Top 15 Stunning Beaches to Explore in Los Angeles

Also recognized as the ‘City of Angels,’ Los Angeles, or L.A., ranks as the most populous city in California and the second-most populous in the United States. The city’s advantageous placement on a broad basin at the southern end of the state enhances its natural wealth—including mountains, forests, valleys, and, notably, the stunning beaches along the Pacific.

As the home of ‘Hollywood,’ Los Angeles consistently draws diverse tourists from across the globe.

While English is the official language, Spanish is widely spoken due to California’s proximity to Mexico. Notably, Los Angeles hosts one of the largest Spanish-speaking communities globally.

Los Angeles International Airport serves as the primary gateway, complemented by additional airports in Santa Ana, Burbank, Long Beach, and Ontario. Within the city, transportation options include trains, buses, taxis, cars, and motorbikes, as well as popular bicycle paths.

Beyond the renowned Hollywood, visitors can explore significant attractions such as Santa Monica, various museums, and the vibrant Venice Beach.

This article will detail 15 of Los Angeles’ finest beaches, spotlighting their unique features and attractions for travelers.

1. El Matador State Beach

Renowned as the most picturesque among the trio of beaches located within Robert H. Meyer State Beach, El Matador is a breathtaking coastal sanctuary in L.A.

This beach is a favored choice for wedding ceremonies and photography, boasting numerous massive rocks and hidden sea caves to discover.

The parking lot, situated on a scenic bluff, features picnic tables that provide expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can access the beach by descending the stairs from the bluff.

The clifftop vantage point presents a captivating panorama, making it an ideal spot for capturing the surrounding beauty. The nearby kelp forest, the azure sea, and the occasional sighting of migrating whales are perfect highlights for your Los Angeles vacation.

2. El Pescador State Beach

Occupying the second position among the trio of beaches at Robert H. Meyer State Beach, El Pescador stands as the westernmost beach in the area.

The main beach is just a short trail distance from the parking lot, which is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway. At the base of the bluff, a cave is surrounded by impressive rock formations and tide pools.

Although El Pescador is not entirely secluded, it offers a quieter alternative compared to its neighboring beaches, making it possible to find a tranquil spot to unwind and enjoy a leisurely picnic. Visitors should plan to bring their own food, as no on-site food sales are available.

The name El Pescador translates to ‘the fisherman,’ but the rich ecosystem extends beyond fish, featuring vibrant tide pools home to diverse marine life, including crabs, sea snails, sea stars, and mussels.

Birdwatchers will find much to appreciate, with notable sightings of California brown pelicans, gulls, sandpipers, and double-crested cormorants.

3. Zuma Beach County Park and Westward Beach

Zuma Beach County Park, located west of Point Dume, features a sprawling 3-mile-long coastline, with the southern part designated as Westward Beach. This idyllic setting is conveniently accessed from the nearby Pacific Coast Highway.

The considerable popularity of this beach necessitates constant patrolling by lifeguards from dawn until dusk. Those wishing to avoid crowds may opt to visit during off-peak seasons, particularly outside the summer months when it can become very congested.

This beach area is known for its open sandy expanse, numerous volleyball courts, extensive parking facilities, children’s swing sets, and opportunities for surf lessons.

Facilities include a snack bar and a full-service restaurant, along with ample restrooms and outdoor showers.

Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales are frequently observed, enriching the experience within the Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area.

4. Paradise Cove Beach

Gained fame through the beachfront café operated by esteemed American novelist Bob Morris, Paradise Cove Beach attracts various visitors—including friends, solo travelers, couples, and families. The café’s location on the sandy beach, leading to a romantic cove, enhances its desirability.

Recognizable to many, the beach served as a filming location for popular Hollywood productions such as ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘American Pie 2.’

Beachgoers can rent beach beds and lounge chairs, along with large umbrellas for shade. For larger gatherings, complete terraces accommodating up to 30 guests are also available.

A leisurely walk along the beach presents opportunities to admire majestic palm trees, pristine sand, and dramatic sandstone cliffs.

5. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a prominent destination for surfing aficionados, birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts. Situated at the junction of Malibu Creek and the Pacific Ocean, the beach is flanked by a picnic area to the west and the Malibu Pier to the east.

A significant wetland occupies much of the area, providing opportunities for birdwatchers to observe over 200 species in their native habitat. There are dirt pathways winding through the wetlands, popular among hikers and bird enthusiasts.

Guided tours are available for those interested in the local flora and fauna, as well as the history surrounding the Chumash Indian tribe, who inhabited the region until the late 1700s.

The Adamson House, built in 1929, is a noteworthy visit, along with its previously functioning garage, now serving as the Malibu Lagoon Museum.

6. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

This coastal treasure along the rugged Palos Verdes coast is celebrated for its breathtaking views, well-maintained trail systems, and abundant tide pools.

The surrounding beachfront presents excellent options for picnics, while the trails leading down to the shore or to the picturesque Portuguese Point are certainly the main attractions, accompanied by the stunning vistas of the landscape.

A portion of the Abalone Cove trail intersects with the renowned California Coastal Trail.

The tide pools at Abalone Cove, best enjoyed during low tides, teem with diverse marine life, including small octopuses, anemones, hermit crabs, and sea hares.

