Much famed as ‘Hollywood City’, Los Angeles in southern California make up for a vibrant vacation destination for all. There is Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studio and Griffith Observatory etc but your holiday to the ‘city of angels’ remains visibly incomplete if you don’t plan a visit to the best Los Angeles beaches for views, fun, and some exciting water sports.
Top 15 Los Angeles Beaches
If you are up for unlimited beach fun and ready to get tanned, scroll down and take a virtual tour of these amazing Los Angeles beaches to know what they offer. Take a look at these natural wonders:
- Santa Monica State Beach
- El Matador State Beach
- Surfrider Beach
- Zuma Beach
- El Porto Beach
- Venice Beach
- Carbon Beach
- Point Dume State Beach
- County Line Beach
- Leo Carrillo State Beach
- El Pescador State Beach
- Paradise Cove Beach
- Abalone Cove Shoreline
- Manhattan Beach
- Will Rogers State Beach
1. Santa Monica State Beach
A perfect getaway for city dwellers as well as tourists, Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, California. Tucked away to the west of Downtown, this 3.5-miles golden sand beach offers many recreational activities like Segway and roller coaster ride, for all beach babies. With the stunning backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and shoreline buzzing with beach shacks; Santa Monica State Beach is a favorite hotspot for all, over the weekends. It is the cleanest beaches in Los Angeles.
Location: Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, LA, CA 90401, USA
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
2. El Matador State Beach
Featuring rocky outcrop and soft pebbly sand; El Matador State Beach is the best pick for those looking for privacy and seclusion. Accessed by a gravelly path; this beach is a pristine and not so touristy place and makes an ideal choice for honeymoon couples. The best way to enjoy Los Angeles beach activities is to spend some cozy and intimate time with your beloved and watch photogenic sunrise and sunset.
Location: Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, LA, CA 90265, USA
Must Read: Nightlife In Los Angeles: 10 Places For An Extraordinary Experience After Sunset
3. Surfrider Beach
Surfrider Beach is another quintessential beach in Los Angele, California. Much famed as Malibu Lagoon State Beach, this place is reputed as a surfing beach and was designated as the first-ever World Surfing Reserve in 2010. Ideal for both longboarders and shortboarders, this beach in Malibu, Los Angeles invites a crowd of thousands, over the weekend.
Location: Malibu, LA, California
4. Zuma Beach
Drive past Surfrider Beach and Will Rogers to reach the quaint, clean and less crowded Zuma Beach. This secluded beach has the best Los Angeles beach weather and the calm water and high tide make it ideal for big wave surfing and swimming. A popular spot on weekends for beach strolls and day picnics, Zuma Beach is flocked by local people and tourists, round the year.
Location: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, LA, California
Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Los Angeles, The Home Of Hollywood
5. El Porto Beach
Tucked away at the edge of Manhattan Beach, there is another beach to see in Los Angeles, known for a scenic backdrop and great ambiance. The lively beach has endless activities to offer to the tourists which is why it is the best Los Angeles beach. Hit the waves, go wave surfing and take beach strolls. Pump up your adrenaline rush while you enjoy biking on this motorable beach or playing a game of beach volleyball with your friends and folks.
Location: El Porto, LA, California
6. Venice Beach
One of the most happening beaches in Los Angeles, the Venice Beach is a hub of a plethora of beach activities and water sports. Lined with buzzing beach shacks and open-air restaurants, this beach is a favorite spot for those who wish to enjoy a fun-filled time at the beach. You can enjoy a picnic, swim along the waves, play volleyball and basketball on the beach or soak in the sun to relax and invigorate.
Location: Los Angeles County, California
Suggested Read: 9 Best Restaurants In Los Angeles Where One Cannot Eat Just Once!
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
7. Carbon Beach
Popular as the ‘billionaire beach’ this small waterfront area is encircled by residences of ultra-wealthy citizens, hence the name. Though it is not a private beach of Malibu, Los Angeles but flocked by rich and wealthy people for strolls, relaxation and ultimate fun. Owing to calm water and no rock formations; Carbon Beach is perfect for swimming.
Location: Malibu, Los Angeles, California
8. Point Dume State Beach
Nestled at the edge of a cliff, Point Dume State Beach is a beautiful crescent shaped beach and is easily accessible. Featuring crystal clear water and shoreline; this is one among the few Los Angeles beaches, preferred for sunbathing and gazing at the Pacific. Point Dume State Beach is famous for scuba diving and quite a few diving spots are located at the beach area. Moreover, the surrounding outcrops also facilitate one to enjoy rock climbing here.
Location: Cliff Drive, LA, Malibu, CA 90265-4280
Suggested Read: 25 Most Romantic Places To Visit In Los Angeles: Romanticize, Relish, And Revisit
9. County Line Beach
County Line Beach is a part of Leo Carrillo State Park. Offering amazing facilities of fishing, tide pooling, surfing, camping and scuba; this beach of California is a perfect hideout if you want to travel away from city’s clutters. The beach is surrounded by rocks and verdant forest, so one can even enjoy forest trails and nature walks. Neptune’s Net-a very famous seafood restaurant of the region is located just on the beachfront area.
Location: Pacific Coast Highway and Yerba Buena Road Los Angeles, CA 90265
10. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Be it the scenic beauty, surfing ambiance or beach cafes and clubs; Leo Carrillo State Beach offers a lot of things to make your Los Angeles beach holiday, worth in every sense. Come here to hit the waves, enjoy beach picnics, chill at the shacks over seafood or if you are done with everything, enjoy nature trail at the surrounding rock dotted coastline. And last but surely not the least, Leo Carrillo State Beach is the only beach in Los Angeles, California, that permits leashed dogs in the area. So, if you wish to take your pet for a beach stroll, you know where to come.
Location: Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90265
11. El Pescador State Beach
This place is ideal if you are trying to avoid the crowds. The parking lot is small, so try to get there early or hope that someone leaves. You have to walk a bit to get down to the beach. The trail is a bit rocky and slippery so make sure to walk it carefully. The beach is small but for a reason – it is not well known and it keeps the crowds small. The area does have a lot of rocks, so make sure you place yourself away from the rocky area.
Location: 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
12. Paradise Cove Beach
It doesn’t get too crowded. The bathrooms are clean. You can rent daybeds if you want. There’s a cafe that opens at 12PM where you can get take-out and enjoy food on the beach. Paradise Cove Beach, unlike other Los Angeles beaches, llows beer, wine, champagne on the beach. You will have the time of your life here.
Location: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
13. Abalone Cove Shoreline
It’s a pretty beach, but it can get really crowded and parking is a nightmare. The beds and cabanas are nice, but they’re pricey too and pretty close together. There’s secret spots tucked within Abalone Cove shoreline though, and if you’re willing to walk around you can find nice stretches of beach with few people around. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and flip flops.
Location: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
14. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a laid-back beach popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. The oceanfront overlooks the modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. The Manhattan Beach Pier features an aquarium and you will see surfers here at all times in the day. There are several parks, and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs and creative, upscale eateries.
Location: 00-500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
15. Will Rogers State Beach
Will Rogers State Beach is a beach park on the Santa Monica Bay, at the Pacific coast of Southern California. Located in Pacific Palisades, the beach is owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation; however, it is managed and maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
Location: 17000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Further Read: Your Guide To The Best Hotels In New York: The City That Never Sleeps
If you always thought LA is all about late-night parties and club hopping, it’s time you explore the other side of this glamorous city. Make sure to plan and customize your trip to USA and enjoy a stress-free getaway! Don’t forget to check out the above mentioned Los Angeles beaches.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
