Los Angeles, California is a sun-drenched paradise renowned for its sprawling beaches, making it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts. With miles of sandy shores, the area offers a plethora of options for anyone looking to soak up the sun, surf the waves, or just enjoy a casual day by the sea.
In this blog, we'll explore the best beaches to visit in Los Angeles, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Whether you're looking for a vibrant social scene, serene solitude, or family-friendly spots, Los Angeles has something to cater to every preference. Get ready to discover the best beaches to visit in Los Angeles, California, and perhaps find your new favourite coastal escape.
| Beach Name | Location | Top Activities | Best For | Why Visit? |
| #1. Paradise Cove Beach | Malibu | Swimming, sunbathing, dining | Families, Couples | Secluded area with a private feel and excellent dining options |
| #2. Santa Monica Beach | Santa Monica | Cycling, volleyball, amusement park | Tourists | Iconic pier with amusement park and vibrant local scene |
| #3. Venice Beach | Venice | Skateboarding, surfing, street performances | Young adults, Artists | Eclectic atmosphere with bustling boardwalk activities |
| #4. Malibu Surfrider Beach | Malibu | Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding | Surfers, Adventure seekers | Famous for its waves, perfect for surf enthusiasts |
| #5. Carbon Beach | Malibu | Walking, celebrity spotting | Luxury seekers | Exclusive beachfront with luxury homes and potential celebrity sightings |
| #6. El Matador Beach | Malibu | Photography, picnics, exploring sea caves | Romantic getaways | Stunning rock formations and sunset views |
| #7. Leo Carrillo State Beach | Malibu | Tide pooling, camping, hiking | Families, Nature lovers | Family-friendly with natural tide pools and scenic hiking trails |
| #8. Huntington Beach | Huntington Beach | Surfing, beach bonfires | Surfers, Friends | Known as "Surf City USA", ideal for surfing and beach parties |
| #9. Playa del Rey | Los Angeles | Kayaking, windsurfing | Water sports enthusiasts | Less crowded, great for water activities |
| #10. Dockweiler State Beach | Los Angeles | Hang gliding, bonfires | Groups, Casual visitors | Only beach in LA with bonfire pits, close to LAX |
| #11. Palos Verdes | Palos Verdes | Hiking, horseback riding | Nature lovers | Dramatic cliffside views and serene nature trails |
| #12. Manhattan Beach | Manhattan Beach | Beach volleyball, surfing | Active individuals | High-energy beach culture with top-tier volleyball courts |
| #13. Long Beach | Long Beach | Aquarium visits, boating | Families, Tourists | Vibrant urban surroundings with diverse attractions |
| #14. Marina del Rey | Marina del Rey | Sailing, fishing | Boating enthusiasts | Largest man-made marina with numerous water activities |
| #15. County Line Beach | Malibu | Surfing, fishing | Surfers, Fishermen | Quieter spot popular with surfers and beachgoers alike |
List of Best Beaches to Visit in Los Angeles, California
1. Paradise Cove Beach
Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. It's a private beach where visitors can rent comfy beach beds, lounge under chic umbrellas, and enjoy full-service amenities from the renowned Paradise Cove Beach Café right on the sand. The beach's protected cove setting makes the water calmer than at other Malibu beaches, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. With its scenic cliffs and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for both relaxation and beachside dining.
2. Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most iconic shores in Los Angeles with its wide, sandy beaches and the famous Santa Monica Pier. The pier features an amusement park, an aquarium, and various shops and eateries, making it a hit among families and tourists. The beach is excellent for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or cycling along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. With lifeguard stations and well-maintained facilities, it offers a safe and vibrant beachgoing experience.
3. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is renowned for its bohemian spirit and bustling boardwalk, where street performers, musicians, and artists display their talents. The sandy beach itself is ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching. Adjacent to the beach, the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, skate parks, and numerous basketball courts provide active beachgoers with plenty of entertainment. Venice Beach is also a great place to shop at funky boutiques or dine at eclectic restaurants.
4. Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu Surfrider Beach is a world-famous surfing destination, known for its perfect waves and expert surfers. Located next to the Malibu Pier, it is part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach where the Malibu Creek meets the ocean. This spot is not only great for surfing but also for bird watching and exploring the nearby wetlands. The beach’s iconic status and scenic beauty make it a must-visit for anyone looking to catch some waves.
5. Carbon Beach (Billionaire's Beach)
Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire's Beach, offers an exclusive sandy stretch beneath some of the most luxurious beachfront properties in Malibu. It is the best beach to visit near Los Angeles, for those hoping to spot a celebrity or enjoy a quiet, more refined beach day. Access points are limited, making it less crowded and more private than other beaches in the area.
