Finding the top beaches in Los Angeles depends on what you want from your time by the water. Some beaches are better for quiet breaks, while others are suited for surfing, walking, or spending time near cafes and shops.
With so many options along the coast, it can be hard to choose the right spot. This guide helps you quickly compare the top beaches in Los Angeles based on different needs, so you can pick the right location without wasting time and plan your day more efficiently.
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When it comes to coastal attractions in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of stunning oceanfront spots to explore. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a surfer, or just looking for a relaxing day by the sea, Los Angeles shorelines offer something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best beaches in Los Angeles, from the iconic to the hidden gems.
1. Santa Monica State Beach
Location
Santa Monica State Beach is located in the city of Santa Monica, California, just west of downtown Los Angeles. It is a three-mile-long beach that stretches from the Santa Monica Pier to the northern tip of the city.
Direction to reach
By car: From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) south. Santa Monica State Beach is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. By public transportation: Take the Metro Expo Line to the Downtown Santa Monica Station. From there, you can walk or take a bus to the beach.
Transportation
Once you are in Santa Monica, there are several ways to get to the beach. You can walk, bike, or take the Santa Monica Pier Train. The train runs along the beach and stops at several points.
Highlights
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and it is easy to see why. The beach has soft, sandy shores, clear blue water, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Here are some of the highlights of Santa Monica State Beach:
- Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica Pier is a must-see for any visitor to Santa Monica State Beach. The pier is home to a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, arcade, and restaurants.
- Third Street Promenade: The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only street that is lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It is a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Santa Monica.
- Muscle Beach: Muscle Beach is a weightlifting and gymnastics area that has been popular with bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts for decades. It is a great place to watch people work out or to get a workout in yourself.
- Annenberg Community Beach House: The Annenberg Community Beach House is a public beach house that offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach.
Beach Hours
Santa Monica State Beach is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, some special beach hours apply to certain activities. For example, the lifeguard towers are only staffed from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Beach Rules
Santa Monica State Beach has a number of rules in place to keep visitors safe and to protect the environment. Here are some of the most important rules:
- No smoking on the beach.
- No alcohol on the beach.
- No dogs on the beach.
- No littering.
- No beach fires.
Beach Attire
Santa Monica State Beach is a public beach, so there is no specific dress code. However, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and for the activities that you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on swimming, you will need to wear a swimsuit.
Swimming Conditions
Santa Monica State Beach has a variety of swimming conditions, depending on the time of year and the location on the beach. It is important to be aware of the swimming conditions before you enter the water.
Here are some of the swimming conditions that you may encounter at Santa Monica State Beach:
- Rip currents: Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are most common at the southern end of the beach.
- Waves: Santa Monica State Beach can have strong waves, especially during the winter months. It is important to swim in areas where lifeguards are present.
- Tides: The tides at Santa Monica State Beach can be significant. It is important to be aware of the tide schedule before you enter the water.
Accommodation nearby
Here is a list of some of the hotels and motels located near Santa Monica State Beach:
- The Georgian Hotel
- Shutters on the Beach
- Hotel Casa del Mar
- Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
- The Huntley Hotel
- Santa Monica Proper Hotel
- The Oceana Hotel
- The Santa Monica Beach Hotel
- The Shore Hotel
- The Bungalow Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Food and Refreshments
There are a number of restaurants and cafes located near Santa Monica State Beach. You can also find food and drink vendors on the beach itself.
2. Venice Beach
Location
Venice Beach is a neighborhood and beach community in the Westside region of Los Angeles, California. It is located about 16 miles (26 km) west of downtown Los Angeles.
Direction to reach
By car: From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) south. Venice Beach is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.
By public transportation: Take the Metro Expo Line to the Downtown Santa Monica Station. From there, you can transfer to the Metro 1 bus, which will take you to Venice Beach.
