Nature & Camping Inspiration
8 Best Beaches in Los Angeles
Your guide to the best LA beaches, from pier to paradise.
When people say “best LA beaches,” they usually mean iconic. But what they’re really chasing is a mood — salt in your hair, boardwalk fries, sand that sticks to everything, and that golden moment when the sun dips low and everything feels soft. That’s the kind of day you can have at these eight beaches. Whether you’re hopping between surf spots or stretching out your towel for hours, this list hits every coastal vibe — from laid-back to legendary.
Zuma Beach
Zuma is effortless—big, wide, and never too crowded. It’s one of the best LA beaches when you want space to roam, toss a frisbee, or walk for miles without weaving through umbrellas. Strong waves, golden sunsets, and the chance to spot whales off Point Dume keep it simple, stunning, and quietly loved by locals.
Why We Love It
- Wide-Open Spaces: Expansive sands and big skies create a sense of freedom and calm.
- Local Favorite: Beloved by Malibu residents for its relaxed vibe and uncrowded feel, even on weekends.
- Wild Beauty: Crisp ocean air, crashing surf, and sunsets that make every evening feel cinematic.
- Whale Watching: Keep an eye out for migrating whales cruising past Point Dume in winter and spring.
Parking & Access
- Parking: 8 large beachfront lots ($8–$15/day), some free shoulder parking on PCH (watch signs).
- ADA: Seasonal beach mats, accessible restrooms, and beach wheelchairs available.
- Dogs: Not permitted on the sand; leashed dogs allowed on sidewalks and parking areas only.
- Access: Easy drive up Pacific Coast Highway; no restaurants on the sand, so bring your own food or stop at Trancas Market nearby.
- Swim or boogie board: Consistent waves and lifeguards all along the beach
- Play beach volleyball: Plenty of open nets — BYOB (bring your own ball)
- Take a long beach walk: Over two miles of uninterrupted sand
- Explore Point Dume: Hike the bluff trail for sweeping views and whale spotting
- Watch for dolphins or whales: Yes, they cruise past here regularly
- Pack a picnic: Quiet, no-frills setting = perfect for beach snacks and chill time
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is LA’s extrovert beach—iconic, lively, and never boring. Ride the roller coasters, watch the sunset, or hit the sand volleyball courts. Rent a bike along the strand or people-watch from the pier with a churro in hand. Even locals sneak in weekday walks here for a quick reset with ocean views.
Why We Love It
- Route 66 Landmark: The legendary end of America’s most iconic highway meets the Pacific, blending nostalgia and ocean air.
- Boardwalk Magic: Classic amusement rides, street performers, and sunset colors give this beach endless energy.
- Local Favorite: Loved by Angelenos and travelers alike—it’s both film-famous and authentically LA.
- Effortless Vibe: Santa Monica delivers that sun-soaked, laid-back feeling without even trying.
Parking & Access
- Parking: 8 public lots ($6–$15/day), limited metered street parking, yearly beach parking pass available.
- ADA: Accessible restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and seasonal beach mats; elevators and ramps connect bluffs to the beach.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on the boardwalk but not on the sand.
- Access: Quick walk from downtown Santa Monica, easy from Pacific Coast Highway, and directly connected to The Strand bike path.
- Walk the Santa Monica Pier: Ride the Ferris wheel, grab a churro, and soak in the ocean views
- Bike or skate The Strand: Cruise the coastline on the iconic Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Watch street performers: Catch music, magic, and sunset vibes from the pier deck
- Train at Original Muscle Beach: See locals flipping, swinging, and strength-training by the sea
- Swim or lounge at Annenberg Beach House: Public pool, beach chairs, and chill vibes all in one
- Picnic at Palisades Park: Snap photos or relax above the bluffs with a panoramic backdrop
Venice Beach
Venice is unapologetic—gritty, creative, and full of character. Walk the boardwalk for skate tricks, street art, tarot readings, and yes, rollerblades. The wide, flat beach is perfect for a full day, with landmarks like the skatepark and Muscle Beach steps away. Catch golden hour from the pier and you’ll see why, out of all the best beaches in LA, Venice shows the most soul.
