Los Angeles County is known for having some of the best beaches in California. The wide, soft-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing and spending the day playing in the waves.
Some of these Los Angeles beaches, like Manhattan, Hermosa, and Santa Monica, are within walking distance to cute coastal beach towns where you can grab lunch or browse local boutiques. While at other beaches in Los Angeles, beachgoers should come prepared to hunker down for the day.
This guide tells you which is which!
Los Angeles is home to more than twenty beaches. Narrowing it down to the seven best beaches in Los Angeles was not easy. However, I’ve done my best!
Table of Contents
Quick Los Angeles Travel Guide
Where to stay: There are lots of hotels in Los Angeles, and nice resorts along the beaches there. The Chateau Marmont and the Beverly Hills hotel are amongst the most famous – both iconic. If you want to stay along some of the beaches in LA, Venice Beach has several options, such as and the Kinney ($$) and Venice Beach Hostel ($).
Where to eat: You’ll find hundreds (if not thousands) of great restaurants in LA, ranging from Michelin-rated ones such as Redbird, Maccheroni Republic and Sushi Kaneyoshi, to hidden gem eateries like Cha Cha Chicken and Sunset & Vinyl (if you donate a record to their collection, you get a free cocktail!).
Top activities and tours in Los Angeles:
- Full day city sightseeing tour ($99)
- Warner Bros Studio Tour ($70)
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign ($30)
- Celebrity home tour ($44)
- City tour on an electric bike ($175)
Packing for LA: Los Angeles is warm most of the year, so you’ll want to pack light, comfy clothes and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. I love Toms and flip-flops, but make sure you have a pair of nicer sandals for nights out. Don’t forget a swimsuit if you’re visiting the beaches, and of course ocean-friendly sunscreen.
Getting from the airport: LAX is the international airport serving the Los Angeles area. The easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel is to book a private transfer in advance.
The 7 Best Beaches in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles county is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, in part due to movies and tv shows frequently filming there. Of course, this is also because the beaches are not only beautiful, but within close proximity to the city of Los Angeles.
This article will reveal the 7 best. From iconic Manhattan Beach and picturesque Venice Beach, to secluded Paradise Cove and other hidden gems of Los Angeles, you’ll find beaches for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a great spot to soak up some sun or a place to take a peaceful stroll along the shoreline, these seven LA beaches have it all.
#1 Manhattan Beach
Located about ten minutes south of the Los Angeles International Airport, Manhattan Beach is the quintessential beach in a seaside oasis, and a perfect stop on a California road trip.
Whether you prefer to lay on the beach or are an active beachgoer, there is plenty to do in Manhattan Beach. The long stretches of wide-open beach are picture-perfect for relaxing or taking your beach activities up a notch.
While visiting, you might enjoy surfing, paddle boarding, or swimming. Manhattan Beach also offers volleyball courts that are first come, first serve. Except for on holiday weekends, it is usually easy to grab a volleyball court.
Manhattan Beach is one of the best family beaches in Los Angeles. If you are traveling with young kids, stop at the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. It is open to the public for free.
Most people tend to hang out near the Manhattan Beach Pier. Picking a spot near the Pier is good for easier parking, delicious restaurants, and local shopping. However, the Manhattan Beach Pier is also the most crowded spot.
Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds, walk about five blocks north or south to spread out more.
Parking in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a small coastal community with limited parking. Your best options for parking are the lots closest to the Pier, or there is a large, metered parking lot about a five-minute walk from the Pier located at 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Alternatively, you can head to North Manhattan Beach. There is a metered parking lot on Rosecrans and Highland, or even further north is the El Porto beach parking lot. However, since these are residential areas, parking is limited outside the parking lots. But, the beach is also far less crowded.
Eating in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach has become a dining mecca due to the extremely talented chefs in town. There are a few moderately priced restaurants where you can grab a slice of pizza (Manhattan Pizzeria), a taco (El Sombrero), or a salad/sandwich (Health Nut).
Bring your wallet if you are having dinner in Manhattan Beach. These fabulous restaurants often come with a hefty price tag.
