Discover Top 5 Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Sunshine and Adventure
There are many beautiful beaches in Los Angeles where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the surf. The city is known for its lively culture and stunning shore. A lot is going on at Santa Monica Beach and a calm vibe at Venice Beach. Each has its special things to see and do.
LA’s beaches have something for everyone, whether you want a busy boardwalk, clear water for swimming, or beautiful views for a quiet day.
Let this guide show you the five best beaches in Los Angeles where you can soak up the California sun, have fun at the beach, and see the best of what the coast has to offer. Get ready for a fun-filled day in the sun along some of Southern California’s most famous beaches!
1. Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove boasts one of the best beach dining pairings in Los Angeles. This picturesque and isolated beach in Malibu is nestled into the cliffs, making it feel like a true escape from the city.
The Paradise Cove Beach Cafe runs the show here, offering everything from delicious meals to upmarket beach amenities such as beach mattresses, chaise lounges, and private terraces for rent. Of course, if all you want to do is swim or surf, you can go to the beach for free, but parking can cost up to $30. Pro tip: Enjoy a drink or snack in the restaurant and pay only $3 for parking.
2. El Matador State Beach
Follow the walk from the parking lot down the coastal cliffs to this stunning hidden beach in Malibu, one of three on Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador State Beach is popular among Angelenos because of its remarkable landscape: sea stacks produce dramatic patterns along the coast and build sea caves, which can be explored at low tide.
If you want to take a walk, continue north along the beach to reach two further beaches: La Piedra State Beach and Lechuza Beach. Return to the route for stunning cliffside views and a picnic as the sun sets. For $10, you receive unlimited parking and access to public facilities.
3. Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume in Malibu offers it all: a crescent-shaped beach, clean water, and a scuba area where you can even encounter sea lions. This beach is ideal for swimming and bodysurfing. It’s also a popular site for rock climbers, who may be seen rappelling off the cliffs above the beach.
If you’re searching for an oceanside hike, take the trails up the rugged cliffs for a 360-degree vista of Santa Monica Bay. During the winter and early spring, you may even see gray whales traveling south. Summer weekday parking is $8; weekends are $15.
4. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is known for its Santa Monica Pier, oceanfront hotels, and beautiful white sand. There are numerous parking spaces along the beach (varying from $7 to $18, depending on the day and season), and you may walk down the paved path until you locate a decent area to venture out onto the sand.
The kids will be completely weary after playing in the waves and spending an hour or two on pier rides. Sister Hotels Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar are excellent choices for sumptuous overnight stays or elegant dinners by the sea.
5. Venice Beach
There’s a reason Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles County’s most popular destinations. The mile and a half of soft sand is ideal for resting, but no trip is complete without a walk along the Venice Boardwalk. This one-mile street market near the Venice Pier is alive with bustle from street entertainers and skaters, and the people-watching is unrivaled.
Stop by Muscle Beach, the “home of bodybuilding,” if only to observe the athletes at work. Whether you leave with a souvenir from one of the many merchants, you’ll get a sense of the local culture. There are numerous private parking lots and some street parking options in the vicinity.
Final Words
Los Angeles has gorgeous beaches for every taste, from the hidden charm of Paradise Cove to the lively energy of Venice Beach. Each place offers a unique experience, whether it’s stunning coastline vistas at El Matador, family fun in Santa Monica, or outdoor adventure at Point Dume. Discover these best destinations for fantastic coastal fun.