Why We Love It
- Unfiltered Creativity: Gritty, colorful, and wildly expressive—Venice is a living canvas where nothing is too weird.
- Boardwalk Energy: From skate tricks and rollerbladers to tarot readings and street performers, every stroll is its own adventure.
- Iconic Landmarks: Home to Muscle Beach, the Venice Skatepark, and that legendary pier—endlessly photogenic.
- Soulful Atmosphere: Venice doesn’t just invite you to visit—it wants you to feel every beat of its eclectic heart.
Parking & Access
- Parking: Three main public lots (Rose Ave, Venice Blvd, Washington Blvd) $5–$15/day; private lots nearby, limited metered street parking.
- ADA: Accessible restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and paved boardwalk; beach mats seasonally available.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on the boardwalk; not permitted on the sand or skatepark.
- Access: Easy access from Abbot Kinney and Venice neighborhoods; boardwalk and pier are fully paved and stroller/wheelchair-friendly.
- Walk the Venice Boardwalk: See murals, street performers, vendors, and chaos in the best way
- Skate or spectate at Venice Skate Park: Watch flips, tricks, and locals putting on a show
- Work out at Muscle Beach Gym: Old-school open-air gym with major history
- Stroll the Venice Pier: Quieter stretch with ocean views and solid surf watching
- Cruise the Venice Canals: Historic bridges and peaceful paths a block from the beach
- Shop Abbot Kinney Blvd: Cool boutiques, art galleries, and laid-back cafes
Manhattan Beach
If Venice is chaos and Santa Monica the show, Manhattan Beach is the grown-up with style. The sand is cleaner, the waves steady, and the pier feels postcard-perfect at sunrise. Locals jog The Strand, volleyball games run nonstop, and surf lessons start before dawn. It’s one of the best beaches in LA for that quiet luxury vibe—barefoot seafood, ocean views, and effortless charm.
Why We Love It
- Polished Charm: Clean sand, stylish shops, and that postcard-worthy pier—where beach life feels a little more refined.
- Endless Volleyball: Dozens of courts and the birthplace of pro beach volleyball create an energetic, sporty atmosphere.
- The Strand: A scenic, palm-lined path for walking, jogging, or just soaking in the oceanfront beauty.
- Laid-Back Luxury: Upscale dining and boutiques just steps from the surf—casual, cool, and never pretentious.
Parking & Access
- Parking: Two main pier lots and nearby garages ($2/hr, no flat rate); metered street parking throughout downtown.
- ADA: Accessible restrooms, ramps, and beach wheelchairs; The Strand and pier are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on The Strand and in downtown; not permitted on the beach.
- Access: Easy drive from LA via Sepulveda Blvd or PCH; downtown shops and the pier are a short walk from most parking.
- Walk the Manhattan Beach Pier: Classic views, ocean breeze, and the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end
- Explore downtown Manhattan Beach: Boutique shopping and local restaurants just steps from the sand
- Bike or jog The Strand: Scenic beachfront path lined with unreal real estate
- Play beach volleyball: Nets line the sand — and this is the beach volleyball capital
- Surf at El Porto: Consistent waves and a local surf crowd on the north end
- Catch sunset at Bruce’s Beach Park: Chill grassy overlook with history and major golden hour vibes
Huntington Beach
Surf City USA is loud, legendary, and built for a full beach day. From surf comps to fire pits at sunset, Huntington is one of the best beaches in LA for anyone who likes edge with their ocean breeze. And when the waves roll in, Huntington Beach is one of California’s classic surf spots.
Why We Love It
- Surf City USA: Legendary waves, iconic surf culture, and a pier that captures classic California energy.
- Festival Vibes: Home to world-famous surf competitions and lively summer events—every day feels like a celebration.
- Bonfire Nights: Fire pits glow at sunset, filling the beach with the scent of s’mores and ocean air.
- Oceanfront Action: Biking, volleyball, and a buzzing boardwalk create a playground for sunseekers of all ages.
Parking & Access
- Parking: Multiple beachfront lots ($15–$30/day); metered street parking near Main Street and the pier.