North Manhattan Beach has a few great places for grab-and-go beach food. Try Beach Pizza, Nick & Sons Gourmet Market for beach snacks or sandwiches, North End Caffe for sandwiches/salads, or the Little French Bakery for sandwiches and delicious French pastries.
Pro Tip: Stay for sunset. When the sun is shining, the sunsets over the water are spectacular.
#2 Hermosa Beach
Another one of the best beaches in Los Angeles is Hermosa Beach. Hermosa Beach is another wide beach that can be wilder than its Manhattan Beach neighbor to the north.
While in Hermosa Beach, beachgoers can take advantage of gorgeous beaches and calmer water, which is great for swimming. The beach serves as a backdrop to plenty of activities both on and off the beach.
Hermosa Beach is popular for its volleyball tournaments. During the summer months, the Hermosa Beach volleyball courts are packed with volleyball teams, volleyball parties, and those taking group lessons. Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches are home to some of the best beach volleyball players in the world.
Another popular activity is bike riding along the beach. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile paved bicycle path that runs through Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches. The path starts in Torrance and ends in Pacific Palisades. If you don’t have your bike, you can rent one from Hermosa Cyclery.
If you don’t enjoy bike riding, consider going for a walk on the same path. Hermosa Beach is one of the best walking beaches in Los Angeles.
Parking in Hermosa Beach
Parking in Hermosa Beach can be a little tricky. If you cannot find street parking, your best bet is to park in the parking garage on Hermosa Avenue or the parking lot behind Pier Avenue. The City of Hermosa Beach was kind enough to create a parking map for visitors.
Eating in Hermosa Beach
If you want to take a break from the beach, head to Pier Avenue, a pedestrian-only street lined with palm trees, shops, and restaurants. As you cross the street, beachgoers can grab a sandwich at Cultured Slice, enjoy avocado toast combined with home goods at Gum Tree, or stop in for a quick taco at Guisado’s. If you want an upscale dinner option, opt for RYLA, Zanes, or Steak & Whiskey.
#3 Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is a lesser-known beach between Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica State Beach. But what it lacks in notoriety, it makes up for in size.
Dockweiler State Beach is 3,7 miles of ocean and 288 acres of beach!
One of the best things about Dockweiler State Beach is the fire rings that beachgoers use for permitted bonfires once the sun goes down. Only a few beaches in Los Angeles allow bonfires, and Dockweiler State Beach is one of them.
Dockweiler State Beach is also one of the few beaches in Los Angeles that is open at night. The beachgoers can get a little rowdy at times and often bring large speakers. However, the beach itself is fantastic.
Pro Tip: Try to get to the beach early because the fire rings are first come, first serve, and the parking lot tends to fill up early in the summer.
Parking at Dockweiler State Beach
The parking lots have over 1,200 spaces. However, you would be surprised how quickly the spots fill up.
The one downside to Dockweiler State Beach is that it is on the Los Angeles International Airport flight path. This means the planes are taking off nearby and flying low overhead, creating engine noise you can hear on the beach.
Camping at Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is also a popular RV camping spot for recreational vehicles. There are 118 total hook-up spaces. These spots are usually booked months in advance because many are a couple of steps from the beach.
#4 Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a popular tourist destination and makes the list because there are so many things to do at Venice Beach in addition to sunbathing.
The biggest attraction in Venice is the boardwalk. According to the Los Angeles Parks Department, approximately 28,000 to 30,000 people visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the adjacent Recreation and Parks property daily.
This includes over two miles of hundreds of stores, street vendors, and restaurants off the beach. Nearby is the Venice Beach Recreation Center, which offers basketball, paddle tennis, handball tournaments, and the world-famous Muscle Beach Venice gym.
Other activities at Venice Beach include a skate plaza, bike path, children’s play area, and fishing is permitted off the Venice Pier.
If the swell is right, you can catch a wave or two.
#5 Santa Monica State Beach
Visiting Santa Monica State Beach is a lovely way to spend the day, and one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for families. The 3.5-mile stretch of beach offers soft sand offers a variety of things to do, and is walkable to shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles because it is home to a pier with a small amusement park. The well-known Santa Monica Pier is one of the most photographed places in the world.