6. El Matador Beach
El Matador Beach is one of Malibu's most picturesque locations, known for its rocky outcroppings and hidden coves. This beach is perfect for those looking for dramatic landscapes and a quieter atmosphere, making it the premier beach to visit near Los Angeles for photographers and romantics alike. Its beauty is unmatched, with steep paths leading down to the secluded sands, providing a sense of adventure to your beach day.
7. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach offers a diverse range of natural beauty from reefs and tide pools to coastal caves and sandy beaches. It's among the top beaches to go to in Los Angeles, California, particularly suited for families and nature enthusiasts. The beach is also dog-friendly, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to enjoy a beach day with their furry friends.
8. Huntington Beach
Although technically just outside Los Angeles County, Huntington Beach, or "Surf City USA," is well worth the drive for anyone looking for an active beach day. Known for its excellent surf, vibrant community, and expansive pier, it’s one of the best beaches to go to in Los Angeles for surf enthusiasts and beachgoers looking for a full day of activities.
9. Playa del Rey
Playa del Rey is a quaint beach located near the mouth of the Ballona Creek and is part of the larger Santa Monica Bay. It’s less crowded than its northern neighbours, offering a more laid-back vibe. The beach is great for jogging, swimming, and sunbathing. With its proximity to the local residential neighbourhood, it feels more like a private hideaway perfect for those seeking peace.
10. Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is notable for its 3-mile-long coastline and its proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport. Visitors here can watch aeroplanes take off and land, making it a unique spot for aviation enthusiasts. This beach is one of the few in LA where bonfires are allowed, with numerous fire pits available. It’s also equipped with hang-gliding facilities and a bike path, offering various recreational activities
11. Palos Verdes
The beaches along the Palos Verdes Peninsula offer rugged beauty and are some of the finest beaches to visit in Los Angeles, California, for those seeking tranquillity and natural scenery. These less-trafficked beaches provide peaceful retreats with stunning views of cliffs and rocky shores, ideal for hiking, tide pooling, and whale watching during migration seasons.
12. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is known for its active lifestyle and vibrant community, making it the best beach near Los Angeles, California. The beach boasts a scenic pier with an aquarium and a lively downtown area where visitors can shop and dine. It's also a popular spot for beach volleyball and surfing, offering a well-rounded beach experience.
13. Long Beach
Long Beach offers a more urban beach experience with its bustling waterfront and attractions like the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific nearby. The sandy stretch is great for casual beach activities, while the marina and boardwalk are lined with shops and restaurants. Long Beach is also a hub for water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing, making it a dynamic destination for visitors.
14. Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey is famed for being one of the largest man-made small craft harbours in the world. While it’s more about boating than beaching, the nearby Mother's Beach is ideal for families with its shallow, waveless waters and playground equipment. The area is also great for dining and shopping, with plenty of waterfront restaurants and chic boutiques.
15. County Line Beach
Located at the Ventura County line, this beach is known for its surfable waves and less crowded conditions. County Line Beach offers a mix of rocky and sandy shores, and its clear waters are ideal for surfing, fishing, and scuba diving. The scenic beauty and calmer atmosphere make it a favourite among those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy spots in Malibu.
Conclusion
Los Angeles' coastline is as diverse as the city itself, offering a wide range of beach experiences from bustling piers to quiet, scenic coves. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or just a beautiful place to lay your towel, the best beaches to visit in Los Angeles, California provide ample choices.
Each beach listed here promises a unique slice of California's beach culture, making it hard to choose just one as your destination. Whether you visit one or all, these beaches are sure to provide memorable experiences filled with sun, surf, and sand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What is the prettiest beach in Los Angeles?
El Matador State Beach is the prettiest beach in Los Angeles. Known for its stunning sea stacks and hidden coves, El Matador offers breathtaking sunset views and a picturesque setting, making it a favourite for both photographers and those seeking a serene beach experience.
Q.2 Where do locals go to the beach in LA?
Locals in Los Angeles often head to Zuma Beach in Malibu for its spacious sands, excellent surf, and relaxed atmosphere. Another favourite is Manhattan Beach, popular for its lively pier, volleyball courts, and family-friendly vibe, making it a quintessential Southern California beach experience.
Q.3 Which LA beach is the safest?
Zuma Beach in Malibu is considered the safest beach in Los Angeles, thanks to its well-maintained facilities, lifeguard presence, and clear waters. It's ideal for families and swimmers seeking a secure beach experience, with its wide sands and generally calm surf conditions.
Q.4 What is the cleanest beach near LA?
El Matador State Beach is often considered the cleanest beach near Los Angeles. Its pristine sands and clear waters make it a top choice for those seeking a spotless beach environment. The beach's lesser crowd compared to other LA beaches also contributes to its cleanliness and serene atmosphere.
