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Los Angeles beaches serve as a popular destination for their breathtaking coastlines, lively atmosphere and year-round beauty. Extending alongside the Pacific Ocean, these beaches present a variety of activities such as sunbathing, surfing, beach volleyball and even scenic walks. They draw millions of visitors each year, blending natural beauty with cultural significance. However, the beaches are surrounded by diverse communities, providing access to local dining, shopping and entertainment options. With their distinct charm and accessibility, they embody the coastal lifestyle of the city, as a premier attraction for both tourists and residents.
Top 10 Los Angeles Beaches To Visit
Here are the best Los Angeles beaches, particularly famous for their varied landscapes, activities and iconic sites, ideal for your trip:
1. Paradise Cove
Photo: Bella White / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Paradise Cove is a unique private beach in Malibu, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle of daily life. Renowned for its immaculate shoreline, it offers an ideal environment for a more subdued beach experience. The celebrated Paradise Cove Beach Café features beachfront seating, creating an exceptional venue for dining. The placid waters are especially well-suited for paddleboarding and kayaking. The surrounding cliffs and tide pools present enticing opportunities for scenic exploration. This stunning beach has consequently been used for numerous films and photoshoots.
Things To Do: Beachfront dining, paddleboarding, kayaking, and exploring the tide pool
Location: Paradise Cove Rd, Malibu, CA
How To Reach: Simply drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
2. Venice Beach
Photo: Blake Everett / Wikimedia Commons
Venice Beach is distinguished by its beautiful scenery and atmosphere. It is more than just a stretch of sand but a community centre for artists, performers and fitness enthusiasts. The Venice Boardwalk buzzes with street vendors, performers, and colourful murals reflecting the area’s culture. Muscle Beach, a historic outdoor gym, allows bodybuilders to showcase their strength. The Venice Skate Park attracts some of the world’s premier skateboarders. The beach also provides shops and cafes lining the boardwalk offering a diverse array of items, ranging from unique crafts to international cuisine.
Things To Do: Walking the boardwalk, watching street performers, visiting Muscle Beach, and exploring the Venice Canals
Location: Venice Blvd and Ocean Front Walk
How To Reach: Accessible via Venice Blvd or Pacific Ave
3. Santa Monica Beach
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Monica Beach merges leisure and enjoyment, making itself a notable destination for individuals of all ages. Its expansive sandy shores are perfect for swimming, constructing sandcastles, and engaging in various beach sports. Santa Monica features the Pacific Park amusement park, an aquarium, and an array of dining choices. The Ferris wheel provides panoramic views of the coastline, while the pier frequently features live entertainment. Santa Monica’s bike path, a segment of the Marvin Braude Coastal Trail, connects to nearby beaches such as Venice. The Third Street Promenade holds street performances and art installations.
Things To Do: Visiting the pier and aquarium, riding the Ferris wheel, and cycling along the coastal trail
Location: Santa Monica, CA (near the I-10 freeway)
How To Reach: Take the I-10 freeway west; public parking is easily accessible along the beach
4. Point Dume State Beach
Photo: Toadberry / Wikimedia Commons
Point Dume State Beach is an attractive amalgamation of rugged cliffs, gentle sands, and panoramic vistas. It serves as a sanctuary for those who cherish nature. Notably recognised for its distinctive topography, the beach boasts a striking headland. It has become an excellent vantage point for observing marine creatures such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Hiking trails lead to the top, revealing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on clear days. The area is also a popular destination for rock climbing and bird watching. Moreover, Point Dume’s sheltered coves are perfect for snorkelling and delving into underwater ecosystems.
Things To Do: Hiking to the bluff, rock climbing, whale watching, and bird watching
Location: Present at the intersection of Cliffside Dr. and Birdview Ave. in Malibu, CA
How To Reach: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway until reaching Westward Beach Road
5. El Matador State Beach
Photo: Pimlico27 / Wikimedia Commons
El Matador State Beach is one of Malibu’s most breathtaking natural wonders with its sea caves, rugged cliffs, and striking rock formations. Famous for its dramatic scenery, this beach is a popular spot for engagement shoots, sunset photography, and nature enthusiasts. Its small, secluded coves offer a romantic ambience for couples. However, adventurers can find delight in exploring its caves and tide pools. El Matador is perfect for picnics, wildlife spotting, and appreciating California’s raw coastal beauty.
