Los Angeles County features more than 75 miles of iconic Pacific coastline. The diversity of LA's beaches is staggering: from the golden sand expanses and carnival atmosphere of Santa Monica and Venice to the secluded, dramatic sea arches and rocky bluffs of Western Malibu.
Here is your local guide to the 9 best beaches in Los Angeles for swimming, surfing, tide pooling, and sunset watching.
1. El Matador State Beach, Malibu: Dramatic Sea Stacks & Romance
Located ten miles west of central Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway, El Matador is arguably LA’s most photogenic beach. Steep trails down crumbling bluffs lead to massive sea arches, hidden grottos, and dramatic offshore rock formations.
- Best For: Sunset photography, romantic walks, and tide pooling.
- Tip: Arrive at low tide to safely access the sea caves and walk through the natural arches.
2. Santa Monica State Beach: The Iconic Classic
Spanning 3.5 miles of wide, soft golden sand, Santa Monica Beach represents quintessential Southern California. The historic Santa Monica Pier features the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coasters, street performers, and bike rental stations.
- The Strand: Rent a cruiser bike to pedal along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail connecting Santa Monica south to Torrance.
3. Venice Beach: Counterculture & Boardwalk Spectacle
Just south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach is legendary for its vibrant, bohemian boardwalk filled with skate dancers, street murals, fortune tellers, and Muscle Beach gym.
- Surfing: The Venice Breakwater offers reliable rights and lefts for local longboarders and shortboarders.
4. Zuma Beach, Malibu: Wide Sands & Pure Swimming
For classic sunbathing, clean ocean water, and wide open sands, Zuma is Malibu’s favorite large-scale beach. Unlike Malibu's cliffside coves, Zuma offers over 100 acres of flat sand, plentiful parking, lifeguards, and volleyball courts.
5. Manhattan Beach: Volleyball Culture & Upscale Charm
Located in the South Bay, Manhattan Beach features a pristine two-mile shoreline flanked by multi-million dollar oceanfront mansions along The Strand. The historic Manhattan Beach Pier houses the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium.
6. Point Dume State Beach, Malibu: Headlands & Gray Whales
Point Dume boasts a towering volcanic headland that juts into the Pacific, offering panoramic views across Santa Monica Bay. In winter and spring, the blufftop viewing platform is one of the premier spots in California to watch migrating California gray whales.
7. Hermosa Beach: Lively Pier Avenue & Active Vibe
Between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach is a vibrant beach town centered around Pier Avenue’s outdoor cafes, breweries, and beach volleyball tournaments.
8. Leo Carrillo State Park: Sea Caves & Coastal Wilderness
At the northern edge of LA County, Leo Carrillo features 1.5 miles of rugged coastline with tide pools, coastal sea caves, and dog-friendly beach zones.
9. Will Rogers State Beach: Peaceful Central Coastline
Located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and PCH, Will Rogers offers smaller crowds, calm waters, and direct access to bike paths without the tourist bustle of Santa Monica.
Essential Practical Tips for LA Beach Travel
- Parking: Malibu beaches fill up early on summer weekends. Arrive before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM for easier parking.
- Rip Currents: Always swim near an active lifeguard tower. If caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until free of the current.
- June Gloom: May and June often bring coastal marine fog (June Gloom) that blankets beaches until early afternoon before burning off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Los Angeles?
El Matador Beach in Malibu is widely considered the most scenic and picturesque beach in Los Angeles County due to its dramatic rock pillars and sea caves.
Can you swim at Los Angeles beaches?
Yes! Water temperatures range from 58°F in winter to 68°F–70°F in late summer (August–September). Most beaches have active LA County Lifeguard towers year-round.
