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.

Westside LA

Santa Monica Beach

Go here for the most iconic boardwalk and pier experience in LA

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.

Santa Monica Pier with Ferris wheel overlooking the beach on a California RV road trip
Palm trees lining a wide sandy beach near the ocean at sunset, capturing the iconic atmosphere of the best beaches in Los Angeles
Crowds enjoying sunset at Santa Monica Beach along the California coast during an RV road trip
Santa Monica Pier illuminated at night with Ferris wheel and ocean, a vibrant stop on a California RV road trip

  • 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

Surf & volleyball

Activites

Classic boardwalk

Vibe

Ferris wheel views

Highlights

Busy

Crowds

Malibu Coast

Zuma Beach

Choose this beach for wide-open sand and space without city crowds

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.

A long stretch of sandy shoreline with mountains in the distance and clear blue water, highlighting the best beaches in Los Angeles
Waves crashing against rocks at sunset along Zuma Beach in Malibu, California
Person walking along a wide sandy beach at sunset, showing the more peaceful side of the best beaches in Los Angeles

(C) ™ Pacheco

  • 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

Volleyball & long walks

Activities

Wide-open calm

Vibe

Golden sunsets

Highlights

Low-feeling (very spacious)

Crowds

Westside LA

Venice Beach

Go here for LA’s most concentrated street culture and people-watching

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.

Skateboarder performing a trick at Venice Beach skate park with crowd watching
Tall palm trees silhouetted against the sunset near the shoreline, showcasing the iconic scenery of the best beaches in Los Angeles
Street view leading toward Venice Beach with palm trees and coastal buildings, part of the best beaches in Los Angeles
Street view leading toward Venice Beach with palm trees and coastal buildings, part of the best beaches in Los Angeles

  • 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

Skate & street art

Activities

Eclectic, artsy energy

Vibe

People-watching gold

Highlights

Very busy

Crowds

South Bay

Manhattan Beach

Choose this beach for clean sand, steady surf, and a polished beach-town feel

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.

Palm trees and beachside restaurants at sunset near Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles
Bicyclists and palm trees line the walkway beside Manhattan Beach Pier, a vibrant spot among beaches in LA.
Surfers walking into the waves near a long pier on the Los Angeles coast, showcasing surf culture at the best beaches in Los Angeles
Palm trees silhouetted at sunset with a pier extending into the ocean, highlighting one of the best beaches in Los Angeles

  • 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

Volleyball & surf

Activities

Upscale, laid-back feel

Vibe

Pier sunset views

Highlights

Busy

Crowds

Orange County Coast

Huntington Beach

Go here for classic California surf culture and nonstop beach energy

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.

Aerial view of Huntington Beach Pier stretching into the Pacific Ocean with the coastline in the background
Surfers catching waves during a golden sunset at Huntington Beach, a classic destination for beaches in LA.
Surfer riding waves near the shoreline as the sun sets, highlighting the surf culture of the best beaches in Los Angeles
Friends gathered around a beach bonfire at sunset by the ocean, reflecting the laid-back evenings found at the best beaches in Los Angeles

  • 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

Surf comps

Activities

Nonstop energy

Vibe

Beach bonfire pits

Highlights

Busy (event-driven)

Crowds

Malibu Coast

Paradise Cove

Stay here for a private-feeling Malibu beach with on-site dining

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.

Rocky shoreline and sandy beach at Paradise Cove in Malibu, a scenic stop on a California RV road trip
Dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to the ocean, showcasing the coastal lifestyle near the best beaches in Los Angeles
Two people paddleboarding on calm water at sunset, highlighting peaceful activities found near the best beaches in Los Angeles
Waves crashing against rock formations at Paradise Cove, a hidden gem among beaches in LA.

  • 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

Paddle & swim

Activities

Relaxed, resort mood

Vibe

Malibu hideaway

Highlights

Limited

Crowds

  • 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

South Bay

Redondo Beach

Choose this beach for pier life, paddleboarding, and a relaxed local pace

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.

Rocky coastal cliffs and sandy shoreline at Redondo Beach on the California coast
Waves rolling onto the sandy shoreline with people walking along Redondo Beach in Los Angeles
People fishing from a wooden pier overlooking the ocean, showing a classic pastime found at the best beaches in Los Angeles
Silhouettes of people fishing and strolling at Redondo Beach Pier during a colorful sunset, a peaceful part of beaches in LA.
Aerial view of Redondo Beach shoreline and ocean along the California coast, ideal for RV travel

Paddle & pier fishing

Activities

Chill, local

Vibe

Pier charm

Highlights

Light

Crowds

Offshore LA

Catalina Island

Go here for clear water and a true island escape from mainland LA

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.

Person kayaking on smooth, glassy water with distant hills in the background, highlighting peaceful outdoor activities near the best beaches in Los Angeles
Boats docked in Avalon Harbor with hillside town on Catalina Island
Green mountain ridges of Catalina Island rising above a sea of clouds
Aerial view of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island, showcasing one of the most unique offshore beaches in LA.

  • 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

Snorkel & kayak

Activities

Slow island pace

Vibe

Island escape

Highlights

Low (once on the island)

Crowds

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.

Inspiration for your Los Angeles Road Trip:

Two women stand with surboards

Ready to Explore the Best Beaches in LA?

Your Beach Day, Your Way

Why just read about LA’s best beaches when you can road trip the whole list? Grab your crew, pick up your RV in Los Angeles, and chase that golden-hour light—boardwalk fries, surf playlists, and all.

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