Beaches in Los Angeles
The beach is a huge part of Los Angeles culture, even if it’s not always hot enough to play in the water. Although there are plenty of beach areas to visit, not all of them have the cleanest water or the best atmosphere, so choose wisely. If it’s a hot summer day, plan to get to the beach early, as most of Los Angeles probably has the same thing in mind as you.
One of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles area is Zuma Beach, located in Malibu. Many locals visit beaches in this area to surf, and there are several surfing and kiteboarding tournaments held on Zuma. Plenty others gather on the sand to picnic and people-watch. The beach is easily accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, and there are several small restaurants and board shops nearby in Malibu. Parking in the lots costs under $10, but it’s possible to find parking nearby if you are willing to walk a bit (and maybe make the dangerous dart across PCH).
A much quieter option in Malibu is Paradise Cove, a private stretch of beach attached to the famous Paradise Cove restaurant. Diners at the restaurant get discounted parking and open access to the beach. It’s best to grab a seat outdoors, order a couple of drinks and appetizers, then wander out to the ocean or lounge on one of the cushiony chairs that the restaurant provides on the sand. Just beware of the seagulls — they are especially bold in this area and may not hesitate to dive into your nachos if you’re not careful.
For less beach watching and more people watching, try Venice Beach. This area is best-known for its colorful characters, from the man who dresses up as a tree and hides (on stilts, no less) to try to startle unsuspecting tourists, to the gang of roller-dancers that gathers in an open cement area to try out their latest moves. The area has gotten decidedly less sketchy over the years but is still filled with interesting characters. Handball, basketball and paddle tennis courts are also a fun diversion if simply laying on the sand is not enough for you.
Another beach that’s more popular for its activities than its water or sand is Santa Monica Beach. At some points in the year the ocean in Santa Monica is often given very low grades by Heal the Bay for cleanliness, but most people come to the beach for the pier anyway. The pier provides enough restaurants, games and rides to entertain the family for a whole day, and the sand is soft and clean enough to take a romantic stroll as the sun starts to set.
If a bonfire is on the itinerary, the only choice is Dockweiler Beach in Playa Del Rey. The first thing you’ll notice about the beach is that it’s directly under the path of airplanes taking off from LAX airport, which gives the beach an odd feel at times. However, Dockweiler is the place to be for bonfires, with the pits going strong, especially on weekend nights. There’s also plenty of free parking nearby.
Straying further south in Orange County is Newport Beach, recently made famous in television and movies. Its ritzy reputation does hold true in the town, where you’ll find plenty of high-end boutiques and pricey eateries. But Newport Beach still manages to maintain a relaxed beach town vibe in spite of this, most likely due to its amazing views, warm temperatures and swimmable ocean.