Los Angeles has no shortage of shoreline, but “best” depends on what you want that day, calm water for kids, a dependable surf break, a quiet stretch for a sunset walk, or easy parking and bathrooms. Below are 10 of the best beaches in Los Angeles County and nearby, chosen for real-world needs, plus practical details like where to park, what it costs, and what to do once you arrive.
Before you go, check water-quality grades and advisories, especially after rain. Los Angeles County posts updates through its beach information hub, and the nonprofit Heal the Bay issues weekly report cards for many popular sites. If you are planning around transit, remember that Metro’s E Line and several bus routes can get you close to Santa Monica and Venice, while Malibu and the Palos Verdes Peninsula are far easier by car.
Best family beach in Los Angeles: Mother’s Beach (Marina del Rey)
If you want the most kid-friendly water in LA, start here. Officially Marina Beach, this protected cove inside Marina del Rey is nicknamed “Mother’s Beach” for good reason, it is usually calm, shallow, and wave-free compared with open-ocean beaches.
Address: 4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Hours: Daily, 6 am to 10 pm (park hours)
Parking: Nearby lots and street parking, typical LA County beach lot rates are about $7 to $13 depending on season and day
Why it’s great: Gentle water for toddlers, grassy picnic areas, playground nearby, bathrooms and showers.
Local tip: Pack water shoes, the sand meets bay-bottom silt in spots, and bring shade because there is limited natural cover at mid-day.
Best iconic, everything-in-one-place beach: Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica is the classic LA beach day, wide sand, a long bike path, and the pier amusement park at the centre of it all. It is also one of the easiest beaches for visitors without a car, and is featured in our guide to California’s best beaches: a guide to the top 15 sandy shores.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (pier area, beach runs north and south)
Hours: Beach is open daily, generally sunrise to sunset, pier hours vary by attraction
Parking: Large paid lots near the pier, rates vary by lot and season
Don’t miss: Sunset photos of the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, beach volleyball courts, and the paved Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
For more outdoor ideas beyond the coastline, pair your beach trip with our internal guide to the 15 best hikes in Los Angeles for every skill level.
Best people-watching beach: Venice Beach
Venice is loud, vibrant, and unapologetically LA. Come for the boardwalk scene, street performers, murals, Muscle Beach, and the skatepark. The sand itself can be busy, but it is part of the appeal.
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Hours: Beach access daily, generally sunrise to sunset
Parking: Lots and limited street spots, commonly $10 to $12 as posted in peak periods
Best for: Group outings, visitors who want atmosphere, sunset strolls with plenty to do off the sand.
Safety note: Keep valuables minimal and consider a phone lanyard or zip pocket, the crowds are part of the draw, and so is petty theft risk.
Best surf beach for beginners: Malibu Surfrider Beach (First Point)
If your trip’s main goal is catching a wave, Malibu’s Surfrider Beach is a legend, and First Point is the usual starting zone for learners and longboarders when conditions line up. It is also one of the most scenic “surf plus sightseeing” combinations in the county.
Address: 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (near Malibu Pier)
Hours: Day-use, generally sunrise to sunset
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots nearby, arrive early on weekends
Best for: Longboarding, watching skilled surfers, quick access to cafés in Malibu.
Local tip: Respect surf etiquette, this is a high-profile break with regulars, and keep an eye on tides and crowds.
Best wide-open sand for big groups: Zuma Beach (Malibu)
Zuma is where LA locals often go when they want space, real waves, and a classic “bring the cooler and set up for the day” vibe. The beach is huge and, on many days, less claustrophobic than Santa Monica or Venice.
Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Parking: Large paid lots, rates vary by season and day
Best for: Families with older kids, boogie boarding, beach games, group meetups.
Heads up: Zuma is open-ocean, the shore break and rip currents can be strong. Swim near lifeguards, and keep small children close.
Best quiet, scenic beach for photos: El Matador State Beach (Malibu)
If your idea of a perfect beach is dramatic rock formations and a golden-hour sea arch, El Matador delivers. It feels more like a rugged coastal park than a typical “set up an umbrella” beach, which is why photographers love it.
Address: 32215 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Parking: Small paid lot and limited roadside parking, arrive early
Best for: Sunset walks, engagement photos, tidepool exploring at low tide.