Transportation
Once you are in Venice, there are several ways to get around the beach area. You can walk, bike, or take the Venice Beach Boardwalk Bus. The bus runs along the beach and stops at several points along the way.
Highlights
Venice Beach is known for its eclectic mix of people and its vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching.
Here are some of the highlights of Venice Beach:
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-see for any visitor to Venice Beach. The boardwalk is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers. It is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Venice Beach.
- Muscle Beach: Muscle Beach is a weightlifting and gymnastics area that has been popular with bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts for decades. It is a great place to watch people work out or to get a workout in yourself.
- Abbott Kinney Boulevard: Abbott Kinney Boulevard is a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It is a great place to shop and people-watch.
- Venice Canals: The Venice Canals are a series of man-made canals that were built in the early 1900s. The canals are a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Beach Hours
Venice Beach is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, there are some special beach hours that apply to certain activities. For example, the lifeguard towers are only staffed from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Beach Rules
Venice Beach has a number of rules in place to keep visitors safe and to protect the environment. Here are some of the most important rules:
- No smoking on the beach.
- No alcohol on the beach.
- No dogs on the beach.
- No littering.
- No beach fires.
Beach Attire
Venice Beach is a public beach, so there is no specific dress code. However, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and for the activities that you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on swimming, you will need to wear a swimsuit.
Swimming Conditions
Venice Beach has a variety of swimming conditions, depending on the time of year and the location on the beach. It is important to be aware of the swimming conditions before you enter the water.
Here are some of the swimming conditions that you may encounter at Venice Beach:
- Rip currents: Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are most common at the southern end of the beach.
- Waves: Venice Beach can have strong waves, especially during the winter months. It is important to swim in areas where lifeguards are present.
- Tides: The tides at Venice Beach can be significant. It is important to be aware of the tide schedule before you enter the water.
Accommodation nearby
Here is a list of some of the hotels and motels located near Venice Beach:
- The Kinney Venice Beach
- The Hotel Erwin
- The Abbot Kinney Hotel
- The Venice Hotel
- The Venice Suites
- The Venice Beach House
- The Venice Beach Marina Hotel
- The Venice Beach Hostel
- The Venice Beach Bungalow Hotel
- The Venice Beach Inn
- The Venice Beach Suites
Food and Refreshments
There are a variety of food and beverage options available at Venice Beach. You can find everything from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants.
Here are a few of the most popular food and beverage options at Venice Beach:
- Gjelina: This popular restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and seasonal dishes.
- The Tasting Kitchen: This award-winning restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its tasting menu.
- The Abbot Kinney Canteen: This casual eatery serves up American
3. Malibu Beach
Location
Malibu Beach is a popular beach city located in Los Angeles County, California, about 30 miles (48 km) west of Downtown Los Angeles. It is known for its Mediterranean climate, its strip of beaches stretching 21 miles (34 km) along the Pacific Ocean coast, and for its longtime status as the home of numerous affluent Hollywood celebrities and executives.
Direction to reach
By car: From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north. Malibu Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles.
By public transportation: Take the Metro 572 bus from the Santa Monica Pier to Pacific Coast Highway and Civic Center Way. From there, you can transfer to the Metro 534 bus, which will take you to various locations in Malibu, including Malibu Beach.
Transportation
The best way to get around Malibu Beach is by car. However, there is also a limited public transportation system, consisting of buses.
Highlights
Malibu Beach is known for its stunning scenery, its pristine beaches, and its celebrity residents. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching.
Here are some of the highlights of Malibu Beach:
- Surfrider Beach: Surfrider Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in the world. It is also a great place to swim and sunbathe.
- Zuma Beach: Zuma Beach is a two-mile-long beach with soft sand and clear water. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the day.
- Point Dume: Point Dume is a rocky headland with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a great place to hike, picnic, and watch the sunset.
- Malibu Pier: Malibu Pier is a popular fishing spot and offers stunning views of the Malibu coastline.
