Los Angeles is popularly known as the ‘City of Angels’. The city also has many beaches, which are a favorite with natives as well as travelers and tourists. Legally speaking, beaches in Los Angeles can be accessed free of cost. However, at many places, you need to pay for parking.
While some are restricted for physically challenged people, others are not open to travelers – only locals can enter them. If you are planning to go on a picnic with family, you can visit the large beaches in LA, as these have lots of amenities.
There are options galore for those looking for peaceful and tranquil locations as well. Mentioned below are some of the best and most popular LA beaches.
El Pescador State Beach
El Pescador State Beach is the westernmost beach within Robert H. Meyer beach. The main beach is close to the parking lot.
At the bottom, there is a cave, which is surrounded by tide pools and rocks. Compared to other beaches, for example, Santa Monica, this one is tranquil, and you can relax.
El Pescador means ‘the fisherman’, but along with fish, many other items are available here, including sea stars, brittle stars, crabs, urchins, sea snails, mussels, etc.
El Pescador beach is a paradise for birdwatchers. Various kinds of birds can be spotted here, including double-crested cormorants, gulls, pelicans, and sandpipers.
By Keith Rowley, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 32860 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gjtwr99ph3CDaZiY9 | Phone Number: +1 310 457 1324
El Matador State Beach
One of the most picturesque LA beaches is El Matador State Beach. This is also a coveted wedding destination.
There are many secret sea caves and massive rocks to explore in this place. The parking lot is on a bluff. Picnic tables are arranged in such a way that panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed.
Don’t forget to carry your swimwear to El Matador Beach to enjoy a plunge in the deep blue sea. If you are lucky, you can also spot the migrating whales at El Matador Beach.
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Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pNcU13wCGY8MGHxJA | Phone Number: +1 818 880 0363
Paradise Cove Beach
Paradise Cove Beach is popular among both local and international tourists. Here, there is a beach café of the name ‘Paradise Cove Beach’, which is owned by Bob Morris, the popular American mystery novelist.
Whether you are on a picnic with a group of friends, solo, with your family, or as a couple, this beach welcomes everyone. The café is extremely popular because of its prime location on the beach, which extends into a romantic cove.
Many famous movies have also been shot at Paradise Cove. Walk on the clean sands amidst sandstone cliffs and huge palm trees. Lounge chairs and beach beds are available for rent.
By Emustonen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: California 90265, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NbwhJgGeyW89e5bU6
Zuma Beach County Park
Zuma Beach County Park lies to the west of Point Dume and has a long shoreline of 3 miles. This popular beach attracts many travelers and tourists, and it is particularly crowded during the summer months.
It’s safe for family picnics with children as lifeguards patrol the area day-in and day-out. The popularity of the place can be attributed to its innumerable volleyball courts, sandy beaches, swing sets, a huge parking area, and onsite surf lessons.
Restrooms and showers are available in abundance, along with a complete restaurant and a snacks bar. You can spot various animal species in Zuma Beach County Park like seals, whales, sea lions, and dolphins.
By Dave Parker, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 30,000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Timing: Sunrise to Sunset | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/krq7yz47RKM8QCvZ8
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
One of the best Los Angeles beaches, the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park can be considered a gem located along the Palos Verde coastline. The main attractions of the shoreline include an excellently maintained trail system, outstanding scenic view, and tide pools which are inexhaustible.
The surrounding beach area has great options for picnics. You can hike to Portuguese Point or even trail down the beach.
The ambiance of the place and its scenic beauty – both make a perfect combination. A part of the Abalone Cove Trail intersects with the popular California Coastal Trail.
During low tide, various kinds of sea creatures are seen in Abalone Cove’s tide pools like hermit crabs, octopus, sea hares, and anemones. These tide pools are ideal for introducing your children to marine life.
Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/w4bkexdFmmiWrtwWA | Phone Number: +1 310 544 5366
Malibu
The city of Malibu has innumerable beautiful beaches, including intimate cove beaches and wide, open ones. The former are generally pristine and quiet, encompassed by cliffs and bluffs.
Sometimes, parking facilities are available at the top of the bluff. Three of the most popular beaches of LA are found here – Topanga Beach, Zuma Beach, and Paradise Cove.
Each of these is exceptional, with lots of additional facilities and amenities for visitors. Various kinds of adventure water sports activities are also enjoyed at these beaches.
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By PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: California, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZwkTpR5UJek17BkF6
Venice Beach
When we talk of the best beaches of Los Angeles, Venice Beach tops the list for sure. It is a popular destination for adults and children alike. You can visit this place at any time of the year and enjoy the sun, sand and the sea.
There is a 2.5-mile promenade, which is specifically made for pedestrians only. There are many shops, bars, and restaurants on the beach.
Surfing and swimming are the two most popular water sports activities enjoyed here at Venice Beach. Other facilities which need special mention at Venice Beach include a completely equipped gym, skating arena, the broad canal system, and the Venice Pier.
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90292, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Cx2r7M7c8J6Jk8p8A
Manhattan Beach
If you want sun and cool breeze at the same time, you have come to the right place — Manhattan Beach. Situated in the suburban areas of Los Angeles city, this sandy shoreline extends to a length of 2 miles.
You can surf and swim at Manhattan Beach. If you are interested, you can enjoy a game of beach volleyball as well.
Along the coastline, there is a separate biking and running path. People who are looking for some alone time can enjoy the beautiful sunset from the Manhattan Beach pier. Fishing can also be done here.
In fact, the pier is one of its kind and the oldest along the West Coast. You can also visit the Aquarium and the Roadhouse Marine Studies Lab, which are located towards the end of the pier.
