17 Best Beaches in Los Angeles, CA — Top Public Beach Spots!
Enjoy the City of Angels’ pleasant Mediterranean climate.
This Southern California city has a ton more to offer than just being a large metropolis and the home of the big names in the film industry.
When you’re in Southern California, the beaches and the waves are everything.
Plan your trip accordingly, and go to as many beaches as possible.
The top beaches in Los Angeles, California, are listed below.
- El Matador State Beach
One of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles is El Matador Beach, one of the three beaches of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Whatever you wish to do at El Matador Beach, it is a beautiful seafront site.
Of course, you can go swimming, snorkeling, and tanning.
But this coastline is also terrific for exploring the beach and caves.
Just be sure you do it at low tide.
Expert Tip
With its striking arches and unusual formations, El Matador is a favored location for many professional photographers.
So while you’re here, take advantage of the stunning environment and take a few vacation pictures.
- El Pescador State Beach
El Pescador Beach is a separate beach located within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.
Among the three beaches nearby, it requires the least among of hiking.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The tide pools of El Pescador Beach are well-known.
While you’re here, you may also go beachcombing and sunbathe.
Binoculars are a must-have item for bird watchers who want to spend some time with their feathered friends.
Expert Tip
Do you want to visit one of the nearby undiscovered Los Angeles, California beaches?
You can access the undiscovered El Sol Beach by walking to the western portion of El Pescador and past the rocks.
Few people are aware of it, and even fewer are willing to make the difficult journey.
As a result, you can almost count on having the sandy coastline to yourself.
- Zuma Beach County Park and Westward Beach
Malibu’s Zumas Beach is large.
The southern portion of its two-mile-long main beach is known as Westward Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Sporty visitors will like Zume Beach for all of the activities available.
Surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, and bodysurfing are all permitted here.
In the waters of Southern California, swimming and scuba diving are also a ton of fun.
But if you’d prefer to stay dry, go play some volleyball with your friends over at the nearby courts.
Expert Tip
One of the lovely beaches where you can go swimming and surfing is Westward Beach.
However, hikers will enjoy exploring the coastline.
You might discover the secret Pirates Cove Beach; you never know (where the 1968 film, Planet of the Apes, shot its final scene).
- Manhattan County Beach
The two-mile-long Manhattan County Beach has one end that begins at 1st Street and extends to Rosecrans Avenue.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Few people know about it, and even fewer are prepared to make the challenging voyage.
This area has some top things to do in Los Angeles.
The cool seas are suitable for surfing and swimming.
But you can also use the volleyball court to play volleyball or use the many paths to go bicycling, skating, and running.
Expert Tip
When you go to the renowned Manhattan Pier, take many lovely shots.
While there, you can also go fishing.
- Venice City Beach
The main beach in LA’s Venice District is called Venice City Beach.
This seashore is the safest beach in LA for youngsters, excluding the nearby Santa Monica beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Other than swimming, tanning, and surfing, Venice Beach offers a ton of other activities.
You can skateboard, skate, bike, and walk on the paved trails.
Young children will enjoy playing on the playground after swimming in the ocean.
The different courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and other sports will be entertaining for older children.
Expert Tip
Due to its excellent outdoor workout facilities, Venice Beach is also known as Muscle Beach.
The exercise here and on the sports courts to make the most of your stay.
- Paradise Cove Beach
The privately owned Paradise Cove contains Paradise Cove Beach.
The beach itself is accessible to everyone.
One of the city’s most beautiful beaches is there.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Paradise Cove Beach is the best option for a pristine beach next to a restaurant.
One of the most excellent beaches in Los Angeles is there.
Swimming, sunbathing, exploring tide pools, and beachcombing are all possible here.
On top of the fishing pier, you can also go fishing.
After that, you can get a beverage or filling meal in a restaurant with the same name.
Expert Tip
Do you like taking long beach walks?
Start at Paradise Cove Beach for the best experience.
You will walk beneath stunning Malibu houses as you turn east from the beach.
Traveling to the west, you may reach the sandstone cliffs and Little Dume Beach.
- Hermosa City Beach
The primary beach in the city with the same name is Hermosa City Beach.
The seashore takes up the entire city shoreline.
It’s among the top beaches close to Los Angeles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The sport of surfing is usually considered as having its inception in California, and this beach is among the greatest for surfing.
Also fantastic for swimming and strolling along the beach.
Expert Tip
In addition to the typical water sports, Hermosa Beach has bike trails that you can use for running, biking, and skating.
The play area on the beach is delightful for children.
- Leo Carrillo State Beach
North Beach and South Beach are both located in Lea Carrillo State Park.
In addition, there are many hiking routes located between the two beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Bring your little children and your four-legged companions to North Beach.
The entire family will enjoy swimming in the park’s area, which is dog-friendly.