Tide note: Plan around low tide if you want to access caves and walk farther along the sand, at high tide the usable beach shrinks fast.
Best beach-town vibe and volleyball: Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach blends an easygoing, upscale South Bay vibe with one of the most photogenic piers in the region. The sand is clean, the walkability is excellent, and volleyball culture is strong.
Address: Manhattan Beach Pier, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hours: Beach access daily, generally sunrise to sunset
Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking near downtown, neighbourhood streets farther out
Best for: Sunset pier photos, volleyball, couples and friend groups who want restaurants close by.
What to do nearby: Walk up to Downtown Manhattan Beach for coffee or a post-swim meal, it is one of the rare LA beach areas where you can comfortably do an entire day on foot once you arrive.
Best classic South Bay beach for a full day: Hermosa Beach
Hermosa is a go-to for visitors who want a quintessential Southern California scene without the intensity of Venice. The Strand is lively, there are strong food options, and the pier area is easy to navigate.
Address: Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Hours: Beach access daily, generally sunrise to sunset
Parking: Paid municipal lots and metered street parking
Best for: Beach-to-bar itineraries, cycling The Strand, volleyball, sunset socializing.
Best hidden-feeling coastline close to the city: Point Dume State Beach (Malibu)
Point Dume is the Malibu postcard. Think cliffs, wide views, and the feeling that you are far from the city even though you are still in LA County. On the right day, you may spot dolphins offshore, and seasonal whale watching can be excellent from the headland.
Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (Point Dume State Beach access via Westward Beach area)
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Parking: Paid parking lots, limited capacity on busy weekends
Best for: Scenic walks, whale watching (seasonal), a quieter Malibu beach day with big views.
Hike add-on: If you have sturdy shoes, add the Point Dume headland trail for a short climb and panoramic payoff.
Best LA beach with fire pits: Dockweiler State Beach
For an evening beach plan, Dockweiler is the practical choice. It is one of the few LA-area beaches known for fire rings, making it ideal for bonfires, birthday gatherings, and sunset cookouts. Plan for airplane noise, LAX is right beside it.
Address: 12000 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Hours: Open daily, generally sunrise to sunset, fire-ring use follows posted rules
Parking: Large paid lots, rates vary
Best for: Bonfires, groups, easy access from the Westside and South Bay.
Planning tip: Arrive early to claim a fire ring, especially on summer weekends. Bring layers, it can get windy after dark.
How to choose the right LA beach for your trip
- If you have kids or nervous swimmers: Mother’s Beach, or the wider, lifeguarded sand at Zuma.
- If surfing is the point: Malibu Surfrider, or watch the lineup near Manhattan Beach Pier.
- If you want quiet and photos: El Matador, or Point Dume on a weekday morning.
- If you want attractions and transit access: Santa Monica, then wander south toward Venice.
- If you want an evening hang: Dockweiler for a fire-ring plan.
LA’s beaches are public resources, and how they are maintained depends on local budgets and priorities. For a look at the bigger municipal picture, see our coverage of Los Angeles County previews $48.8B budget amid federal cuts.
Beach safety, water quality, and rules locals follow
Check water quality: Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card is widely used by locals to spot problem areas after storms. Los Angeles County also posts beach information through its Department of Beaches and Harbors portal. Start here: LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors: Find a beach.
Mind the “72-hour rule” after rain: Many Angelenos avoid ocean swimming for 72 hours after significant rainfall due to runoff.
Know the flags: If you see red flags, stay out, even if the water looks calm. Rip currents can be invisible.
Respect wildlife: Give seals and sea lions space, especially during pupping season if you are visiting coves outside the main city beaches.
Where to eat near the beach (quick, local-friendly picks)
Santa Monica: Grab something easy near the pier, then picnic on the sand. The Third Street area is a reliable fallback if it is windy.
Venice: Stick to well-reviewed spots along Abbot Kinney Boulevard for a calmer meal than the boardwalk.
Malibu: Plan food before you arrive or expect waits, especially on weekends. A quick stop near Malibu Pier can turn into a long line at lunch.
If you are visiting from out of town and planning a multi-city food trip, this cross-site read is useful for restaurant planning elsewhere: The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide: 25 best restaurants in Miami (2026).