Beach Hours
- Malibu Beach is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- However, there are some special beach hours that apply to certain activities. For example, the lifeguard towers are only staffed from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Beach Rules
Malibu Beach has a number of rules in place to keep visitors safe and to protect the environment. Here are some of the most important rules:
- No smoking on the beach.
- No alcohol on the beach.
- No dogs on the beach.
- No littering.
- No beach fires.
Beach Attire
Malibu Beach is a public beach, so there is no specific dress code. However, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and for the activities that you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on swimming, you will need to wear a swimsuit.
Swimming Conditions
Malibu Beach has a variety of swimming conditions, depending on the time of year and the location on the beach. It is important to be aware of the swimming conditions before you enter the water.
Here are some of the swimming conditions that you may encounter at Malibu Beach:
- Rip currents: Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are most common at the southern end of the beach.
- Waves: Malibu Beach can have strong waves, especially during the winter months. It is important to swim in areas where lifeguards are present.
- Tides: The tides at Malibu Beach can be significant. It is important to be aware of the tide schedule before you enter the water.
Accommodation nearby
Here are some of the hotels that are located near Malibu Beach:
- Malibu Beach Inn
- The Surfrider Hotel
- Malibu Beachcomber
- Malibu Colony Hotel
- Malibu Beach House
- The Malibu Pier Hotel
- The Malibu Beach Club
- The Malibu Beach Hotel
- Malibu Beach Lofts
- The Malibu Castle
- The Malibu Estate
Food and Refreshments
There are a variety of food and beverage options available at Malibu Beach. You can find everything from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants.
Here are a few of the most popular food and beverage options at Malibu Beach:
- Nobu Malibu: This world-famous restaurant serves up Japanese fusion cuisine.
- The Ivy at the Shore: This popular restaurant offers a variety of American dishes, including seafood, pasta, and pizzas.
- Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market: This casual eatery serves up fresh seafood dishes, including fish and chips, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
4. Zuma Beach
Location
Zuma Beach is a popular beach located in Malibu, California, about 30 miles (48 km) west of Downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the longest and widest beaches in Malibu, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.
Direction to reach
By car: From Los Angeles, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north. Zuma Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles.
By public transportation: Take the Metro 572 bus from the Santa Monica Pier to Pacific Coast Highway and Civic Center Way. From there, you can transfer to the Metro 534 bus, which will take you to Zuma Beach.
Transportation
Once you are at Zuma Beach, you can walk, bike, or take the beach shuttle to get around. The shuttle runs along the length of the beach and stops at several points along the way.
Highlights
Zuma Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching. It is also a great place to enjoy the stunning scenery of Malibu.
Here are some of the highlights of Zuma Beach:
- Long, wide beach: Zuma Beach is one of the largest beaches in Los Angeles County, with over two miles of sandy shoreline. This gives visitors plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the beach.
- Excellent surf: Zuma Beach is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. The waves are typically gentle enough for beginners, but there are also some challenging breaks for more experienced surfers.
- Clean water: Zuma Beach is known for its clean water quality. This makes it a great place to swim, surf, and play in the waves.
- Stunning scenery: Zuma Beach is located in the heart of Malibu, and it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Beach Hours
Zuma Beach is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, there are some special beach hours that apply to certain activities. For example, the lifeguard towers are only staffed from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Beach Rules
Zuma Beach has a number of rules in place to keep visitors safe and to protect the environment. Here are some of the most important rules:
- No smoking on the beach.
- No alcohol on the beach.
- No dogs on the beach.
- No littering.
- No beach fires.
Beach Attire
Zuma Beach is a public beach, so there is no specific dress code. However, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and for the activities that you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on swimming, you will need to wear a swimsuit.
Swimming Conditions
Zuma Beach has a variety of swimming conditions, depending on the time of year and the location on the beach. It is important to be aware of the swimming conditions before you enter the water.
