When people think of Los Angeles, beaches are usually at the top of the list, and for good reason. With sunshine almost all year and miles of coastline, the city makes it easy to spend a day by the ocean. You’ll find famous boardwalks, wide sandy shores, and rocky cliffs, all within a short drive.
What really sets LA beaches apart is how different each one feels. Some are full of things to do, while others are perfect for slowing down. From classic icons to hidden gems, Los Angeles beaches offer something for every kind of traveler.
If you’re planning a trip or even just a day out, here are 7 best beaches in Los Angeles you shouldn’t miss.
🏖️ Best Beaches in Los Angeles
1. Venice Beach
Skateboarding in Venice Beach | Photo Credit: Thomas Karagiannis on Pexels
If you want energy, color, and a little weirdness (in a good way!), Venice Beach is the place to be. This is where you’ll see street performers, roller skaters, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, and plenty of interesting people along the boardwalk. It’s a people-watching paradise.
The beach has plenty to explore beyond the vibe. Check out the skatepark if you like tricks and flips, get a snack from one of the many stands, or even sign up for Venice Beach surf lessons to ride the waves. It’s not the quietest beach, but it’s one of the most lively and fun beaches in LA.
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Parking: Paid beach lots available; street parking can be limited, especially on weekends
2. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach | Photo Credit: Michelle Delgadillo on Pexels
Santa Monica Beach is perfect for a classic California beach day. Its wide, sandy shore stretches for miles, giving plenty of space to sunbathe, swim, or walk along the beach path.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier adds extra fun too, with its Ferris wheel, arcade games, and little shops to explore. The beach is also right near restaurants, cafes, and stores, so grabbing a bite or doing some shopping is easy.
If you want to see more of Los Angeles without the hassle of driving, you can hop on the LA Hop-on Hop-off Bus, which stops at Santa Monica Beach and other top attractions across the city.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Parking: Big paid parking lots near the pier
3. Redondo Beach
Redondo Pier | Photo Credit: Drei Kubik on Pexels
Redondo Beach is a great spot if you’re looking for a more relaxed beach with a friendly, local feel. The beach itself is wide and clean, and the waves are gentle, great for swimming or playing in the sand with kids.
The nearby Redondo Pier has restaurants, shops, and spots to watch the sunset. You can even rent paddleboards or try your luck fishing off the pier. It’s a solid pick for families or anyone who wants a break from the busier beaches like Santa Monica.
Address: 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA
Parking: Paid parking lots near the pier and beach
4. Playa Del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey Beach | Photo Credit: Nikolai Kolosov on Pexels
Not many tourists know about Playa Del Rey Beach, which makes it kind of a hidden gem. It’s peaceful, with long stretches of sand and fewer crowds. You can walk, bike, or just relax while watching planes fly over from LAX (it’s cooler than it sounds!).
The beach is perfect if you want to relax without loud crowds or busy boardwalks. It also sits close to Marina del Rey, where you can book a Marina del Rey luxury cruise for a different view of the coast. With its laid-back vibe and local feel, Playa Del Rey is a great escape from the usual tourist spots.
Address: 7313 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA
Parking: Free street parking and a few small lots
5. El Matador Beach
Rock Formations at El Matador Beach | Photo Credit: Nikolai Kolosov on Pexels
El Matador Beach in Malibu is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches in LA. It has huge rock formations, sea caves, and picture-perfect views. It’s a little tricky to get to (you have to walk down a steep path), but once you’re there, it feels like a secret spot.
It’s especially popular for couples, photographers, and anyone chasing that perfect golden-hour photo. This one’s less about swimming and more about exploring and enjoying the scenery.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Parking: Paid lot right off the highway (small, so get there early)
6. Dockweiler State Beach
Beach Bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach | Photo Credit: Nikolai Kolosov on Pexels
Looking for a beach where you can stay in the evening? Dockweiler Beach has fire pits, which means you can actually have a beach bonfire. Pretty rare in LA!
It’s also right under the flight path from LAX, so you’ll see planes flying overhead while you relax. Some people love it, some find it noisy, but it’s definitely a fun experience, especially with friends or family.
Address: 400-500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA
Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking nearby
7. Manhattan Beach
Beach Volleyball at Manhattan Beach | Photo Credit: Nikolai Kolosov on Pexels
Manhattan Beach is clean, beautiful, and popular with locals who like to stay active. You’ll see people jogging, biking, playing volleyball, or surfing. It has a long walking path and a cute little downtown area nearby with cafes and shops.
Address: 400-500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA
Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking nearby
❓LA Beaches FAQs
Which is better: Venice Beach or Santa Monica?
That depends on what you like! Venice is more fun and artsy, with lots of performers and great people-watching. Santa Monica is cleaner and has more family-friendly attractions, like rides, shopping, and wide walking paths. You really can’t go wrong with either.
What’s the nicest beach in LA?
If you want fun, energy, and activities, Santa Monica is a great choice. For peace, scenery, and fewer crowds, Malibu or El Matador stands out. The nicest beach really depends on whether you want excitement or quiet views.
Does LA have white sand beaches?
Not exactly white, but many Los Angeles beaches have light golden sand. They’re still super pretty and perfect for laying out or playing in the sand. The color can also change slightly depending on the beach and time of day.
Where can I find the cleanest water?
Malibu usually has cleaner water, especially at beaches farther away from the city. These areas are less crowded and have fewer nearby runoff sources. Always check local water quality reports before swimming, especially after rain.
What’s the least crowded beach in LA?
Playa Del Rey Beach is usually quiet, especially on weekdays. Some Malibu beaches, like El Matador, can also feel peaceful if you arrive early in the morning. Visiting outside peak hours makes a big difference in avoiding crowds.
😎 Time to Hit LA’s Beaches!
People having fun at LA Beach | Photo Credit: Kampus Production on Pexels
Now that you’ve got the scoop on the best beaches in Los Angeles, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and head out. Whether you want the excitement of Venice Beach, the calm of Playa Del Rey Beach, or the scenic views of El Matador Beach, there’s a spot for you.
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