Things To Do: Exploring sea caves, tide pooling, photography, picnicking, and sunset viewing
Location: Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
How To Reach: A short hike down a steep trail
6. Playa Del Rey Beach
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Playa Del Rey Beach is a hidden treasure within Los Angeles, providing a soothing atmosphere. It boasts expansive stretches of pristine sand, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and family excursions. The nearby Ballona Wetlands offer a natural retreat where visitors can engage in birdwatching or stroll along scenic trails. The gentle waves at the beach are suitable for swimming. The volleyball courts are ideal for groups to gather and play. Locals love it for its closeness to casual dining establishments and coffee shops situated along Culver Boulevard.
Things To Do: Playing beach volleyball, birdwatching at the Ballona Wetlands, swimming, and enjoying picnics
Location: Pacific Ave and Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA
How To Reach: One can access it via the 405 Freeway to Culver Blvd, where street parking and nearby lots are available
7. Dockweiler Beach
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dockweiler Beach is recognised for its distinctive array of beachfront fire pits ideal for evening bonfires. This expansive coastal area offers ample space for a variety of activities, such as biking along the Marvin Braude Coastal Trail, kite-flying, and even surf fishing. Furthermore, Dockweiler features an RV park, which draws campers eager to enjoy a beachfront experience. The amenities provided, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, contribute to its appeal as a family-friendly option for extended outings or group gatherings.
Things To Do: kite-flying, biking along the coastal trail, surf fishing, and RV camping
Location: Vista Del Mar & Imperial Hwy, Playa Del Rey, CA
How To Reach: One can easily access it via the 105 Freeway to Imperial Highway
8. Topanga Beach
Photo: Damon Hall / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Topanga Beach is a popular destination for surfers because of its consistent breaks and beautiful setting at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. In contrast to the sandy stretches of other beaches, Topanga boasts a rocky shoreline. This makes it an ideal location for tide pool exploration and snorkelling. Hiking trails in the adjacent Topanga State Park provide stunning views of the coastline. It serves as an excellent complement to a day spent at the beach. Although Topanga may lack extensive facilities, its natural allure and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts make it a remarkable spot for surfers.
Things To Do: surfing, tide pool exploration, snorkelling, and hiking in Topanga State Park
Location: 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
How To Reach: You can access it via Pacific Coast Highway
9. Carbon Beach
Photo: Pok Rie / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Carbon Beach, often referred to as Billionaire’s Beach, is an exclusive yet relaxing beach in Malibu. Although it holds a reputation as a getaway for the wealthy, public access points allow visitors to enjoy its shiny sands and calm waters. The beach’s relatively small size, combined with its elite atmosphere, makes it ideal for paddleboarding or reflective strolls. The proximity to opulent dining establishments and boutiques in Malibu further enhances its allure. With fewer crowds, Carbon Beach serves as a striking contrast to the more bustling, tourist-centric beaches in Los Angeles.
Things To Do: Paddleboarding and walking along the beach
Location: At 22126 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
How To Reach: Simply take the Pacific Coast Highway to the designated public access points
10. Huntington City Beach
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons
Huntington City Beach, situated in Orange County, is synonymous with California’s surf culture. Often referred to as “Surf City USA,” this beach features ideal waves suitable for surfers at every skill level. Its renowned Huntington Beach Pier provides sweeping ocean vistas, fishing prospects, and convenient access to various restaurants nearby. Beyond the surfing, visitors can enjoy volleyball courts, bike rentals, and cosy fire pits. During the summer months, the U.S. Open of Surfing draws international attention as it showcases the area’s gorgeous atmosphere. The beach also hosts events throughout the year, including festivals and outdoor movie nights.
Things To Do: Surfing, strolling along the Huntington Beach Pier, fishing
Location: Pacific Coast Hwy & Main St., Huntington Beach, CA
How To Reach: One can easily reach via Pacific Coast Highway or the 405 Freeway
The Los Angeles beaches offer a distinctive fusion of activities, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences. It, thus, caters to a wide array of travellers. Whether you’re seeking serene retreats, surfing spots, or destinations suitable for families, the variety of beaches guarantees something appealing for all. To facilitate your travel planning, consider utilising TripXL, your ultimate travel assistant for discovering Los Angeles and beyond.
Cover Photo: Basil D Soufi / Wikimedia Commons
