Los Angeles is home to some of the most diverse and exciting beaches in the country. Whether you’re looking for a lively boardwalk, a quiet escape, or the perfect surf spot, this LA Beach Guide will help you find the right destination. But with so many options, which are the top beaches in Los Angeles? Which one is best for you?
The answer depends on what you’re after. If you want a classic LA experience, Santa Monica Beach is a solid choice. If you’re into photography and hidden coves, El Matador Beach is a must. Prefer a relaxing swim? Zuma Beach has some of the cleanest waters around. Whatever your vibe, this guide will break down the best beaches in Los Angeles, so you can pick the perfect one for your next beach day.
What to Expect from Beaches in Los Angeles
Before diving into the rankings, here are a few key things to know about visiting Los Angeles beaches.
- The weather is warm and sunny year-round, but summer brings bigger crowds. For fewer people, visit in late spring or early fall.
- Parking varies by beach. Some have free lots, while others require payment or street parking. Arrive early to find a good spot.
- Some beaches are better for swimming, while others are known for strong waves, surfing, or scenic views. Choose the right one based on your plans.
- If you want a quiet escape, skip the most popular spots on weekends. Hidden gems like Cabrillo Beach or Leo Carrillo offer more seclusion.
Top Beaches in Los Angeles
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 beaches before we dive into the details:
- Santa Monica Beach – The ultimate LA beach experience with a lively pier, bike trails, and family-friendly fun.
- Venice Beach – A bohemian paradise packed with street performers, skateboarders, and artistic energy.
- Zuma Beach – A clean, spacious beach in Malibu, perfect for surfers and those who love a quiet escape.
- Manhattan Beach – A chic and relaxed spot known for its scenic pier, volleyball courts, and boutique cafés.
- El Matador Beach – A hidden gem with stunning sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and unbeatable sunset views.
- Hermosa Beach – A social hotspot where beach volleyball, live music, and a buzzing boardwalk come together.
- Dockweiler Beach – The only LA beach with bonfire pits, ideal for late-night gatherings with friends.
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach – A serene nature escape, perfect for birdwatching, surfing, and photography.
- Cabrillo Beach – A family-friendly, low-key beach with tide pools, windsurfing, and a nearby aquarium.
- Leo Carrillo State Park Beach – A rugged, adventure-packed beach with tide pools, hiking trails, and camping.
You can also check this table for a quick review of Los Angeles beaches.
| Beach | Best For | Parking | Crowd Level | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Beach | Families, tourists, biking | Paid lots ($10–$15) | High | Biking, pier attractions, volleyball |
| Venice Beach | Art lovers, street performers | Paid lots ($10–$20) | Very High | Skate park, Muscle Beach, boardwalk |
| Zuma Beach | Surfers, sunbathers, quiet escapes | Paid lots ($8–$15) | Medium | Surfing, bodyboarding, long walks |
| Manhattan Beach | Beach volleyball, couples, brunch | Metered street parking | Medium | Volleyball, fishing, scenic sunsets |
| El Matador Beach | Photography, romance, hidden gem | Small paid lot ($10) | High | Tide pools, sunset views, sea caves |
| Hermosa Beach | Social scene, nightlife, volleyball | Street parking, public garages ($1.50–$2/hr) | Medium-High | Volleyball, biking, bar hopping |
| Dockweiler Beach | Bonfires, grilling, relaxing | Large paid lot ($3–$10) | Low-Medium | Bonfires, picnicking, airplane spotting |
| Malibu Lagoon State Beach | Nature lovers, surfers, wildlife | Paid lot ($12), limited street parking | Low-Medium | Birdwatching, surfing, lagoon exploring |
| Cabrillo Beach | Families, windsurfing, tide pools | Paid lot ($1/hr or $9/day) | Low-Medium | Swimming, windsurfing, aquarium visit |
| Leo Carrillo State Park Beach | Adventure, tide pooling, camping | Paid lot ($3–$12), limited free street parking | Low | Camping, hiking, tide pooling |
Santa Monica Beach – The Classic LA Experience
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, and for good reason. Its long stretch of golden sand, lively pier, and easy access to restaurants and shops make it a great place for a full-day beach trip. The Santa Monica Pier is a major highlight, featuring an amusement park, street performers, and a classic boardwalk atmosphere.
The beach itself is spacious and great for sunbathing, biking, and beach volleyball. The paved path known as The Strand runs along the shore, making it perfect for a scenic bike ride. Since this is one of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles, expect crowds, especially on weekends. The best way to avoid parking stress is to take the Metro E Line, which stops just a short walk from the pier.
