Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles is home to some of the most iconic beaches in the country. From the expansive shores of the South Bay to the secluded gems of Malibu up north, the L.A. coastline has a beach for every occasion. Explore quaint coastal towns for family outings, visit a bustling boardwalk with roller coasters over the sand, or discover quiet coves where you can lay back and relax. Here are seven must-visit beaches in Los Angeles County.
1. Paradise Cove
Best beach in Los Angeles for luxe relaxation
Where to park: Paid lot
Paradise Cove has one of the nicest beach and dining combinations in Los Angeles. This scenic and secluded beach in Malibu is tucked into the cliffs, making it feel like a true retreat from the city. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe runs the show here, providing everything from great lunch food to upscale beach amenities like beach beds, chaise lounges, and private terraces for rent. Of course, if you just want to swim or surf, you can access the beach for free, but you’ll still have to pay upwards of $30 for parking. Pro tip: Enjoy a drink or snack in the restaurant and get your parking for just $3.
2. Venice Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for sightseeing
Where to park: Paid lots or street
Venice Beach is one of the top attractions in Los Angeles County for a reason. This mile and a half of soft sand makes for great lounging, but no trip would be complete without a walk along the Venice Boardwalk. This one-mile street market near the Venice Pier is bustling with activity from street performers and skaters, and the people-watching is hard to beat. Stop by Muscle Beach, the “home of bodybuilding,” if only just to take a look at the athletes at work. Whether or not you leave with a souvenir from one of the many vendors, you’ll get a feel for the local culture. There are plenty of private parking lots and some street parking available in the area.
3. Santa Monica Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for families
Where to park: Paid lots
Santa Monica Beach is home to the Santa Monica Pier, ocean-view hotels, and stunning white sand. There are plenty of parking lots (ranging from $7–$18 depending on the day and season) along the beach, and you can walk along the paved path until you find a good spot to forge out onto the sand. Between playing in the waves and spending an hour or two on pier rides, the kids will be totally exhausted. Sister hotels Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar make great options for luxurious overnights or nice dinners by the sea.
4. Point Dume State Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for adventuring
Where to park: Paid lot
Point Dume in Malibu has it all: a crescent-shaped beach, clear water, and a scuba spot where you might even meet some sea lions. This is a great beach for swimming and body surfing. It’s also a popular destination for rock climbers, who you’ll spot repelling off the cliffs over the beach. If you’re looking for an oceanside hike, follow the trails up craggy cliffs for a 360-degree view of Santa Monica Bay. During winter and early spring, you may even catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating south. Summer weekday parking here is $8; weekends run $15.
5. El Matador State Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for photo ops
Where to park: Paid lot
Follow the trail from the parking lot down the coastal cliffs to this gorgeous hidden beach in Malibu, one of three located within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador State Beach is prized among Angelenos for its striking landscape: Sea stacks create dramatic shapes along the coast and form sea caves, which you can check out during low tide. If you want to take a stroll, keep walking north along the beach to hit two other beaches, La Piedra State Beach and Lechuza Beach. Pop back up on the trail for dreamy cliffside views and enjoy a picnic while you catch the sunset. $10 gets you parking for the entire day and access to public restrooms.
6. Playa Del Rey Beach/Dockweiler Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for skipping crowds
Where to park: Paid lot
Somehow, the miles of clean white sand and rolling dunes that make up Playa del Rey Beach just south of Marina del Rey are never too crowded. This is the perfect place to spread out in the sun for a sleepy beach day. It’s also one of the only beaches in Los Angeles County that allows bonfires, and for $8, you can park your vehicle for the entire day (campers and RVs are welcome, too). Kick off the evening with a barbecue on the sand and stay to watch the sunset. Or duck over to Brooke Williamson’s oceanfront Playa Provisions for exceptional food and drink.
7. Topanga Beach
Best beach in Los Angeles for surfing
Where to park: Paid lot or street
A local favorite, Topanga Beach is a go-to for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for unique surfing experiences. It’s the first beach you’ll hit off the Pacific Coast Highway as you drive north from Santa Monica to Malibu, and though the rocky terrain makes it a bit challenging on the swimming front, surfers, divers, and sunbathers will have a lot of fun here. As one of the more accessible beaches from the east side of town, it does tend to get crowded by midday. Arrive on the earlier side to snag a good parking spot and have some waves to yourself. Summer lot parking costs $15 for the day, and there are also picnic areas, showers, and restrooms on site.
From Venice Beach to Manhattan Beach, L.A. is home to some of the country’s most iconic beachside towns. If you’re eager for more time by the water, plan a family-friendly Los Angeles adventure, or explore the rest of Southern California’s coast. A drive along PCH from San Diego to Santa Barbara will take you by some of the best beaches in neighboring San Diego and Orange County.