- ADA: Accessible restrooms, ramps, and beach wheelchairs; paved pathways along the boardwalk and pier.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on the paved path and at Huntington Dog Beach (just north); not permitted on the main beach areas.
- Access: Easy access from Pacific Coast Highway; Main Street shops, restaurants, and the pier are steps from most lots.
- Walk the Santa Monica Pier: Ride the Ferris wheel, grab a churro, and soak in the ocean views
- Bike or skate The Strand: Cruise the coastline on the iconic Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- Watch street performers: Catch music, magic, and sunset vibes from the pier deck
- Train at Original Muscle Beach: See locals flipping, swinging, and strength-training by the sea
- Swim or lounge at Annenberg Beach House: Public pool, beach chairs, and chill vibes all in one
- Picnic at Palisades Park: Snap photos or relax above the bluffs with a panoramic backdrop
Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove is Malibu’s secret mood—golden sand, steep bluffs, and a café that serves cocktails to your chair. This isn’t for wild games or surf breaks; it’s where you slow down and feel luxe doing nothing. Out of all the best LA beaches, Paradise Cove is the private escape—complete with a Beach Boys album cover cameo.
Why We Love It
- Hidden Malibu Escape: Tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, this secluded cove feels like a private retreat.
- Classic California Nostalgia: The backdrop of album covers and movies, it’s Malibu at its most iconic.
- Beachside Luxury: Order cocktails and fresh seafood to your lounge chair—relaxed, upscale, and totally unique.
- Gentle Waves: Calm, protected waters invite you to float, wade, or just bask in the sun.
Parking & Access
- Parking: Private lot ($45–$65/day unless validated by dining at the café); a few free public spots on PCH, usually filled by early morning.
- ADA: Accessible café and restrooms; no beach mats; the path from PCH is steep and may be challenging with gear.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on outdoor café patio, but not on the beach itself.
- Access: Short but steep walk from Pacific Coast Highway; easiest access is through the café lot if parking there.
- Grab food at Paradise Cove Beach Café: Dine with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in a pineapple
- Rent a cabana or beach bed: Yes, it’s a splurge — yes, it’s worth it
- Swim in calm waters: Protected cove = chill waves and perfect floating conditions
- Take photos by the old pier: Iconic wooden pilings and a backdrop made for Instagram
- Wander to tide pools: At low tide, explore sea life along the rocky edges
- Spot dolphins: No joke — they cruise by regularly like they own the place
Redondo Beach
Redondo sneaks up on you—in the best way. You come for a casual afternoon and end up paddleboarding with dolphins or eating fish tacos on the pier. Of all the best beaches in LA, this is the one that makes you stay longer than planned. With a marine lab, SUP tours, and laid-back pier vibes, Redondo earns its loyalty without trying.
Why We Love It
- Pier Energy: The lively pier is lined with shops, restaurants, and ocean views—classic SoCal fun.
- Adventure on the Water: Paddleboarding, fishing, and harbor cruises all start right at the shore.
- Dolphin Sightings: Watch for playful dolphins just offshore—nature’s surprise in an urban setting.
- Easygoing Vibe: Unpretentious, laid-back, and perfect for lingering all afternoon.
Parking & Access
- Parking: Multiple public lots ($6–$15/day) near the pier; limited metered street parking close to the beach.
- ADA: Accessible restrooms, ramps, and beach wheelchairs available; paved walkways along the pier and marina.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed on the Esplanade and sidewalks, but not on the sand or pier.
- Access: Quick drive from central LA via I-405 or PCH; easy walk from downtown Redondo to the beach and pier.
- Stroll Redondo Beach Pier: Ocean views, seafood spots, and quirky local shops
- Paddleboard or kayak: Calm waters and seasonal whale-watching tours
- Visit the SEA Lab: Interactive marine center for kids and curious grownups
- Go for a glass-bottom boat ride: Yes, it’s touristy — but also cool
- Rent bikes or walk The Esplanade: Chill oceanfront path with epic views
- Grab tacos and watch the sunset: Nothing fancy, just perfect
Catalina Island
Not technically mainland, but if we’re talking best LA beaches, Catalina deserves its spot—ferry and all. Life slows here: clearer water, saltier air, and a to-do list that disappears. Descanso Beach brings cabanas and cocktails, while Pebbly Beach and Little Harbor offer tide pools and camping views. Catalina blends adventure with calm, and the boat ride only adds to the escape.