- Parking: Multiple paid lots ($10–$15 per day), limited street parking.
- Restrooms & Showers: Available at various points along the beach.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible walkways, beach wheelchairs available.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds; early mornings for peaceful vibes.
- Crowd Level: Very busy, especially on weekends and summer days.
- Activities: Biking on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Santa Monica Pier rides, beach volleyball.
- Food & Drinks: Tons of nearby restaurants, cafés, and food stalls.
Venice Beach – Where LA’s Wild Side Comes Alive
Venice Beach is not just a beach—it’s an experience. This is where you’ll find street performers, skateboarding legends, and artists displaying their work along the boardwalk. The energy here is unmatched, making it a must-visit if you want to see the quirky, artistic side of Los Angeles.
While the beach itself is great for sunbathing and walking along the shore, the real attraction is the boardwalk. Muscle Beach, an iconic outdoor gym, sits in the heart of the action, while the Venice Skatepark is always packed with skilled skaters. For a quieter escape, the nearby Venice Canals offer a peaceful contrast to the lively main strip.
- Parking: Paid lots ($10–$20), metered street parking (hard to find).
- Restrooms & Showers: Public restrooms near the boardwalk, but often not very clean.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, accessible pathways along the boardwalk.
- Best Time to Visit: Late mornings on weekdays (before crowds peak).
- Crowd Level: Always lively; very crowded on weekends.
- Activities: Skate park, Muscle Beach gym, street performances, artsy shops.
- Food & Drinks: Plenty of funky cafés, taco spots, and juice bars nearby.
Zuma Beach – Clean, Spacious, and Great for Swimming
Zuma Beach in Malibu is one of the cleanest and most family-friendly beaches in Los Angeles. Its wide sandy shore and clear water make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. Unlike some other beaches, the waves here are mild, making it a safer spot for swimmers.
Zuma is also less crowded than Santa Monica or Venice, offering a more relaxed experience. The parking lot is large, but it does fill up quickly on warm weekends. If you’re looking for a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun without the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a top choice.
- Parking: Large paid lot ($8–$15), free street parking along PCH (if lucky).
- Restrooms & Showers: Well-maintained facilities.
- Accessibility: Some wheelchair-accessible areas; beach wheelchairs available.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for a relaxed vibe.
- Crowd Level: Less crowded than Santa Monica or Venice, but still popular.
- Activities: Surfing, boogie boarding, sunbathing, long walks.
- Food & Drinks: A few food trucks nearby; bring your own snacks.
Manhattan Beach – Scenic, Laid-Back, and Upscale
Manhattan Beach has an effortless charm. It’s clean, relaxed, and has an upscale feel, thanks to the beachfront homes and stylish cafes lining the coast. The Manhattan Beach Pier is a highlight, offering stunning views of the Pacific and a small aquarium at the end.
Beach volleyball is huge here, with professional and casual games happening daily. The area is also known for its excellent dining options, with oceanfront restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to gourmet burgers. If you’re looking for a scenic, less touristy beach with a sophisticated touch, Manhattan Beach is a great option.
- Parking: Metered street parking and paid parking structures ($2–$10).
- Restrooms & Showers: Well-maintained restrooms near the pier.
- Accessibility: Good wheelchair access; some ramps lead to the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for peace, sunset for stunning views.
- Crowd Level: Moderate; popular but not as chaotic as Santa Monica.
- Activities: Beach volleyball, surfing, fishing off the pier.
- Food & Drinks: Great restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
El Matador Beach – The Most Instagrammable Spot
El Matador Beach is one of the most visually striking beaches in Los Angeles. Located in Malibu, this beach is known for its dramatic rock formations, hidden sea caves, and stunning coastal views. It’s smaller than most other beaches, but its rugged beauty makes it a favorite for photographers and couples looking for a romantic setting.
Reaching the beach requires a short but steep hike down a dirt path, so wear comfortable shoes and pack light. Sunset is the best time to visit, as the golden light makes the scenery even more breathtaking.
- Parking: Small paid lot ($10), very limited street parking.
- Restrooms & Showers: Portable toilets in the parking area; no showers.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly; steep stairs lead to the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer people, sunset for amazing photos.
- Crowd Level: Often busy due to its Instagram-worthy scenery.
- Activities: Photography, tide pool exploring, romantic picnics.
