Yes, Los Angeles has a long stretch of sandy beaches along the Pacific, from Malibu to Long Beach, each with its own vibe and activities.
Los Angeles is often linked with freeways, film studios, and mountain views, yet the city and its neighbors also sit beside a wide band of sand. From busy piers with rides to quiet coves below cliffs, the coastline offers far more variety than many visitors expect.
If you have wondered are there beaches in los angeles?, the short answer is yes, and there are plenty of them. The real task is picking the stretch of sand that fits the kind of day you want, whether that means a classic pier scene, a mellow sunset, or kid friendly waves.
Are There Beaches In Los Angeles? Types Of Coastlines You’ll Find
Stand on almost any west facing bluff in the county and you will see a string of beaches running for miles. Wide city beaches with bike paths sit beside small coves where waves crash against rocky points. Some areas feel like outdoor entertainment zones, while others stay quiet and residential.
The list below gives a quick sense of the main beach areas most travelers talk about when they want to know whether Los Angeles really has beaches. Each spot has its own strong suit, from people watching to surfing or tide pooling.
| Beach Area | Rough Location | What It Is Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica State Beach | West of downtown Santa Monica | Classic pier, wide sand, family friendly swimming, bike path |
| Venice Beach | South of Santa Monica, city of Los Angeles | Boardwalk scene, skate park, street performers, beach walking |
| Malibu Surfrider And Nearby Coves | Along Pacific Coast Highway northwest of Santa Monica | Surf breaks, small coves, scenic drives, tide pools at low tide |
| Will Rogers State Beach | Between Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica | Quieter sand close to the city, volleyball courts, bike path access |
| Dockweiler State Beach | Near Los Angeles International Airport | Fire rings, plane spotting, long straight shoreline, RV camping |
| Manhattan, Hermosa, And Redondo | South Bay coastal cities | Piers, active volleyball scene, long walks on The Strand, bar and cafe access |
| Long Beach Waterfront | Harbor area southeast of downtown Long Beach | Sheltered water, marinas, family friendly bike paths, bay views |
Los Angeles Beaches And Coastal Neighborhoods
Once you know there are many options, it helps to match each coastal neighborhood to a style of beach day. Some areas reward slow walking and people watching, while others work better for spreading a towel and staying put for hours.
The county’s official LA County Find a Beach map lays out these stretches of sand on an interactive map, which makes it easier to see how far each spot sits from your hotel or planned route.
Santa Monica And Venice
Santa Monica State Beach may be the image most travelers picture when they think of an urban California beach. The sand is broad, the pier carries rides and snack stands, and hotels and apartments line the bluffs above. On busy days lifeguard towers dot the shore, and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail rolls past with cyclists and skaters.
Just to the south, Venice Beach has a more bohemian feel. The paved path behind the sand fills with musicians, small vendors, painters, and visitors renting bikes or skates. You can watch skaters launch over the concrete bowls near the sand, then walk a short distance to quieter water for a quick dip.
Malibu Beaches
Drive northwest from Santa Monica and the scene changes as the road hugs the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu brings a string of state beaches and small access points where homes perch above the water. Some spots have long, gentle waves that attract longboard surfers, while others offer small pocket beaches reached by stairways.
Parking ranges from paid lots at state beaches to small roadside pull outs. Many Malibu beaches sit near trailheads, so you can combine a morning hike with an afternoon on the sand if you plan your timing around traffic and daylight.
South Bay Strands
South of Los Angeles International Airport, the coast bends and forms the South Bay strand through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. A paved path known simply as The Strand runs behind much of this shoreline, lined with beach houses and low rise buildings.
This area suits travelers who like long walks with clear ocean views. Volleyball courts, casual cafes, and fishing piers give each town center its own personality, yet the sand itself feels consistent along most of this stretch.
Long Beach Waterfront
Farther southeast, the city of Long Beach faces a more protected bay rather than open surf. Breakwaters and harbor structures soften the waves, so the water often feels calmer than the open ocean beaches to the north.
The waterfront area connects parks, marinas, and city neighborhoods. It is not the wild surf scene that some visitors expect, but it does work well for families, easy bike rides, and walks with skyline views.
Swimming, Surfing, And Other Beach Activities
Los Angeles area beaches offer many kinds of days by the water. Before you pick one, think about who is in your group and what you expect from the waves, crowds, and nearby services.
Swimming And Sunbathing
Wide sandy beaches such as Santa Monica, Venice, and the South Bay cities draw plenty of swimmers and sunbathers. In summer you can often spot colored lifeguard flags and posted signs that mark safe swimming zones. During cooler months, many locals still stretch out on the sand for a picnic or a book, even if they skip the water.
Beach rules in the region usually ban glass bottles, smoking, and open alcohol on the sand. Many beaches also require dogs to stay on a leash or stay off most parts of the sand, so check local signs near the parking lot or beach entrance.
