find the airplane noise to be too loud, however, it can also be a perfect spot for plane watching!
By: Destination Daydreamer (me)
check out this post: 14 Beautiful California State Parks You’ve Got to See
3. Venice Beach
During a road trip through West USA or simply during your fabulous vacation in ‘the city of Angels’, a visit to Venice Beach cannot be missed. You will probably recognize this place from the many Hollywood movies that have been filmed here. You can enjoy the sun on the sandy beach, or enjoy some surfing on the sea. The colorful lifeguard cabins are perfect for a fabulous Instagram picture. Sun, sea, and palm trees, Venice Beach has everything you need to enjoy a perfect day at the beach in LA.
On the Venice Beach Boardwalk, you will find the cutest souvenirs stores, bars and restaurants. You should take the time to watch the numerous skaters, street performers and artists passing by.
The vibrant colorful streets in the neighborhood are known for their Bohemian style and many graffiti walls. It is also a coveted town for photography enthusiasts. Treat yourself to a beautiful sunset view of the Pacific Ocean by the end of the day. Want to enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the sunset? At Hotel Erwin, you can relax on the rooftop bar and end your vacation in style.
By: Bey Of Travel
4. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is where high-class shopping meets the beach life. Just steps away from Manhattan Pier, you’ll find over 120 retailers, art galleries, and restaurants. Plus, every Tuesday from 11 am- 3 pm you can experience The Downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers’ market where you’ll find perfect fresh produce, amazing prepackaged items, and delicious lunch vendors.
The end of the Manhattan Pier is home to a small, donation-based aquarium that’s definitely worth checking out. Along the beach you can surf, windsurf, bike and play volleyball. And if you time your visit correctly, you may even be able to watch the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament when they bring in stadium seating on the sand next to the pier for everyone to watch for free!
By: Destination Daydreamer (me)
5. El Matador State Beach
Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in LA thanks to its incredible sandstone formations, hidden coves and arches.
This small but photogenic beach is a popular place for photography and it’s not uncommon for several photo sessions to be taking place here at the same time.
This beach is located along the Pacific Coast Highway and doesn’t have any amenities nearby, so bring a snack and some snacks with you. It’s a bit hard to locate, as there are not a lot of signs, so watch out for a small signage as you drive between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo.
A very small parking lot on top of the bluff fills up quickly, so unless you come early morning, it’s not uncommon to have to park your car by the side of the road before taking the steep stairs down to the beach. If you manage to get a spot at a parking lot, you will also need to pay a small fee.
I especially recommend visiting El Matador State Beach during the sunset, as it’s simply breathtaking with the golden light of the sun.
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6. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is the perfect classic beach for any trip to Los Angeles. The pier itself is one of the main highlights of Santa Monica. It has an aquarium, historic carousel, arcade, restaurants, pier performers, artists, musicians, and of course Pacific Park, the mini theme park with a huge ferris wheel, roller coaster, carnival games and food, and smaller rides.
At the end of the pier, you’ll find Maria Sol, a Mexican restaurant with great views if you’re seated outside. You can also explore the end of the pier, where there are different levels to get you closer to the water.
Santa Monica Beach itself is a wide beach with lots of sand to sprawl out and relax on. You’ll often see people flying kites and surfing. Grab food to go from one of the many food carts on the pier and take it down to the beach to have a picnic. The water can be really cold, but on hot summer days, it’s the perfect treat.
Just across the street from the beach, just north of the pier, is 3rd Street Promenade, an outdoor shopping center with lots of delicious restaurants and unique attractions like a 3D art museum.
7. Zuma Beach
Looking for soft sand and a less crowded place to really enjoy the beach life that Los Angeles is famous for? Head to Zuma Beach. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, this beach is 1.8 miles of soft sand and stunning views. It is a local favorite since it is much less crowded compared to tourist hot spots like Santa Monica.
Zuma has been known to have slightly colder water but is GREAT for surfing and even whale watching. Plus Zuma Beach has been ranked as one of the healthiest beaches with clean water in the L.A county. When you visit Zuma, make sure to pack a light sweater if you are planning to spend the day as the winds make the weather a bit chilly. Zuma is a perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday, there is ample parking in the connecting lot as well as lifeguards on duty to ensure you are having a fun time while staying safe.
If you get hungry (everyone is starving after a day at the beach, no judgment), you can hop in the car and head over to one of our all-time favorite seafood stands the Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market. It is a short 12-minute drive, and when you see the line (and there is always a line) DON’T LEAVE. The freshness of the seafood that is prepared perfectly is worth the wait. We promise. If you visit Zuma during the winter season you may also get a glimpse at some gorgeous Grey Whales as they are migrating.
Zuma really is the best of what LA beach life has to offer. Sun, sand, and serenity.
Enjoy your time at LA’s beautiful and classic Southern California beaches!
Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:
- 19 Unique Airbnbs in California You Need to Experience
- 14 Beautiful California State Parks You’ve Got to See
- Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
- Summer Weekend Getaway to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- 12 Gorgeous Northern California Hikes in the Sierra Nevadas
And those are our top 7 perfect beaches you’ve got to visit on your next trip to LA! Let me know if you have any questions about traveling to LA or California in general in the comments below. I’m someone who loves to talk all things travel!
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