- Food & Drinks: No food options—bring your own!
Hermosa Beach – The Fun, Sporty Beach
Hermosa Beach is all about fun. With a younger crowd, plenty of beach bars, and a lively pier, this is a great place to spend the day and stay for the nightlife. The wide sandy beach is perfect for volleyball, jogging, or simply relaxing by the waves.
One of the highlights is Pier Avenue, which is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and live music venues. If you want a high-energy beach with both daytime and nighttime activities, Hermosa Beach is the place to be.
- Parking: Street parking (can be tricky), public garages available ($1.50–$2 per hour).
- Restrooms & Showers: Clean public restrooms and outdoor showers.
- Accessibility: Good wheelchair access along The Strand.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a chill vibe, weekends for social energy.
- Crowd Level: Moderate; gets busy around the pier.
- Activities: Surfing, biking, beach volleyball, live music at night.
- Food & Drinks: Tons of bars and restaurants nearby.
Dockweiler Beach – The Only LA Beach with Fire Pits
If you’re looking for a beach where you can have a bonfire, Dockweiler Beach is the best option. It’s the only beach in Los Angeles that allows beach fires, making it a popular spot for evening hangouts with friends.
The beach is also unique because it sits right under the LAX flight path, so you’ll see planes taking off while you relax by the fire. Arrive early to claim a fire pit, as they fill up quickly.
- Parking: Large paid lot ($3–$10), some free street parking.
- Restrooms & Showers: Available but can be crowded.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly with accessible paths.
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for bonfires, mornings for a peaceful beach walk.
- Crowd Level: Less crowded than Venice or Santa Monica.
- Activities: Bonfires, airplane spotting (due to LAX proximity), biking.
- Food & Drinks: Few food stands—better to bring your own.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach – Where Surfers and Nature Lovers Unite
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is the perfect mix of surf culture and nature. The lagoon is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching, while the beach itself has some of the best surfing waves in Los Angeles.
It’s also next to the Malibu Pier, where you can grab a meal with ocean views. If you’re looking for a balance between adventure and relaxation, this beach is a solid choice.
- Parking: Paid parking lot ($12), limited street parking.
- Restrooms & Showers: Available near the entrance.
- Accessibility: Some areas are accessible, but not the entire beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for birdwatching.
- Crowd Level: Moderate; mostly nature lovers and surfers.
- Activities: Birdwatching, exploring the lagoon, visiting Malibu Pier.
- Food & Drinks: A few restaurants near Malibu Pier.
Cabrillo Beach – A Hidden Gem for Tide Pooling
Cabrillo Beach is one of Los Angeles’ best-kept secrets. Located in San Pedro, it offers calm waters, tide pools filled with marine life, and a peaceful atmosphere. Families with kids will love exploring the tide pools, where they can find sea anemones, crabs, and small fish.
This beach is much quieter than others, making it a great escape from the usual LA crowds. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium nearby is also worth a visit.
- Parking: Paid lot ($1 per hour or $9 per day).
- Restrooms & Showers: Public restrooms and outdoor showers available.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly areas.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for peaceful walks, afternoon for family fun.
- Crowd Level: Not too crowded; more of a local beach.
- Activities: Swimming, tide pooling, windsurfing, visiting the aquarium.
- Food & Drinks: Limited food options—pack a lunch.
Leo Carrillo State Park Beach – The Adventure Beach
Leo Carrillo Beach is a top pick for adventure lovers. With sea caves, tide pools, and a nearby campground, this beach offers much more than just sunbathing.
Hiking trails run along the coast, providing stunning ocean views. If you want a beach that offers both relaxation and exploration, this is the perfect choice.
- Parking: Paid lot ($3–$12), limited free street parking.
- Restrooms & Showers: Clean restrooms and rinse-off stations.
- Accessibility: Some accessible trails and ramps.
- Best Time to Visit: Low tide for tide pools, early morning for solitude.
- Crowd Level: Generally quiet, except for weekends.
- Activities: Camping, tide pooling, hiking, snorkeling.
- Food & Drinks: No food vendors—bring your own supplies.
Pro Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches in Los Angeles
Santa Monica Beach
✔ Arrive before 10 AM to grab parking and avoid the biggest crowds.
✔ Use the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to explore nearby beaches without worrying about parking.
✔ Sunset at the Santa Monica Pier is beautiful but also the busiest time—get there early for a good spot.
Venice Beach
✔ The best street performances happen around midday near the skate park.