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By Pedro Szekely, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: California 90266, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/t2sygcFUj5EBhK198
Will Rogers State Beach
Located strategically between Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica Bay, Will Rogers State Beach is a great place to spend time with your special someone. You can either enjoy a romantic sunset or spend time sunbathing here.
Will Rogers State Beach is also a place for destination weddings. Lifeguards patrol the area continuously during the day when visitors come to swim, dive, or surf.
Some adventure sports activities which are practiced here include windsurfing, fishing, diving, and kitesurfing. Various kinds of facilities are available at the beach, including restrooms, volleyball nets, restaurants, huge parking spaces, etc.
There are no tide pools brimming with marine life here, but you can visit the Santa Monica Aquarium to view various marine creatures of the area.
By Scotwriter21, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 17,000 CA-1, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UTJptH9BzQkZnLrH6 | Phone Number: +1 424 526 7777
Leo Carrillo State Park
Among the many beaches in Los Angeles, Leo Carrillo State Park is a spot with ecological diversity. You can see rocky crags simply jutting into the ocean.
The water here is clean and pristine and has rich tide pools. Adventure seekers can hike the Malibu Mountains. The beach extends to a length of 1.5 miles.
As a result, you will find lots of beach loungers, surfers, windsurfers, swimmers, explorers of coastal waves, and fishing enthusiasts.
All kinds of visitors love the waters of Leo Carrillo. However, the most loved part of the beach is the campground shaded by large sycamore trees. Children will especially love the tide pools here.
By Mark Muller, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 35,000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RnZjQURrmrFXQnBEA | Phone Number: +1 310 457 8143
Redondo Beach
What makes Redondo Beach city famous and different from the other beach cities is its unique pier, which is horseshoe-shaped.
This beach is considered the birthplace of surfing in America. Expert surfers simply love this beach in LA. All along the coastline, you will find innumerable beach volleyball courts maintained by the city authority.
Along the full length of Redondo Beach, you will find the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which is also popularly known as The Strand. You can see farmers’ markets cropping up here and there any time.
You can also avail kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, pedal boat rentals, and whale watching cruises all-round the year.
By Jon Akhtar, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: California, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VKi6uqzSpBn7X9189
Santa Monica
One of the most scenic and iconic beaches of LA, Santa Monica offers a wide variety of recreational facilities to visitors and presents the most scenic views.
The Santa Monica Pier is the main attraction of the beach. The pier might seem to be pretty commonplace, but if you want to have a complete experience of Santa Monica, you have to visit the place.
Santa Monica Beach has a 3-mile long sandy shoreline. Walkers, runners, and joggers find it highly suitable. Beach volleyball is very popular at Santa Monica and other sports activities like paddle-boarding, surfing, swimming, etc.
Santa Monica Beach is a fun place with game booths, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and interesting food stalls. It’s also ideal for a family picnic.
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Address: Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2PGuQRZTV12vsotPA
Carbon Beach
Also popularly known as the Billionaire’s Beach, Carbon Beach has the feel and essence of a private beach, though it is not one. Ultra wealthy people have their homes by this beachfront.
One of the best things about Carbon Beach is that though it is in the city, it is somewhat secluded and quiet. If you are looking to relax amidst tranquility and serenity, this place is simply great.
The sands here are soft and comfortable. You can swim comfortably in the waters as it is calm and quiet and there are no rocks. You can also relax on the shore all afternoon and rejuvenate. This is an ideal place for jogging or a quiet walk.
Address: Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/911w7YKh75xdyJLa8
Huntington Beach
Some of the most beautiful beaches and best waves of Southern California can be experienced in Huntington Beach. The area is also the surfing capital of the region.
The beach is flat and extends for almost 10 miles on both sides of the city’s large pier. After you enjoy the beach, you can go down to the downtown retail district or even visit the International Surfing Museum.
Surfing tournaments are held on this beach every summer. During holiday weekends, this place tends to get very crowded. There are many restaurants, surf shops, local breweries, bars, and a small but beautiful pier.
By Bamsb900, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: California, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zcXRYnYSFBEt36LY9
Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach is also among the famous LA beaches. A dramatic cliff’s edge juts into the Pacific Ocean and then drops into the very beautiful crescent-shaped beach.
The waters here are very clean and crystal clear. Therefore, swimmers love this spot. It is also a great scuba diving destination. In fact, you will see many sea lions swimming with you when you dive into the ocean.
If you love adventure and want to learn rock climbing, this is a great spot. Point Dume has something in store for every kind of traveler.
Address: 6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, CA 90265, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2QUoNuZXwxjZmKGA9 | Phone Number: +1 310 457 8143
Playa Del Rey
Playa Del Rey Beach in Los Angeles is among the least crowded beaches in LA. It extends to quite a few miles.
The sands here are chalky white and soft in texture. You can also spot really high sandy dunes here from time to time. The place is basically a residential area.
There are plenty of options for on-street parking. All along the beach, you can find volleyball courts. Bike enthusiasts can enjoy biking on the Strand Bike Path, which extends through the entire length of the shoreline.
Address: 7313-7351 S Marine Avenue, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/q54rX4StyAGTABMk6
Seaside Lagoon
Seaside Lagoon is actually a famous saltwater facility in Redondo Beach. During the summers, the place remains open for swimming and other fun activities.
There is a large play area, a sandy beach, and a snacks bar at the place. Lifeguard supervision is provided in the lagoon. The sand area makes an ideal spot for sunbathing.
Address: 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, United States | Timing: Friday to Monday: 10:00 am to 05:45 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tUnr4YF7ajEpCNxx6 | Phone Number: +1 310 318 0681
Now that you have a comprehensive list of famous beaches in Los Angeles, you can explore them when you visit the city. Almost all these places welcome guests and offer them various kinds of recreational facilities.
There are also various kinds of interesting activities in which visitors can indulge on the various Los Angeles beaches.