Sequit Point on the South Beach offers a ton of tide pools and caves for you to explore when the tide is low.
Expert Tip
To get to Staircase Beach, continue straight north from North Beach.
Surfers like to hang out in this area.
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach can be found where Malibu Creek ends and the ocean begins.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The creek pools at Malibu Lagoon Beach are a breath of fresh air if you’re sick of the usually sandy beach and roaring waves.
You may explore a ton of tidepools there.
However, you can still swim, surf, and sunbathe here.
Expert Tip
When visiting Malibu Lagoon Beach, you can choose to avoid getting wet.
Set up a chair and enjoy some whale or bird watching.
You can also explore the paths around the beach if you want to be more active.
- Redondo County Beach
Beginning at the Redondo Beach Pier and extending southward to the fronts of houses, Redondo County Beach is 1.5 miles long.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you relax here, enjoy Redondo beach’s lovely white sand.
Lifeguard stations are scattered throughout the coast, so you can swim in several locations far from the coastline.
Visitors can enjoy surfing, fishing, and strolling along the beach.
Expert Tip
Redondo Beach has a tremendous nighttime appearance.
Before going to King Harbor, you can take a stroll along the Redondo Beach Pier.
There may be restaurants, bars, and even Fun Factory, the city’s favorite video arcade.
- Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
The Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The tide pools at Abalone Cove are its main draw.
The trails will take you to three different coves.
Remember not to disturb or remove anything from the tide pools.
Another great photo opportunity is the rock tunnels at the end of one of the routes.
You will be thrilled when you watch the waves crashing in the tunnels.
Expert Tip
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park welcomes your fou-legged companions, but please keep them on the designated routes.
On any of the beaches, dogs are not permitted.
- Will Rogers State Beach
The Pacific Palisades shoreline in Los Angeles is called Will Rogers State Beach.
Depending on where the beach is, it has a variety of terrains.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Will Rogers State Beach is ideal if you want to engage in aquatic sports.
You are free to swim, dive, and surf as much as you like here.
The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail offers a 22-mile bike route to Santa Monica Beach.
This beach provides access to the route.
Expert Tip
Ginger Rogers Beach, which is close to lifeguard tower 18, is an excellent place to go if your want to have fun.
It’s a well-known LGBT beach.
- Nicholas Canyon County Beach
Nicholas Canyon County Beach is a substantial stretch of fine sand in western Malibu.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Because of the tremendous waves that break on the rocky point where the Canyon meets the shore, surfers refer to this region as Point Zero.
This beach is ideal if you want to swim, windsurf, or just enjoy some waves.
Even some scuba diving can be done in the water.
Expert Tip
Bring your food if you don’t want to compete with the masses when a food truck shows up.
You’re OK to go because the area has a ton of picnic tables.
- Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is located between Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier.
Many people believe it to be Los Angeles’ top swimming beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Due to its proximity to numerous parks and easy beach access, Santa Monica Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists.
You may always unwind on the sandy shores, the wide open spaces, and the picnic places once you’ve finished swimming and surfing in the ocean. The playground is available for use by children.
Expert Tip
The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trails, a twisting trail located at the back of the beach, is great for skaters and cyclists.
- Topanga State Beach
The Malibu beach that is closest to Los Angeles is Topanga Beach.
Close to the Pacific Palisades area is its east end.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A favorite among serious surfers, Topanga Beach is known for its tremendous waves.
Try catching the waves on this beach if you enjoy the rush of surfing.
Scuba diving, fishing, and sunbathing are all great activities along this seashore.
Expert Tip
Visit the Topanga State Park for its excellent hiking and mountain bike routes in addition to water sports.
- Carbon Beach
Due to the wealthy homes close to its waters, Carbon Beach is often referred to as Billionaire’s Beach.
Wealthy CEOs and A-list celebrities own the majority of these mansions.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Carbon Beach will cross a lot of your must-see tourist attractions off your list.
It offers everything you might desire from Southern California: excellent sand, pounding waves, and Malibu mansions.
But while you’re there, it’s fantastic for strolling along the beach and tanning.
Expert Tip
Make sure to park along the roadway in the appropriate spots before heading to the beach.
Avoid painting garages and driveways black to avoid having your car towed.
- Surfrider Beach – Malibu
Between Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon, there is a well-known surfing area called Malibu Surfrider Beach.
It’s among the top beaches in Los Angeles, California (or near it).
Why We Recommend This Beach
Surfrider Beach, as its name suggests, is a great place to learn how to surf Californian waves.
Of course, there are also nearby opportunities for swimming, fishing, tanning, and scuba diving.
Surfrider Beach is also fantastic for seeing whales if you want to keep dry.
Expert Tip
The day’s surfing is over.
Visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum and the Adamson House.
You may read more about Malibu and surfing’s past here.