✔ Watch your belongings—this area is vibrant but can attract pickpockets.
✔ Skip the overpriced boardwalk food and head to Abbot Kinney Blvd for better restaurants.
Zuma Beach
✔ Bring your own snacks and drinks—there aren’t many food options nearby.
✔ The waves here are stronger than they look, so be cautious if you’re swimming.
✔ Arrive early on weekends to secure a good parking spot.
Manhattan Beach
✔ Head to the pier at sunset for some of the best ocean views in LA.
✔ Parking can be tough—use the public garages instead of hunting for metered spots.
✔ Brunch spots fill up fast on weekends, so make a reservation in advance.
El Matador Beach
✔ Check the tide schedule before visiting—high tide covers most of the sand.
✔ The staircase down to the beach is steep—wear comfortable shoes.
✔ There are no restrooms or food stands, so plan accordingly.
Hermosa Beach
✔ Visit on weekends for live music and a lively atmosphere.
✔ The Strand is great for biking, but it gets busy—be prepared to share the path.
✔ Bars and restaurants near the pier can get packed—arrive early for the best spots.
Dockweiler Beach
✔ Bring your own firewood—bonfire pits are first-come, first-served.
✔ Expect some airplane noise, as LAX is nearby.
✔ Pack warm clothes—the ocean breeze makes it chilly at night.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
✔ Perfect spot for birdwatching—bring binoculars!
✔ The Malibu Pier is just a short walk away if you want food or shopping.
✔ Parking fills up fast, so arrive early or be ready to park along PCH.
Cabrillo Beach
✔ Great for kids—check out the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
✔ The water is calmer inside the harbor, making it better for swimming.
✔ Pack a windbreaker—this area gets breezy in the afternoon.
Leo Carrillo State Park Beach
✔ Visit during low tide for the best tide pool exploring.
✔ Camping spots fill up months in advance, so book early if you want to stay overnight.
✔ Bring waterproof shoes for hiking along the rocky coastline.
Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Swimming
Not all Los Angeles beaches are great for swimming—some have rough waters or strong currents. If you want gentle waves and clean water, these are the best choices.
- Zuma Beach – Known for its soft sand and clear, calm waters, this is one of the safest places to swim in LA.
- Santa Monica Beach – With lifeguards on duty and easy access to amenities, it’s great for a stress-free swim.
- Manhattan Beach – The clean waters and well-maintained shore make it a relaxing place for swimming.
- Cabrillo Beach – Located in a more protected cove, this beach has gentle waves and is ideal for kids.
Best Beaches in Los Angeles for Couples
Looking for a romantic beach day? These Los Angeles beaches offer stunning scenery, privacy, and a memorable atmosphere for couples.
- El Matador Beach – Its dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and secluded coves make it one of the most romantic beaches in Los Angeles.
- Manhattan Beach – The combination of oceanfront dining, scenic pier views, and a quieter ambiance makes it perfect for a beach date.
- Leo Carrillo Beach – A great spot for couples who love nature, with hidden coves and tide pools to explore together.
- Dockweiler Beach – If a bonfire under the stars sounds like your kind of date, this is the only beach in LA where you can make it happen.
Last Word
With so many amazing beaches in Los Angeles, there’s truly a perfect spot for everyone. Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure, a quick dip, or a quiet sunset walk, this LA Beach Guide has given you all the options you need. From the top beaches in Los Angeles like Santa Monica and Venice to hidden gems like Cabrillo Beach, you now have a full list of places to explore.
The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. Try a classic LA beach one day and a more secluded spot the next. No matter which beach you visit, Los Angeles delivers breathtaking views, fun activities, and plenty of sunshine. So grab your towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—it’s time to hit the coast.
FAQ
What is the best beach in Los Angeles?
It depends on your preference—Santa Monica Beach is great for activities, Zuma Beach is peaceful, and El Matador Beach is stunning for photography.
Are Los Angeles beaches free to visit?
Yes! Most LA beaches are free, but some have paid parking.
Which beach in LA has the clearest water?
What is the least crowded beach in Los Angeles?
Leo Carrillo and El Matador Beach are usually less crowded, especially on weekdays.
Can you have a bonfire on LA beaches?
Yes, but only in designated fire pits, like those at Dockweiler Beach.
Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Los Angeles?
Yes! Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is one of the best off-leash beaches for dogs.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach using LA’s public transportation?
The easiest beaches to reach using LA’s public transportation are Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Dockweiler Beach.