Here are some of the swimming conditions that you may encounter at Zuma Beach:
- Rip currents: Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are most common at the southern end of the beach.
- Waves: Zuma Beach can have strong waves, especially during the winter months. It is important to swim in areas where lifeguards are present.
- Tides: The tides at Zuma Beach can be significant. It is important to be aware of the tide schedule before you enter the water.
Accommodation nearby
Here is a list of some of the hotels and motels located near Zuma Beach:
- Malibu Beach Inn
- The Surfrider Hotel
- Malibu Beachcomber
- Malibu Colony Hotel
- Malibu Beach House
- The Malibu Pier Hotel
- The Malibu Beach Club
- The Malibu Beach Hotel
- Malibu Beach Lofts
- The Malibu Castle
- The Malibu Estate
Food and Refreshments
There are a number of food and beverage options available near Zuma Beach. You can find everything from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants.
Here are a few of the most popular food and beverage options near Zuma Beach:
- Nobu Malibu: This world-famous restaurant serves up Japanese fusion cuisine.
- The Ivy at the Shore: This popular restaurant offers a variety of American dishes, including seafood, pasta, and pizzas.
- Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market: This casual eatery serves up fresh seafood dishes, including fish and chips, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
5. El Matador State Beach
Location
El Matador State Beach is located in the city of Malibu, California, at 32200 Pacific Coast Highway. It is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, which also includes Leo Carrillo State Beach and Point Dume State Beach.
Direction to reach
- From the south: Take the PCH north to the El Matador State Beach exit. Turn right and follow the signs to the beach.
- From the north: Take the PCH south to the El Matador State Beach exit. Turn left and follow the signs to the beach.
Transportation
- El Matador State Beach is accessible by car, public transportation, and bicycle.
- There is a small parking lot at the beach, which can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Public transportation to the beach is available on the Metro bus line 534. The bus stop is located on Pacific Coast Highway, a short walk from the beach entrance.
- Bicycles can be parked at the beach entrance.
Highlights
- El Matador State Beach is known for its stunning scenery, including dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and tide pools.
- The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing, and picnicking.
- El Matador State Beach has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Iron Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Planet of the Apes.
Beach Hours
- El Matador State Beach is open from 8:00 AM to sunset daily.
- Lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Beach Rules
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach.
- No pets are allowed on the beach.
- No fires are allowed on the beach.
- No camping is allowed on the beach.
Beach Attire
El Matador State Beach is a public beach, so any beach attire is allowed. However, it is important to be respectful of other visitors and to dress appropriately for the weather.
Swimming Conditions
El Matador State Beach has strong currents and riptides, so swimming is not recommended. Lifeguards are on duty during the day, but it is important to always swim with caution.
Accommodation nearby
- The Malibu Beach Inn
- The Surfrider Malibu
- The Colony Palms Hotel
- Malibu Beach House
- The Wayfarer Malibu
Food and Refreshments
- There are no food or drink facilities at El Matador State Beach.
- Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks and to pack out all of their trash.
6. Hermosa Beach
Location
Hermosa Beach is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California. The cities of Manhattan Beach border it to the north and Redondo Beach to the south.
Directions to reach
- From the south: Take the 405 Freeway south to the Artesia Boulevard exit. Turn left onto Artesia Boulevard and follow it to Hermosa Beach.
- From the north: Take the 10 Freeway west to the Sepulveda Boulevard exit. Turn south onto Sepulveda Boulevard and follow it to Hermosa Beach.
Transportation
- Hermosa Beach is accessible by car, public transportation, and bicycle.
- There is a small parking lot at the beach, which can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Public transportation to the beach is available on the Metro bus line 109. The bus stop is located on Hermosa Avenue, a short walk from the beach entrance.
- Bicycles can be parked at the beach entrance.
Highlights
- Hermosa Beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and vibrant downtown area.
- The beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
- Hermosa Beach is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars.