The Santa Monica Pier was built in 1909 and has undergone substantial renovations. Today, there is a wide variety of family-friendly activities on the Pier. Ride the West Coaster or the Pacific Ferris wheel, play a few carnival-style games, or catch a show from a street performer. Each day at the Pier brings a new, lively experience.
The Pier has several restaurants, dessert spots, and food carts. From hot dogs to lobster and everything in between, you won’t be hungry after eating on the Santa Monica Pier.
Since Santa Monica Beach is so long, locals refer to the beach as north of the Pier and south of the Pier.
North of the Santa Monica Pier
Most beachgoers tend to plant their flag for the day in the northern portion of Santa Monica State Beach. If you plan to stay here for the day, come prepared with snacks because there are limited restaurant options on the beach.
Parking North of the Santa Monica Pier
Numerous parking lots are accessible from Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).
South of Santa Monica Pier
The south side of the Santa Monica Pier is home to the Original Muscle Beach and Carousel Park. In addition, Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar are just off the beach. These high-end hotels are splurge-worthy!
The beach itself is also a perfect place to spend the day.
Parking South of the Santa Monica Pier
There are five parking lots available south of the Santa Monica Pier.
If you want more information on Santa Moncia State Beach, visit Santa Moncia City’s website, which provides general information and information about parking and accessibility. You can also visit the City’s real-time parking map to find available parking.
While in Santa Monica, visitors can also check out the pedestrian-friendly shopping and restaurant areas around Third Street Promenade and the Westfield Mall.
#6 Paradise Cove
The only “private” beach on the list is Paradise Cove in Malibu. This little slice of heaven is tucked away from Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).
While anyone can visit, the cost to park at the beach (as opposed to parking on Pacific Coast Highway) can be steep. Parking can range anywhere from $45-$65, depending on the day you visit. So, if you are traveling through California on a road trip, whilst on a budget, this may not be the beach for you.
Pro Tip: Eat at the Paradise Cove Beach Café and get your ticket validated for a substantially reduced beach parking fee.
Paradise Cove is the place to go if you are looking for a luxurious beach experience. Unlike the other beaches on the list, at Paradise Cove, visitors can rent chaise lounges and a table and chairs. Each rental also comes with your own space.
So, if you have little kids, they can play in the enclosed area in front of you while you relax on a lounge chair. You can reserve your rentals ahead of time. These rentals can be expensive.
While at Paradise Cove, guests can relax, play in the water, or stroll along the beach home to famous movie and rock stars.
Eating at Paradise Cove
If you get hungry, head to the famous Paradise Cove Beach Café, where you can eat a traditional breakfast, dine on seafood and sandwiches, or enjoy a fruity tropical cocktail.
Pro Tip: Popular breakfast items include cinnamon French toast, apple pie pancakes, and the BBQ pulled pork benedict. For lunch or dinner, try the coconut shrimp or seafood tower.
#7 Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for surfing. Known for its larger swell, Zuma Beach has become a popular surfing, bodyboarding, and windsurfing spot.
Spread across 1,8 miles, Zuma Beach is popular with families. You will often see kids playing in the waves and learning to surf. The water at Zuma Beach is usually a little colder than other Los Angeles beaches.
Zuma Beach is a popular place to spot grey whales during their winter migration.
Parking at Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is easy to access and park. There are eight parking lots with approximately 2,000 parking spaces. To learn more about Zuma Beach, visit the Zuma Beach website.
Pro Tip: The larger surf is also accompanied by riptides. So be careful. If you get stuck in a rip tide, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until you are out of the riptide.
More beaches in LA to explore
Narrowing down the best beaches in Los Angeles was difficult. There are a few other beaches that didn’t make the list that deserve an honorable mention: Malibu Surfrider Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Whichever Los Angeles beach you choose, you are likely to have a fantastic day!
If you are a beach lover, make sure to browse all the best beach guides on Fjords and Beaches before you decide where to go. From Cabo to Norway – I’ve got you covered!