7. Manhattan Beach

Located within L.A.’s suburbs, Manhattan Beach is an ideal location for sunbathing and experiencing the ocean breeze.

The 2-mile-long sandy stretch invites activities such as running, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball with friends. Dedicated paths for running and biking are incorporated along the coastline.

Adjacent to the beach is the Manhattan Beach Pier, a favored spot for both sunset viewing and fishing. The pier holds the title of the oldest of its kind on the West Coast and is recognized as a state historical landmark. At the end of the pier, the Roadhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium is located.

8. Venice Beach

Among the most frequented beaches in Los Angeles, Venice Beach is a major attraction for both local and international tourists.

The beach serves as the quintessential location for enjoying the sun, sand, and sea throughout the year. A 2.5-mile promenade designated for pedestrians runs alongside the beach, lined with an array of shops, bars, and restaurants.

In addition to swimming and surfing, available activities include bicycle rentals for traversing the area between Venice Beach and nearby Santa Monica.

The beach features a skating arena, a fully-equipped gym, the Venice Pier, and an extensive canal system as additional highlights.

9. Leo Carrillo State Beach

This state beach, named in honor of American actor, conservationist, and political cartoonist Leo Carrillo, is often referred to as the “movie beach” due to its allure among filmmakers. It stands just behind the famed El Matador State Beach in terms of popularity.

Featuring caves, tide pools, and reefs, Leo Carrillo State Beach is conveniently located near the Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway, making access straightforward.

Common activities at the beach include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, windsurfing, and fishing.

When exploring the tide pools at Sequit Point, visitors may encounter sea stars, anemones, crabs, and mussels.

10. Will Rogers State Beach

For visitors wishing to bask in the sun alone or share a romantic sunset with a loved one, Will Rogers State Beach offers an ideal environment, strategically positioned between Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Coast Highway.

The beach is supervised by lifeguards throughout the day, attracting visitors seeking to surf, swim, dive, or participate in kitesurfing, windsurfing, and fishing.

Facilities include volleyball nets, restrooms, extensive parking, and a well-regarded restaurant.

The nearby Santa Monica Bay is home to various marine species that can be explored at the Santa Monica Aquarium.

11. Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica is among the most iconic and picturesque beaches in Los Angeles, offering visitors breathtaking views along with a myriad of recreational facilities. Each day feels festive at Santa Monica Beach.

The most significant feature is the Santa Monica Pier, which may seem somewhat kitschy but is worth visiting for an authentic Santa Monica experience.

With attractions like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, game booths, and carnival-style food stalls, the beach provides enjoyment for a wide range of visitors.

Santa Monica Beach is characterized by its 3-mile-long sandy shoreline, ideal for both runners and walkers. Moreover, popular water activities include surfing, swimming, and paddle-boarding, with beach volleyball being a cherished tradition.

12. Redondo Beach

As one of the three beach cities in Southern California’s South Bay, Redondo Beach stands out with its unique horseshoe-shaped pier.

Often hailed as the birthplace of surfing in the United States, Redondo Beach is an excellent destination for both novice and experienced surfers.

The beach is lined with numerous well-maintained volleyball courts, recognized as some of the finest in the nation.

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, traces the length of Redondo Beach, extending up to Santa Monica and Will Rogers State Beach.

Seasonal farmer’s markets add local flavor, while whale-watching cruises, kayak rentals, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available year-round.

13. Hermosa Beach

Known for its lively bar scene and pristine sandy beaches, Hermosa Beach complements Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, forming a trio of popular coastal destinations in Southern California’s South Bay.

The waters of Hermosa Beach are renowned for water-based activities and beach volleyball.

The Strand traverses the beach and is a major draw for cyclists, runners, and joggers. Additionally, Hermosa Beach hosts a daily farmer’s market and is home to The Lighthouse Café, a celebrated jazz venue.

Exhibiting typical SoCal charm, Hermosa offers essential amenities including restrooms, showers, rental shops, lessons, lifeguards, wheelchair access, and various dining options.

14. Topanga State Beach

Arguably the most significant spot for surfers, Topanga State Beach serves as a paradise for various beach enthusiasts—including sunbathers, swimmers, scuba divers, kayakers, and sailors with catamarans.

Whether visiting with family or friends, you can opt to bring your own picnic or dine at the Malibu Chart House restaurant for a delightful meal alongside the beach.

Surrounded by Will Rogers Beach to the east and Las Tunas to the west, this beach opens to the public at sunrise and closes when lifeguards depart for the day.

A bait and tackle shop is conveniently located across the street for those interested in fishing.

15. Nicholas Canyon County Beach

Nicholas Canyon County Beach, located just north of the well-known Robert H. Meyer Memorial Beach, tends to be less crowded than its more famous neighbor.

The beach’s point break is ideal for surfers, while swimmers, divers, and windsurfers can also relish the inviting waters of Nicholas Canyon County Beach.

The tide pools offer a sanctuary for various marine creatures, and the soft sand provides an excellent space for sunbathing.

During the summer months, you may encounter food trucks along the shore; if not, consider bringing your own lunch to enjoy at one of the numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the area.

This area was originally inhabited by the Chumash Native American tribe long before becoming a county under the jurisdiction of the city of Los Angeles. The neighboring Chumash village, restored by The Wishtoyo Foundation, provides educational tours available by prior arrangement.