The 10 Must See Beaches For Your Next Trip To LA

Expedia.com asked us to share a list of the “must see” beaches in the Los Angeles area. And being the experts that we are on California’s amazing beaches (we have researched and reviewed over 950 so far), we were more than happy to help out.

We started by defining the geographic boundary to focus on beaches along Santa Monica Bay, all of which are within striking distance for a day trip from Los Angeles. In all, there are 69 beaches on this incredible stretch of coastline, which includes the coastal communities of Malibu, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and of course Los Angeles (including the districts of Venice, Pacific Palisades, and Playa Del Rey).

So whether you are a local or tourist, enjoy your time to the fullest by exploring our list of LA’s 10 must see beaches. See more of Los Angeles on Expedia.com by clicking here.

El Matador State Beach

Located in the pristine community of Malibu, El Matador State Beach just might be the most romantic spot in LA, and the most photogenic. The secluded stretch of sand features rocky shores, clear water, and solid, rolling waves. The path to the shoreline is rather rugged, but once you reach the beach, it’s smooth sailing (or rather, strolling).

Malibu Surfrider Beach

Whether you’re a novice surfer or a seasoned pro, there’s no better place to be on your board than Malibu Surfrider Beach. This iconic spot is famous for its perfect waves, so it’s a great place to learn the art of surfing. And if you’d rather just be an observer, the laid back vibe makes it a perfect people-watching spot. As an added bonus, make sure to check out Malibu Pier which is home to the amazing Malibu Pier Farm Restaurant & Cafe.

Santa Monica State Beach

No visit to LA could ever be complete without a trip to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, much less the beautiful beach that surrounds it. This two-mile beach seems to stretch on forever, so it’s perfect for a sandy stroll, a day of beach volleyball, or just soaking up the sun from a blanket. Plan to spend the majority of a day here—you’ll need it.

Manhattan County Beach

The trendy Manhattan County Beach is often full of fashionable people, big hats and sunglasses, and small dogs. But with scenery this stunning, you can’t blame the beautiful people for flocking to the shoreline. Here you’ll find sand volleyball courts, body surfing, and a great aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Hermosa Beach

Talk about a beach that lives up to its name. The gorgeous Hermosa Beach is centered around the Hermosa Beach Pier, and that’s where you’ll find most of the visitors. This beach has a laid back hipster vibe and a pristine stretch of sand with volleyball nets and plenty of places for sunbathing. Don’t forget to check out the nearby shops and charming outdoor cafes & restaurants.

Dockweiler State Beach

Dockweiler State Beach is located near the LAX Airport, so you’d think that the sounds of the planes flying overhead would be distracting. But in fact, most people don’t seem to mind (and it’s kind of fun to watch), especially since the beach itself is so charming. It’s outfitted with everything you need, from restrooms to picnic areas and plenty of space for water sports and sunbathing. Also worth noting: This is one of the few beaches in the area where you can have a bonfire.

Venice City Beach

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, and it’s easy to see why. Popular for surfers, locals, tourists and plain old people-watching, this community is known for their artists, surfers and general misfits. In fact, sometimes the world famous Ocean Front Walk upstages the Pacific Ocean because of its colorful characters. Bring some cash to Venice City Beach to support the local artists and creative types selling their goods, and definitely make time to visit the historic Venice Canals.

Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach is another Malibu gem (and there are a lot of them), and the clean, wide patch of sand is a little piece of paradise. Boogie boarders and body surfers flock to enjoy the calm waves, and the nearby Point Dume is an idyllic hiking spot. Strong rip currents can develop here, so unless you’re an experienced swimmer, it’s best to stay dry.

Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey

Mother’s Beach isn’t on the Ocean making a great destination for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. In fact, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks right at the beach and paddle through the calm waters of the marina. And with a hotels and restaurants nearby, it’s also a great destination for just spending a day (or a few days) on a wide sandy beach.

Redondo County Beach

Redondo County Beach lines the entire waterfront of the town of Redondo Beach, and this stretch of sand has something for just about everyone. Popular with surfers, volleyball players, beachcombers and families of all ages, the bike paths and walking trails make it easy to explore. The surfing here attracts people from around the state, but the waves can be challenging, so it’s best to learn how to surf somewhere else (check out Surfrider Beach for that).