Complete LA Beaches Guide

LA County boasts 75 miles of stunning Pacific coastline with over 30 public beaches. The water is cold (55-68°F) — locals wear wetsuits for surfing year-round. Water quality is tested daily by Heal the Bay; avoid swimming 72 hours after rain. Peak beach season is July-October when "June Gloom" morning clouds clear. All California beaches are public below the mean high tide line — no private beaches exist by law.

The quintessential LA beach experience. Santa Monica's 3.5-mile stretch features the iconic Pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park amusement rides, and the Pier Aquarium. Find the original Muscle Beach near the pier, volleyball courts, and excellent swimming. Parking: Beach lots ($8-20/day) or metered street parking. The Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place mall are steps away. Best for: Families, first-time LA visitors, pier activities.

The legendary bohemian beach known worldwide for its eccentric boardwalk. Watch street performers, browse vendor stalls, visit the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, or catch skaters at the Venice Skate Park. The Venice Canals (a few blocks inland) offer peaceful walks past charming homes. Nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard has LA's best boutique shopping and dining. Parking is tough — arrive before 10am or use ride-share. Best for: People-watching, street art, unique culture.

Malibu's legendary 27-mile coastline offers LA's most spectacular beaches. Zuma Beach: Wide, clean, family-friendly with lifeguards. Point Dume: Dramatic cliffs, tide pools, whale watching (Dec-April). El Matador State Beach: Stunning sea stacks and rock formations — LA's most photographed beach (Instagram favorite). Paradise Cove: Private beach restaurant access ($35 min). Surfrider Beach: World-famous surf break. Leo Carrillo: Tide pools, sea caves, camping. Parking is limited ($8-15) — arrive early on weekends.

Between Santa Monica and Malibu, Will Rogers is a local favorite for its wide sandy expanse and excellent swimming conditions. Less crowded than Santa Monica but equally beautiful. Popular with families and beach volleyball enthusiasts. Easy PCH access and ample parking. The beach stretches 2 miles with lifeguards on duty. Sunset views are spectacular here. Best for: Swimming, volleyball, relaxed beach day.

The South Bay trio offers a more authentic local beach experience. Manhattan Beach: Upscale, family-friendly with excellent restaurants and the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier. Hermosa Beach: Lively pier area, beach volleyball capital, vibrant nightlife. Redondo Beach: Horseshoe-shaped beach, fishing pier, Harbor area dining. The Strand bike path (22 miles) connects all three. Cleaner water, less crowded, and friendlier parking than Westside beaches. Best for: Locals' vibe, volleyball, cycling.

LA's only beach with public fire pits — perfect for beach bonfires and s'mores at sunset. The 3.7-mile stretch sits right below LAX, so you'll see planes overhead (a unique LA experience). Fire pits are first-come, first-served and fill up fast on weekends — arrive by 2pm. Bring your own wood (no burning pallets). RV camping available. The beach itself is wide and less crowded. Best for: Beach bonfires, plane watching, camping.

LA County's southern coastal city offers a different beach experience. Alamitos Bay Beach: Protected harbor, calm water, great for families and kayaking. Belmont Shore: Trendy 2nd Street shopping and dining steps from sand. Mother's Beach: Enclosed beach, no waves, perfect for toddlers. The Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific are nearby attractions. The beach faces south and has warmer water than west-facing LA beaches. Best for: Calm water, families with small kids.

LA offers world-class surf breaks for all levels. Beginners: Santa Monica (gentle breaks), Malibu Surfrider (longboard paradise). Intermediate: El Porto (Manhattan Beach), Sunset Beach (PCH). Advanced: Venice Breakwater, The Wedge (Newport). Surf lessons available at Santa Monica and Venice ($80-150/2hr). Wetsuit rental included. Best surf: August-October (south swells), December-February (winter swells). Water temp: 55-68°F year-round — wetsuit recommended.

Beyond swimming, LA beaches offer endless activities. Bike The Strand: 22-mile paved path from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. Rentals at Perry's Cafe (Santa Monica) from $10/hr. Volleyball: Free nets at nearly every beach; equipment rental available. Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Rentals at Marina del Rey and Long Beach. Whale Watching: Dec-April gray whale migration; boats depart Marina del Rey. Beach Yoga: Free sunset sessions at Santa Monica year-round.

Bring layers — mornings can be 15°F cooler until noon. Parking fills by 10am on summer weekends; use ride-share or arrive early. LA sun is intense — SPF 30+ required even on cloudy days. Pack out all trash (marine life depends on it). Alcohol is prohibited on all LA beaches ($250 fine). Glass containers also banned. Dogs allowed at specific beaches only (Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach is best). Restrooms at main beaches; bring your own TP to remote spots.

From Downtown LA: Santa Monica is 16 miles west (30-60 min depending on traffic). Use the Metro E Line for traffic-free access to Santa Monica and Venice. Malibu: 25-45 miles via PCH (scenic but slow). South Bay: 15-25 miles via I-405 or I-110. Parking: Beach lots $8-20/day, metered street parking limited. Pro tip: Weekday beach visits avoid crowds and parking hassles entirely.