Last Updated on April 29, 2023
With its world-famous attractions, temperatures that stay mostly in the mid 60s or above throughout the year, and over 75 miles of coastline, Los Angeles is home to some of the best beaches in California.
From wide stretches of sand to secluded coves and unique rocky outcroppings, there’s something for everyone in this sunny Southern California city. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the stunning ocean views or search for seashells and marine life, these LA beaches offer something for everyone.
Here are 11 incredible beaches in Los Angeles you should check out:
Venice Beach
Located just south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach offers a fun boardwalk with plenty of entertainment. Venice Beach is a popular and fascinating destination in Los Angeles where you can encounter artists, palm readers, people rolling along the beach (roller skates and bikes), belly dancers, vendors, street performers, and bodybuilders.
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and others used to work out at Legendary Muscle Beach in the workout pit to build their muscles. One of the best places to watch people in Los Angeles is Venice beach.
Finding street parking is difficult, but fortunately there are multiple parking lots located by the beach.
El Matador State Beach
This picturesque beach is tucked away in a small cove and boasts some of the most dramatic rock formations along the West Coast. El Matador State Beach is also known for its tide pools, which are full of marine life during low-tide times.
El Matador Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, which has three beaches. Among the three beaches, El Matador is the closest to dreamy Malibu and is the most popular. This beach is one of the best and most beautiful in Southern California, and it is deserving of its popularity.
Manhattan Beach
This popular beach in South Bay features wide stretches of sand (roughly 450 feet wide) that make it perfect for sunning, swimming or beach volleyball. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, so you can spend an entire day here.
Manhattan Beach is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County and is one of the three Beach Cities, which also include Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
This iconic beach is known for its consistent waves and attracts surfers from all over the world. Its stunning rocky outcroppings make it great for taking photos, too.
Malibu “Surfrider” Beach is a section of Malibu Lagoon State Beach that includes Malibu Lagoon and the Malibu Pier.
The location of “First Point” is near Malibu Pier and the waves there are mild, making it a perfect spot for individuals who are new to surfing.
Will Rogers State Beach
This wide, sandy beach is located between Santa Monica and Malibu and is popular among surfers, swimmers and sunbathers alike. There’s also a bike path that runs parallel to the beach, making it an ideal spot for cyclists. The bike path is part of the South Bay Bicycle Trail includes a 19.1-mile (30.7 km) bike path that runs along the shore and reaches Torrance, California. The beach is also a popular surf spot.
Santa Monica Beach
This 3.5 mile long stretch of sand is located west of Downtown Los Angeles and offers something for everyone, from volleyball courts, workout equipment, to bike paths.
The Santa Monica Pier is located in the middle of the beach, stretching from Colorado Boulevard to the center of Santa Monica. The pier is a significant tourist attraction for both the beach and the city. It includes an amusement park, aquarium, Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants, and more.
Zuma Beach
This beach in Malibu is known for its wide expanses of sand, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Zuma Beach is also a popular spot for surfers who are looking to catch some waves.
Zuma Beach is a popular choice for both residents and visitors, despite its slightly colder water. Although this beach is recognized for swimming and body surfing, it’s also notorious for its rough waters, including riptides.
Hermosa Beach
Just south of where LA County meets Orange County, Hermosa Beach offers the perfect combination of beach activities and city sights and sounds. This area is great for activities like sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding, cycling, and running.
Additionally, it has a lively nightlife scene so you can stay out late at night.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
The park is situated on the Malibu coast and is included in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It has 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of beach and extends into the Santa Monica Mountains.
There are tide pools, caves and hiking trails to explore, as well as sheltered coves for fishing and kayaking.
Point Dume State Beach
The Point Dume State Beach has headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and a wide beach area. This beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is great for exploring tide pools. There are also plenty of trails that meander through the area, so you can take in all its natural beauty without ever leaving the beach.
During the migration period from December to mid-April, Point Dume is an excellent location to observe California gray whales.
Paradise Cove
Located at the southern end of Malibu, Paradise Cove is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles. Paradise Cove Beach is a small beach that is both public and private, hidden under the cliffs of Malibu. This beach offers a wide stretch of sand and plenty of tide pools that are full of marine life during low-tide times.
The accessibility, however, comes with a bit of a price tag depending on if you eat at the on-site café during your long day in the sun. The Paradise Cove Beach Café requires a minimum spending of $30. If you eat there, parking for four hours costs $6 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. If you do not eat there, parking costs $35 on weekdays and $50 on weekends.
No matter which beach you choose, Los Angeles has something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your sunscreen and head out to one of these incredible beaches and make some unforgettable memories!
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