Why We Love It
- Island Escape: The ferry ride sets the tone—suddenly the mainland fades and island time begins.
- Crystal-Clear Water: Turquoise coves and peaceful beaches offer a true break from city life.
- Mix of Adventure & Relaxation: Swim, snorkel, hike, or just unplug under palm trees—Catalina is what you make it.
- Car-Free Vibe: Golf carts, bikes, and walking paths create a laid-back pace that feels worlds away from LA.
Parking & Access
- Parking: No personal vehicles allowed on the island; parking for ferries available at Long Beach, San Pedro, and Newport Beach terminals.
- ADA: Beach wheelchairs available in Avalon; paved walkways at major beaches and attractions.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash in Avalon and on select hiking trails; check ferry policies for pet travel.
- Access: Reachable only by ferry (about 1 hour from the LA area); beaches like Descanso and Pebbly are a short walk from the Avalon ferry terminal.
- Relax at Descanso Beach Club: Rent a cabana, sip a cocktail, pretend you live there
- Swim at Pebbly Beach: Small, quiet, and perfect for a quick dip
- Camp at Little Harbor: Remote beach camping on the island’s wild side
- Snorkel or kayak: Clear water + rocky coves = underwater wonderland
- Explore Avalon: Cute shops, colorful houses, and everything walkable
- Take the ferry: Even getting there feels like part of the adventure
Before You Go
Get there early, skip the chaos
The sweet spot for LA beaches is sunrise to 9 a.m. — before the marine layer lifts and the lots fill. Santa Monica and Venice are packed by mid-morning, but spots like Zuma, Manhattan, and Redondo stay mellow until late morning. Meters near the sand start at 6 a.m., and several city lots (like at Will Rogers) don’t start charging until 8 a.m., so early birds often park free for the first hour or two.
Linger for the golden hour
Sunsets are when LA beaches earn their reputation. Locals bring hoodies, not dinner reservations — it gets cool fast once the light drops. After 5 p.m., parking rates at some city lots drop to flat evening fees, and a few beaches (like Dockweiler and Huntington) allow fire pits for post-sunset hangs. Bring your own wood or charcoal — kiosks sell out by dusk.
Pack like a local
Shade and water are your real essentials — few beaches rent umbrellas anymore, and most charge double near the boardwalk. A small cooler, flip-flops you can rinse off, and cash for smaller Malibu or Catalina cafés go a long way. If you’re heading to Paradise Cove, bring your own food to skip the pricey café minimum, and check the tide chart before you go — high tide can shrink the sand to a sliver.
Know the local hacks
When main lots fill, park a few blocks inland — side streets off Manhattan Beach Boulevard or east of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica are safer bets. For beach-hopping, rent a bike and cruise The Strand instead of re-parking; it runs 22 miles along the coast. Midweek mornings are best for Malibu — less traffic, easier parking, and softer light for photos. If you’re staying late, keep an eye on meter cutoffs and lot closing times; some lock gates right after sunset.
LA beaches: FAQs & tips
Santa Monica State Beach is the most family-friendly. It offers wide sandy areas, lifeguards, bathrooms, playgrounds, and the Santa Monica Pier. See facilities on the city’s official page: Santa Monica State Beach.
Dockweiler State Beach offers RV parking right on the sand. It’s one of the few beaches in LA County with full RV hookups and direct ocean access. Start your trip with an RV rental in Los Angeles.
Zuma Beach in Malibu is known for clean water and soft sand. It consistently earns high water-quality grades from Heal the Bay, making it a favorite for swimmers.
El Matador Beach in Malibu is a quieter option. Its rugged cliffs, sea caves, and limited parking naturally keep the crowds smaller compared to Santa Monica or Venice.
Yes, Los Angeles beaches offer surf conditions throughout the year. Beginners often choose Venice or Santa Monica, while advanced surfers head to Malibu’s Surfrider Beach for consistent waves.
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