Beach Hours
- Hermosa Beach is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- The Hermosa Beach Volleyball Courts are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Hermosa Village is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Beach Rules
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach.
- No pets are allowed on the beach.
- No fires are allowed on the beach.
- No camping is allowed on the beach.
Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and to respect the natural environment.
Beach Attire
- Hermosa Beach is a public beach, so any beach attire is allowed.
- However, it is important to be respectful of other visitors and to dress appropriately for the weather.
Swimming Conditions
- Hermosa Beach has relatively calm waters, making it a good spot for swimming.
- However, there can be strong currents and riptides, so it is important to always swim with caution.
Accommodation nearby
- The Beach House Hotel
- The Hermosa Beach Hotel
- The Sea Sprite Resort
- The Sea View Inn
- The Hermosa Inn
Food and Refreshments
Hermosa Beach has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, including:
- The Arthur J
- The Hermosa Beach Fish Company
- The Standing Room
- The Hermosa Beach Pier
- The Hermosa Beach Farmers Market
7. Redondo Beach
Location
Redondo Beach is a coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, approximately 22 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Redondo Beach is bordered by Hermosa Beach to the north and Manhattan Beach to the south.
Direction to reach
- From the south: Take the 405 Freeway south to the Artesia Boulevard exit. Turn left onto Artesia Boulevard and follow it to Redondo Beach.
- From the north: Take the 10 Freeway west to the Sepulveda Boulevard exit. Turn south onto Sepulveda Boulevard and follow it to Redondo Beach.
Transportation
- Redondo Beach is accessible by car, public transportation, and bicycle.
- There is a small parking lot at the beach, which can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Public transportation to the beach is available on the Metro bus line 109. The bus stop is located on Pacific Coast Highway, a short walk from the beach entrance.
- Bicycles can be parked at the beach entrance.
Highlights
- Redondo Beach Pier: The Redondo Beach Pier is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. The pier is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and amusement rides.
- King Harbor: King Harbor is a working harbor and marina located in Redondo Beach. The harbor is home to a variety of boats, including fishing boats, charter boats, and pleasure crafts. King Harbor is also home to several restaurants, shops, and galleries.
- Veterans Memorial Park: Veterans Memorial Park is a 112-acre park located on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park features a variety of amenities, including a picnic area, a playground, a basketball court, and a skate park.
- Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center: The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art theater that hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance recitals.
- Redondo Beach International Film Festival: The Redondo Beach International Film Festival is a week-long event that showcases films from around the world. The festival also features a variety of special events, including film premieres, filmmaker panels, and awards ceremonies.
Beach Hours
- Redondo Beach is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- The Redondo Beach International Film Festival typically takes place in February or March.
Beach Rules
- No dogs are allowed on the beach between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- No smoking is allowed on the beach or the pier.
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach or the pier.
- No glass is allowed on the beach or the pier.
- No overnight camping is allowed on the beach.
Beach Attire
Beach attire is acceptable in Redondo Beach. However, it is important to be respectful of others and to avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Swimming Conditions
Redondo Beach has generally good swimming conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the rip currents that can form at the beach. Rip currents are strong currents that can pull swimmers away from the shore. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
Accommodation nearby
- The Portofino Hotel & Spa
- The Redondo Beach Hotel
- The Seaside Inn
- The Best Western Plus Redondo Beach Inn
- The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Redondo Beach Pier
Food and Refreshments
Redondo Beach has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, including:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- The Lobster
- The King Harbor Brewing Company
- The Redondo Beach Pier
- The Redondo Beach Farmers Market
8. Manhattan Beach
Location
Manhattan Beach is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California. It is bordered by the cities of Hermosa Beach to the south and Redondo Beach to the north.
Directions to reach
- From the south: Take the 405 Freeway south to the Artesia Boulevard exit. Turn left onto Artesia Boulevard and follow it to Manhattan Beach.