Surfing And Bodyboarding
The Los Angeles coastline holds breaks for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Malibu and some South Bay spots draw shortboard and longboard riders, while smaller waves near piers often work better for bodyboarders. During winter swells, experienced surfers wait for bigger sets, and less confident swimmers do well to stay in shallower areas.
If you want to try surfing during a short visit, look for rental shops and schools near spots such as Santa Monica and Venice. A short lesson helps with basics like reading the crowd in the water, understanding local etiquette, and choosing the right size board.
Bike Paths, Piers, And Boardwalks
You do not have to spend the whole day in the sand to enjoy Los Angeles beaches. The bike path runs for many miles, so you can rent a bike for a one way ride between towns, then return by rideshare or public transit. Along the way you pass playgrounds, outdoor gyms, courts, and picnic spots.
Piers at Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach add yet another layer, with fishing decks, casual dining, and ocean views. Sunset on a pier often feels cooler and breezier than on the sand, so bring a light layer even on warm days.
Weather, Water Temperature, And Best Time To Visit
The Los Angeles coast enjoys many sunny days, yet conditions shift through the year. Spring and fall often bring mild air, while summer can swing from foggy mornings to bright afternoons. Winter may deliver clear days with cool breezes between Pacific storms.
Air Temperature Through The Year
Summer days along the coast can feel warm on the sand but cooler than inland neighborhoods, thanks to the marine layer and ocean breeze. Morning clouds often burn off by midday, leaving bright afternoons that stretch well into the evening during the longest days of the year.
In winter, daytime highs can still tempt visitors to spread a towel, yet evenings cool down fast. Packing layers helps, since a hoodie or light jacket makes post sunset strolls far more comfortable.
Water Temperature And Waves
Even in summer, the Pacific off Los Angeles stays cooler than many visitors expect. Wetsuits are standard for surfers and common for swimmers who plan to stay in the water for more than a quick dip. During winter, water temperatures drop further, and the combination of cold water and bigger surf calls for more caution.
Large winter swells can produce strong rip currents and heavy waves near piers and jetties. Lifeguards often post flag warnings and speak with visitors who stand too close to the water during rough days.
Daylight, Crowds, And Season Choice
Long summer days mean more daylight for beach time, yet they also invite large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Spring and fall still offer pleasant beach days with fewer people on the sand and on the bike path, though water temperatures can be cooler.
If your schedule is flexible, weekday visits often bring easier parking and more room to spread out. Early morning and late afternoon also feel calmer, even in the busier months.
Parking, Facilities, And Accessibility
Many Los Angeles area beaches feature large parking lots near the sand, some run by the county and some by state parks or cities. Fees vary by location and season, so bring a payment card or cash, and check posted signs as you enter. In some spots you can also search nearby residential streets for metered or time limited spaces.
Restrooms and outdoor showers line most popular beaches, usually near the main access points or piers. If step free access matters for your group, look for lots with clearly marked accessible spaces, ramps, and beach wheelchairs, which some sites provide on a loan basis through lifeguard stations or visitor centers.
| Beach | Parking Snapshot | Facilities Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica State Beach | Large paid lots north and south of the pier | Restrooms, showers, pier, playgrounds, bike rentals nearby |
| Venice Beach | Mix of beachfront lots and street parking inland | Restrooms, outdoor showers, boardwalk shops, skate park |
| Will Rogers State Beach | Several beachfront lots along Pacific Coast Highway | Restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, bike path access |
| Dockweiler State Beach | Long beachfront lots, including RV parking | Restrooms, showers, fire rings, picnic tables |
| Manhattan And Hermosa | Pier area lots plus nearby street parking | Restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, dining near the pier |
Safety, Rules, And Local Etiquette
Before you head for the water, glance at local regulations and any posted warnings. Many beaches post flag systems to show general surf conditions. Green flags suggest calmer surf, yellow flags indicate rougher water, and red flags warn of conditions that call for strong swimming skills and caution.
After heavy rain, short term advisories sometimes ask swimmers to stay out of the water near storm drains and creek mouths because runoff can carry debris and bacteria. You can check current LA County beach water quality advisories before you leave the hotel so you know which beaches are clear for swimming.
Basic beach manners matter too. Pack out trash, keep noise levels reasonable in the later evening, and respect homes that sit close to public access paths. Drones, amplified music, and open fires often face strict rules, so read posted signs or city web pages before planning a special setup.
Picking The Right Los Angeles Beach For Your Trip
Los Angeles does not just have one famous shoreline; it has many, each with a slightly different feel. If you want rides and a carnival mood, Santa Monica and nearby Venice fit well. For longboard waves and small coves, Malibu stands out, while the South Bay suits steady walks beside classic lifeguard towers.
For visitors who still wonder are there beaches in los angeles? after hearing about traffic and freeways, the answer becomes clear the first time they crest a hill and see the Pacific. With a bit of planning around parking, weather, and local rules, you can pair your trip with a stretch of sand that matches your pace, your budget, and the kind of day you hope to spend by the water.