5 Best Los Angeles, California Beaches

Dec 15, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

No other American metropolis has as many beaches as Los Angeles. Numerous beaches may be found inside Los Angeles County itself, and the county is also next to and surrounded by many more beaches in cities to the north and south.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is so large that it is located near a beach (Playa del Rey). You may be on the beach after leaving the airport in only a few minutes. Although parking at many of the state's beaches does cost money, entry to the beaches itself is free under California law.

Unlike in other states, all California beaches are open to the public. In actuality, though, some beaches are so heavily patrolled that only locals are allowed access.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica provides the most outstanding all-around beach experience in Los Angeles, with its pristine, super-wide, soft sand beaches, amusement pier, beachfront promenade, and some fantastic restaurants. It also has some of Southern California's finest beaches.

The beaches have a classic East Coast vibe, but modern amenities like bike lanes and outdoor gyms have given them a fresh new lease of life. The Santa Monica Pier cuts across the middle of the 3.5-mile-long main beach, Santa Monica State Beach.

The pier is an exciting amusement park that juts into Santa Monica Bay. Due to its abundance of play areas—including a barrier-free playground—this beach is among the finest in Los Angeles for families with small children.

Malibu

Malibu, California, is a sprawling community that hugs the coast roughly 20 miles north of Santa Monica. It contains kilometres of stunning beaches, both open stretches and little coves. Bluffs or rocks sometimes hide Malibu's cove-type beaches, offering visitors a peaceful, private experience.

A meandering walk goes down to the beach from the parking area at the top of the cliff. Many films and television series have been filmed here, one of the world's first surfing beaches.

The parking area has restrooms and outdoor showers, providing minimal conveniences for guests. Topanga is a mile-long stretch of rocky, pebbly beach ideal for water sports, diving, and fishing but unsuitable for swimming.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is well recognized as a top surfing destination, with some of the finest waves. On each side of the city's massive pier, the beach stretches over 10 kilometres and is wide and level the whole way.

A bustling commercial centre is right across the street from the beach, perfect for post-beach shopping. You should check out the International Surfing Museum while you're in town. The city and its beaches see a large influx of visitors on summer weekends and during the annual professional surfing event.

Across from the sand and only a step away from the pier, the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort is a chic surf-themed hotel. The hotel is the nearest resort to the city's famed dog beach and welcomes pets of all sizes.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is a great place to take the family since it has a touristic but lovely tiny fisherman's hamlet and a massive marina called King Harbor. There is also a large, recently renovated municipal pier with dining, retail, and entertainment options and paddleboard and kayak rentals.

It's a mecca for surfers and beach volleyball players alike. Large, pristine beaches may be found at South Redondo Beach, not far from the pier. The Strand is a cycling path that borders the seashore. Redondo Beach is conveniently located near the end of the Metro's Green Line, making it an accessible option for those who like to use the train.

The Portofino Hotel and Marina is a beachfront property on a peninsula in King Harbor that has recently undergone extensive renovations. Each room and suite boasts a private balcony with an ocean view.

Playa del Rey

Dockweiler State Beach, located in this less well-known beach community near Marina del Rey, is often considered among the greatest in all Southern California. About four miles of oceanfront are available here. Vast stretches of undeveloped, unspoiled beaches are available here, surrounded by dunes and a nature park with wetlands.

Dockweiler is one of the few places in Los Angeles that allows camping on the beach; they have over 100 full hookup campsites available, but you need to book in advance. Plane spotting is another one-of-a-kind activity you may enjoy at this beach.