- From the north: Take the 10 Freeway west to the Sepulveda Boulevard exit. Turn south onto Sepulveda Boulevard and follow it to Manhattan Beach.
Transportation
- Manhattan Beach is accessible by car, public transportation, and bicycle.
- There is a small parking lot at the beach, which can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Public transportation to the beach is available on the Metro bus line 109. The bus stop is located on Pacific Coast Highway, a short walk from the beach entrance.
- Bicycles can be parked at the beach entrance.
Highlights
- Manhattan Beach Pier: The Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. The pier is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and amusement rides.
- The Strand: The Strand is a paved bike path that runs along the coast of Manhattan Beach. The Strand is a popular spot for biking, walking, and jogging.
- Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden: The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a 1.7-acre garden that features a variety of plants from all over the world. The garden is a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
- Manhattan Beach Open: The Manhattan Beach Open is a professional beach volleyball tournament that is held annually in Manhattan Beach. The tournament is one of the most prestigious beach volleyball tournaments in the world.
- Manhattan Village: Manhattan Village is an outdoor shopping mall that features a variety of stores and restaurants. Manhattan Village is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Beach Hours
- The Manhattan Beach Pier is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The Strand is open 24 hours a day.
- The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- The Manhattan Beach Open typically takes place in August. Manhattan Village is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Beach Rules
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach.
- No pets are allowed on the beach.
- No fires are allowed on the beach.
- No camping is allowed on the beach.
Beach Attire
- Manhattan Beach is a public beach, so any beach attire is allowed.
- However, it is important to be respectful of other visitors and to dress appropriately for the weather.
Swimming Conditions
Manhattan Beach has relatively calm waters, making it a good spot for swimming. However, there can be strong currents and riptides, so it is important to always swim with caution.
Accommodation nearby
- The Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach
- The Sea Sprite Resort
- The Beach House Hotel
- The Manhattan Beach Hotel
- The Hermosa Inn
Food and Refreshments
Manhattan Beach has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, including:
- The Arthur J
- The Manhattan Beach Post
- The Kettle
- The Manhattan Beach Pier
- The Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
Top Tips for Enjoying Los Angeles Beaches
Planning ahead makes a big difference when visiting Los Angeles beaches. Small decisions like timing, packing, and transport can save time and improve your overall experience. Use these tips to avoid common issues and make your beach day more convenient.
- Pick the right time: Summer works best for swimming and active beach days, while spring and fall offer more comfortable weather with fewer people. Early mornings and weekdays help you avoid peak crowds and give you more space to relax.
- Plan transport ahead: Parking near popular beaches fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Using Uber or Lyft can save time, or arrive early if you prefer driving.
- Pack essentials: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel to stay comfortable throughout the day. Adding a small cooler, water, and light snacks helps you avoid frequent trips away from the beach.
- Stay safe in the water: Stick to areas near lifeguard towers where conditions are monitored. Pay attention to flags, currents, and local warnings before entering the water.
- Follow beach rules: Use trash bins, avoid disturbing wildlife, and check local regulations for pets, alcohol, or fires. Keeping the area clean ensures a better experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Los Angeles beaches range from the peacefully quiet Malibu sands to the energetically lively Venice boardwalk. Santa Monica offers space for leisurely picnics and smoothly gliding bike rides, while El Matador hides surprisingly beautiful sea caves and secluded coves.
These coastal spots combine naturally calming vibes, thrilling adventure, and uniquely local flavor. Plan some time along the shore on your next trip—the sun, surf, and coast’s vibrant energy make these top beaches in Los Angeles truly worth visiting.
FAQs
The No. 1 beach in Los Angeles is Santa Monica Beach.
The crown for the most visited beach in Los Angeles goes to Santa Monica Beach.
Choosing just one “famous” beach in Los Angeles is tough, as two strong contenders come to mind, each with its own unique vibe:
- Malibu Beach
- Venice Beach
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