Best Beaches in Los Angeles

Ever feel like saying “no” to everything, grabbing your sunscreen, and spending hours listening to the waves crash on soft sandy beaches?

Ever dreamt of leaving behind the bustling streets of LA and diving into a heavenly beach paradise, saving yourself from the scorching summer heat? You are definitely in for a treat! Los Angeles features several phenomenal shorelines around! From the serene hideaways of Malibu to the liveliest family-friendly Santa Monica, the city boasts it all. Envision yourself having the time of your life with family-friendly outings in picturesque coastal towns, peaceful coves of pure relaxation, or thrill over the sand.  Be it a watcher, surfer, or simply craving a nap by the waves, there are the best places to visit in LA! So, let’s dive into our curated list of the best 8 beaches in Los Angeles to explore your next favorite getaway!

Paradise Cove in Malibu is a hidden gem, providing the best of the beachside bliss and dining escapades right outside the bustling of Los Angeles. Tucked snugly into the cliffs, this scenic retreat feels like a true escape from the city hustles. At the heart of it all is Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, your ultimate haven where they have got it all; mouth-watering delights plus fancy perks like lounge chairs, private terraces to soak in that ocean view, and beach beds. Now if you are all about diving into surf or just lounging on the sand, Paradise Cove itself is free.

Venice Beach stands as one of the prime spots to experience the Los Angeles vibes and energy. With its sprawling mile and a half of sandy shore, it's perfect for sunbathing and soaking in the laid-back California vibes. But the real charm lies along the iconic Vinay's boardwalk—a bustling mile-long street market near the Venice pier. Here, you will find a bunch of the best things to do in LA—street performers, a diverse crowd, and skaters showing off their skills at a feast for the eyes. Make sure to swing by Muscle Beach, which is a historic spot known as the birthplace of bodybuilding, where you can watch athletes in action.

Santa Monica Beach is a quintessential Los Angeles destination, boasting the famous Santa Monica Pier, picturesque ocean-view hotels, and expansive stretches of white, pristine sand. Parking is plentiful with paid options depending on the day and season. Once parked, you can easily stroll along the paved path until you find your ideal spot to settle down on the beach. For families, the beach offers a perfect playground with opportunities to play in the waves and enjoy rides on the phenomenal Santa Monica Pier, while those seeking a touch of luxury can head to sister hotels Shutter on the Beach and Casa Del Mar, providing exquisite dining options and accommodations right by the sea.

Point Dume State Beach in Malibu offers everything you could ever want in a beach experience. Crystal-clear waters for ideal swimming and body surfing, a picturesque seascape beach, and a renowned scuba diving place where encounters with sea lions are universal. This beach is also a retreat for rock climbers to scale the cliffs overlooking the shoreline.

For those seeking adventure on foot, hiking trails take them to the rugged cliffs rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Santa Monica Beach from 360 degrees during early spring and winter. Pointe Dume is a prime spot for whale watching with chances to observe prey whales migrating south.

Explore one of the hidden gems of Malibu by following the trails from the parking lot down to the coastal cliff to the El Matador State Beach, one of the three stunning beaches in LA with Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. Angelenos love El Matador for its breathtaking landscapes, intriguing sea caves, and dramatic sea stacks that are perfect to explore during low tide. If you are off for a walk, head straight to the north side along the beach to drop at La Piedra State Beach and Lechuza Beach. The trail offers dreamy cliffside views, making it a perfect spot for a picnic as you watch the sunset.

For a perfect beach escape, there is no better place than Playa Delray Beach located just south side of Marina Delray. Somehow, its miles of clean, white sand and rolling dunes are never too crowded, making it a perfect place to spread out and soak up the sun. Thus, it's one of the only beaches in Los Angeles County where you can have a bonfire. Start your evening with a barbecue on the sand, pop over to Brooks Williamson’s Oceanfront Playa Provision, and stay to watch the stunning sunset while having some exceptional food and drinks.

Topanga Beach is one of the most-visited destinations for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for epic waves. It is the first beach you will hit off the Pacific Coast Highway as you drive to the north side from Santa Monica to Malibu. Though the rocky terrain can be a bit tricky for swimming, divers, sunbathers, and surfers will have a blast here. As one of the most accessible beaches from the east side of the town, it tends to be crowded by midday. Make sure to arrive early to snag a prime parking spot and catch some waves to yourself.

Leo Carrillo State Park is located between the stunning Malibu mountains and the rocky cracks, offering pristine waters with rich tide pools. With 1.5 miles of perfect beach, it's a paradise for swimmers, windsurfers, surfers, and beach loungers, and if you're one of the curious explorers, the Coastal Cave is just for you. Whether you are lounging on the sand or riding the waves, there's something for everyone. But the best part? The shaded campground under giant sycamore trees is a perfect place to extend your beach into a cozy night under the stars.