While inner-city LA is known for its labyrinth of car-clad highways and urban sprawl, here at Urban List, we know it also boasts some of the best beaches in California . Prepare for sun, surf, spray tans and a perpetual soundtrack of Beach Boys hits with our guide to the hottest LA coastlines.
Keep reading for the beach beaches in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Beach
Image credit: Viviana Rishe | Unsplash
First-time tourists should begin their journey at the landmark Santa Monica Pier. Here you’ll find its iconic solar powered ferris wheel, fish shacks and souvenir stands, as well as a small amusement park, game arcade and, obviously, a trapeze school (which offers casual beginners classes). Then head South of the boardwalk to cop an eyeful of the Original Muscle Beach—an outdoor gym area that’s been serving bodybuilders and athletes-in-training since the 1930s. The area also hosts a rich calendar of seasonal events, including farmers markets, antique fairs, beachside yoga and music festivals.
Parking can be tricky, so your best bet is to arrive early in the day, or park further away and walk. There’s plenty of shops, restaurants and coffee stops to enjoy as you make your way to the beach’s shore.
Venice Beach
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Known for its bohemian atmosphere, resident street performers and local exhibitionists–including buskers, mimes and musicians—Venice Beach is just as much ocean as it is an entertaining daytime spectacle. Out of the water, you might encounter a random basketball match, mad skills on display at the beachfront skate park, or the loud beat of the drumming circle, held daily on the beach’s sandy dunes. It’s also home to LA’s other Muscle Beach (this one made famous by the absolute machine that was Arnold Schwarzenegger in his 1980s beefcake era).
Word of wisdom: stick to a day visit, because things can feel a little sketchy on the streets after dark.
Dockweiler Beach
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Its public bonfire pits make Dockweiler Beach a popular party spot for teens and anyone hell-bent on smashing a few White Claws before embarking on an impromptu nudie run.
Between the revellers and the overhead flight path (the beach is in near proximity to LAX), you won’t have a quiet time here but you’re promised to have a good one. Clear, relatively still water makes it one of the best beaches in Los Angeles to swim , and RV parking is available for those who want to stay overnight, after basking in the evening sunset.
In summer, people are known to line up for one before 6am to secure a fire pit; so be prepared to arrive early in the morning if you want to score one. And don’t forget to bring firewood and marshmallows to toast by the flames.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
This stretch of Malibu Lagoon State Beach is possibly the most famous surf break in the USA. It’s divided into three points: the first point, or ‘take-off zone’, is best for longboarders, with waves that are even, reliable and kinda cruisey. The waves at second point are faster and less predictable, and at third point you'll find them at their wildest.
Can’t surf? No worries–the beach is also great for a swim, and birdwatchers can enjoy a prime vantage point from the beach’s wooden pier. But as one of LA’s most popular attractions, Surfrider is prone to crowding, so parking–when you can find it–is at a premium.
Manhattan Beach
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Considered to be the birthplace of beach volleyball, and one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for families, Manhattan Beach provides a welcome retreat away from LA’s inner city grind. There’s something for everyone here, from shopping to surfing, swimming or simply taking in the view. Kids will love visiting the neighbouring Roundhouse Aquarium and its resident lobsters, eels, sea stars and sharks–while the foodie in the family can check out Downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers Market , which is held every Tuesday from 11am-3pm.
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Hermosa Beach
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Amidst the high-rolling homes and occasional celebrity sightings, visitors flock to Hermosa Beach for its beautiful scenery and full calendar of events–including music festivals and volleyball tournaments. The best way to take it all in is by foot, or by renting a bike from Hermosa Cyclery and rolling leisurely down the Strand (the famed beach path which extends 35km across LA’s coastline).
Hermosa Beach is usually a family friendly place–but if you’re visiting on the 4th of July holiday, expect a rowdy crowd. That’s when the annual Iron Man competition takes over; a weird triathlon that involves a mile-long run, a lap in the surf, and the rapid guzzling of a six pack. Those who throw up mid-race are disqualified.
Rosie’s Dog Beach
Rosie’s Dog Beach is the only beach in LA where you can let your mutt run free. Located in the city of Long Beach, it’s only been a designated doggo zone since 2001, after local resident Justin Rudd and his beloved bulldog Rosie sought permission from the city to section off a dog-friendly play area.
There’s a few rules to be aware of at Rosie’s: its opening hours are strictly from 6am to 8pm daily, only one dog allowed per person, and for safety reasons, small children are not allowed to yell or chase after the dogs or poke them with sticks. Also, know upfront that it’s not the prettiest beach in LA; the ocean view is punctuated with oil tankers. But the dogs don’t care, the street parking is free, and the happiness it brings to our best mates is priceless.
Huntington State Beach
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This quintessential Orange County tourist destination is packed with amenities, including basketball and volleyball courts, picnic ramadas, barbecue facilities and 200 fire pits. It has a dedicated RV campground, but daytime visitors can park for a flat fee of $15.
While surfers are welcome at Huntington State Beach, there’s restrictions during high season–making it more suited to casual paddling and body surfing. The area also hosts annual events such as Oktoberfest and California Wine Festival, as well as regular car shows and pro surfing tournaments.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Most beaches in LA are distinguished by long white ribbons of sand and glistening blue ocean. But the national park of Leo Carrillo is a more textured landscape. The beach is lined with jagged rocks that protrude from the shoreline, creating tidepools, curious caves and endless opportunities for exploration. It’s perfect for bodysurfing, snorkelling and kayaking, and dogs are allowed (on leash).
Camping and RV facilities are available for those wanting to make a short holiday of their visit–but note that Summer reservations book out quickly, so try to reserve your site a few months in advance. If you’re just dropping by, parking is $3 per hour and $12 daily (max.).
Zuma Beach
Trailing alongside Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway, Zuma is one of the largest and most popular beaches in LA. And while the waves are nothing special, the pristine sand and glassy blue wall of water make it one of the best beaches in Los Angeles to swim.
With 2,000 parking bays and ample space, it’s super accessible and rarely feels crowded. There’s food stalls on either side, and wide, sandy banks of shoreline where you can park an esky, pitch an umbrella and settle in for the day.
The water at Zuma is notably cooler than other LA beaches, which some find refreshing. But If you can’t handle the chill, stay dry and hike Point Dume instead. It’s an impressive rock formation that juts out of the ocean, providing a natural viewing deck for whales, dolphins, and the odd shark fin.
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