12 Best Beaches in Los Angeles for an Endless Summer
Ethnically diverse and culturally vibrant, the trend-setting global metropolis of Los Angeles is one of the irresistible vacation destinations in the world. Home to more than a dozen of iconic stars, the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' is a land of dreams. While the cinematic landscape is let alone beautiful, the sprawling sunny coastline on top is even mesmerizing.
Blessed with a picturesque coastline from the Malibu to South Bay, Los Angeles is painted with some of the lovely blonde beaches in the world. Without further adieu, we present you the 12 best beaches in Los Angeles for an endless summer.
1. Santa Monica State Beach
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Drawing the visitors from all around the globe is the landmark beach of Santa Monica State Beach. Extending long as it would never end, Santa Monica State Beach is a popular pick for the locals and visiting the beach is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles. Activities in the beach include volleyball, working out at Muscle beach, surfing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. But the main attraction is the Santa Monica Pier which will keep you occupied. Revel in the festive vibe, stretch your legs, or go for a bike ride.
Famous for: Summer Twilight concerts, Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach
2. Dockweiler State Beach
PC: Dockweiler State Beach is a quiet beach in Los Angeles, suited for people who are interested in escaping the crowd and have an affinity for the soothing sound of the crashing waves. Indulge in the airplane watching as frequent airplanes pass overhead from the nearby Los Angeles International Airport. When you are bored, try learning the sport of hand gliding, play a game of volleyball, go bike riding, smoke a barbecue, and dance around a bonfire. Dockweiler State Beach is also wonderful picnic spot in Los Angeles.
Famous for: Hang Gliding, BBQ, Bonfires, Picnic
3. El Matador State Beach
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Set below a cliff is the pretty flawless El Matador State Beach. Accessible via a steep gravel path, the secluded El Matador State Beach is complete with massive rocks, shore-washed seaweeds, and stunning views. If you are a couple looking for privacy and a romantic beach destination, then El Matador State Beach should be your ideal choice. Try reaching El Matador State Beach very early in the morning or stay late for the crimson-fiery hue to take over the beach coastline.
Famous for: Beautiful views, Tranquil nature, Sunset, Romance
4. Leo Carrillo State Beach
PC: Pixabay.com
Named after Leo Carrillo - actor and preservationist, Leo Carrillo State Beach is a part of the Leo Carrillo State Park. Set at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, Leo Carrillo State Beach is wild than its counterparts with a long stretch of sand and scenic beauty. Dotted with tide pools, sea caves, and reefs, Leo Carrillo State Beach is famous for surfing, swimming, camping, and beachcombing. Totally a fun place, Leo Carrillo State beach is the right place to unleash your dogs as it is dog-friendly and a family friendly beach in Los Angeles.
Famous for: Camping, Surfing, Dog-Friendly, Picnic, Family-Friendly
Check out: Swimming Holes in Los Angeles
5. Malibu Surfrider Beach
PC: As the name has it, Malibu Surfrider Beach is for those who are into surfing and is one of the top surfing spots in Los Angeles. Placed at the heart of Malibu's legendary landscape, the quintessential Malibu Surfrider Beach is a hotspot for surfers. Soak in the cool vibe of the beach, lay out your surfing boards to ride the perfect waves that come curling up along the shore, and brave the crowds for some bird watching. Complete with a plenty of places to eat and things to do, you can easily spend a whole day at Malibu Surfrider Beach.
Famous for: Surfing, People Watching, Picnic, Bird Watching
Also Plan for these day trips from Los Angeles!!
6. Venice Beach
Always buzzing with people, Venice Beach is a meeting point of culture and vibrancy. Attracting over a million visitors every year, the global tourist destination along with the neighborhood of 'Venice of America' is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Skate along the Venice boardwalk, go surfing on the Venice breakwaters, do not miss out on the engaging street performances, check out the bodybuilders at the Muscle beach, indulge in shopping, and go on a gastronomic journey across the restaurants adorning the place.
Famous for: Roller Skating, People Watching, Muscle Beach, Venice Boardwalk
7. Manhattan Beach
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Situated in a trendy area of the town of Manhattan is the upscale Manhattan beach frequented by gorgeous people with shiny cars and big sunglasses. Regarded as one of the pleasant spots for the tourists and the locals to hang out without the clattering of the people to disturb you constantly, Manhattan beach is a classic South California beach. Jog on the trails or ride a bike, go surfing on the soaring waves, and take a visit to the aquarium at the end, which is a great way to keep your kids entertained.
Famous for: Surfing, Amazing views, Swimming, Aquarium
8. County Line Beach
Starting out at the mouth of a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, hugging the shore along the Venture County's south coast is the crystal clear County Line Beach. With wide beach breaks on offer, County Line Beach is a favorite spot for board and kite surfers. Nestled amidst a rugged coastline, County Line Beach is abundant with marine habitat and numerous reefs. Go scuba diving alongside the dolphins, explore the biodiversity of the place, indulge in fishing, and go kite surfing as the afternoon wind hits you.
Famous for: Surfing, Water Quality, Wildlife, Scuba Diving
9. Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach is a historic and a tranquil beach in Los Angeles set near San Pedro. A popular destination among the travelers especially for families with kids, Cabrillo Beach has everything to keep a family occupied. Take in the breathtaking views of the ocean, enroll for a windsurfing lesson, plunge into the glistening water, walk on the cool white sand, visit the iconic Angels Gate Lighthouse or just relax on the lovely beach. The mile-long Cabrillo Beach is an ideal picnic spot and is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles.
Famous for: Angels Gate Lighthouse, Pristine Environment, Kid-Friendly, Picnic
10. Hermosa Beach
Distinct from the other beaches in Los Angeles, the seaside community and the beach of Hermosa has a vibrant atmosphere that is catchy and is for the hipsters. Enjoy the laid-back setting of the place that comes with profound cultural experiences. Go surfing in the morning, lay back on your beach towels to get tanned under the sun, indulge in a game of volleyball in the evening, catch the splendid sight of the sunset, go shopping, and party all night. The off-beat attitude and the energy of Hermosa Beach are totally captivating.
Famous for: Sunbathing, Nightlife, Lively Vibe, Volleyball, Shopping
11. Will Rogers State Beach
PC: Wikimedia
Extending nearly 2 miles along the shore, Will Rogers State Beach on the Santa Monica Bay is a lovely beach to stop by in Los Angeles. Featured in several movies and tv shows, you will feel a wave of familiarity washing over you right when you reach Will Rogers State Beach. Hike the eye-catchy long coastline, take in the pleasure of the spectacular views, and just lie back. Considered as a favorite beach among the LGBT community, Will Rogers State Beach is Los Angeles' unofficial gay beach.
Famous for: Bike Riding, Picnic, Beauty, Hiking
12. Zuma Beach
PC: Known for its clean, wide patch of sand with excellent surfing condition, Zuma Beach is among the healthiest beaches in Los Angeles California. Far cleaner and exclusive in nature, Zuma Beach looks inviting and is a wonderful spot for families. While your kids are busy making sandcastles by the shore, go for a quick swim or body surf on the waters, and spread out your towels to get tanned under the bright sun. Lined with an array of food stands and activities to choose from, the hidden gem of Zuma beach is also one of the best beaches in Los Angeles.
Famous for: Family-Friendly, Body Surfing, Lovely Setting, Food Stands
The gentle breeze from the bay, the sugary texture of the beach sand, and the relaxing sound of the waves crashing against the shore is one of the wonderful experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles and with this list, I am sure you will get the essence of the City of Angels.
