The Best Los Angeles Beaches: 5 You Cannot Miss When in Town
We’ve been to Los Angeles three times since 2018, and it never fails – we always end up at some of the best Los Angeles beaches. So, I wanted to make sure you got there as well. Let’s dive in!
Venice Beach
Best beach for people who want to work up a sweat both in and out of the water.
My personal favorite on this list of the best Los Angeles beaches! This happening hot spot is an experience in and of itself. There are surfers, street performers and skaters all colliding in a way that you just can’t help but feel happy.
The beach itself stretches along the Pacific and the waves are perfect for beginner surfers. This is not the draw typically though- most people come for Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of boardwalk filled with artists, musicians, vendors, and people from every walk of life. My favorite part are the skaters that look like they are straight out of My Girl 2. The area is loud, it’s colorful, it’s unapologetically weird- which is exactly why I like it.
This is also where you’ll find Muscle Beach gym, where the body builders have been showing off what they got since the 1930s and, another favorite of mine, the skate part.
Best place to stay near Venice Beach: The Kinney
Santa Monica Beach
Best Beach for people who want to do the traditional boardwalk.
Santa Monica has that postcard-perfect SoCal look to it, with sandy shores and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. And with lots of food and shopping areas, it’s no wonder this is one of the best Los Angeles beaches.
It stretches over three miles along the coast. And while it’s good for swimming and boogie boarding, this is also where I learned to surf. This worked out well since Breanna and my mom were there and could go check out Santa Monica Pier, which has a small amusement park, arcade games, food stands, and the Pacific Wheel- a solar powered Ferris wheel with beautiful views of the coastline.
Looking to get a little movement in? The Santa Monica Bike Path, also known as The Strand, runs along the beach and connects Santa Monica to Venice.
Manhattan Beach
Best family-friendly beach with gorgeous sunsets and photograph-worthy moments.
This beach will feel like a hidden treasure to those who are wanting to escape the touristy Santa Monica and Venice beaches. This area is your beach town with a touch of class. Known as the birthplace of sand volleyball, there are opportunites to throw one around or just watch an intense game going on across dozens of nets.
The part I think looks the most beautiful is the Manhattan Beach Pier, where the Roundhouse Aquarium will meet you at the end. It’s a free, family-friendly marine education center that’s worth a quick visit. What I like though is the lower area of the pier, where the sunset views are, incase I haven’t mentioned it, photograph-worthy. Which means it has definitely earned itself a spot on the best Los Angeles beaches list!
Surfrider Beach
Best beach for, shocker, surfers.
I chose this one because I want more time on a board, so this is my reminder to check it out. Only a mile long, this area has some of the best surfing from around the world. Not into surfing? Then come for the chill vibes.
Located next to Malibu Pier, you can spend some time here just hanging out. Go to the end of the pier and stop by Malibu Farm for fresh, farm-to-table dishes and some seriously good coffee (or so I’ve heard- I’ll be sure to report back).
Wrapping Up My Thoughts on The Best Los Angeles Beaches
Two of these I have visited, two more are on the list, plus one that I didn’t mention but have officially added to my bucket list (I just finished doing that). Basically, what I’m saying is this list is just the beginning, but if it helps you find the best Los Angeles beaches for your needs, then my job here is complete. See you soon, friends!
