Beaches · Hub guide
Los Angeles Beaches Guide: Best Beaches, Water Quality and Tips
Los Angeles County has a long coastline, from the coves of Malibu to the wide sand of the South Bay and Long Beach. This guide covers which beach suits which kind of day, how to check water quality and what to know before you go.
Los Angeles beaches at a glance
- Easiest to reach without a car Santa Monica, via the Metro E Line
- Classic people-watching Venice Beach boardwalk
- Coves and cliffs Malibu, including El Matador and Point Dume
- Volleyball and beach towns Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach
- After rain Avoid ocean water for 72 hours, per LA County Public Health
- Water quality LA County beach sampling results and the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card
In this guide
The Los Angeles coast runs from Leo Carrillo in the west to Long Beach in the south. Most beaches are free to visit, and parking is the main cost. The water is cool for much of the year, so many swimmers and surfers wear wetsuits outside late summer.
For the area as a whole, see our Los Angeles visitors guide. For hikes near the coast, see outdoor activities in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier has the Pacific Park amusement rides, an aquarium and arcade, and the beach on either side is wide and easy to reach. The E Line ends at Downtown Santa Monica station, a short walk from the pier. The beach bike path runs right past it.
Venice
Venice Beach is known for the boardwalk, street performers, Muscle Beach and the skate park. It gets crowded on weekends. The Venice Canals are a quiet walk a few blocks inland, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard has shops and restaurants.
Malibu
Zuma Beach
A long, wide county beach with lifeguards, good for a full beach day.
El Matador State Beach
A small cove with sea stacks, reached by a steep trail. Popular for photos.
Point Dume
Bluff-top views, a beach below and seasonal whale watching. See Point Dume State Beach.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Tide pools and caves on the western edge of the county.
Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu is open, with work zones after the January 2025 fires, and Caltrans repaving runs from October 2026 into the end of the decade. Check Caltrans District 7 before you drive.
South Bay beach cities
Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach each have a pier and a walkable downtown near the sand. Manhattan Beach is known for volleyball, Hermosa for its lively pier area, and Redondo for its harbor and fish markets. The beach path connects all three.
Long Beach and the harbor
Long Beach has a long, calm beach protected by the breakwater, which makes the water gentler but often less clean than open-ocean beaches. Belmont Shore and the Aquarium of the Pacific are nearby. Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro is popular with families.
Other beaches worth knowing
Will Rogers State Beach sits below Pacific Palisades. Dockweiler State Beach, south of Playa del Rey, is one of the few places with fire rings and has planes overhead from LAX. Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey has calm water for small kids.
Beaches by type of day
| Type of day | Where to go |
|---|---|
| No car | Santa Monica, Venice |
| Family with small kids | Mother’s Beach, Cabrillo Beach, Zuma |
| Photos and coves | El Matador, Point Dume |
| Volleyball and pier towns | Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo |
| Bonfire | Dockweiler State Beach |
| Tide pools | Leo Carrillo, Point Dume |
Water quality
Water quality changes with rain and runoff. LA County Public Health advises avoiding contact with ocean water for 72 hours after rain, especially near storm drains, creeks and rivers. Before you swim, check the LA County beach water sampling results and the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card.
Beach safety
Beach tips
- Swim near a lifeguard tower. LA County lifeguards staff most busy beaches.
- Watch for rip currents. If caught, swim parallel to shore until you are free.
- Shuffle your feet. Stingrays are common in shallow water in summer and fall.
- Bring layers. Mornings can be gray and cool, especially in May and June.
- Follow the rules. Alcohol, smoking and glass are banned on most beaches.
- Arrive early on hot weekends. Parking lots fill fast.
Parking and access
County and state beaches have paid lots, and street parking near the sand is usually metered. Lots fill early on summer weekends. Many beaches have accessible paths and some have beach mats or wheelchairs; contact the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors for current options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Los Angeles?
It depends on the day you want. Santa Monica is easiest to reach, Zuma suits a long beach day, El Matador is best for scenery and Manhattan Beach is great for a beach-town feel.
Can you swim at Los Angeles beaches?
Yes, at lifeguarded beaches. The water is cool for much of the year, and you should avoid the ocean for 72 hours after rain.
Can I take the Metro to the beach?
Yes. The E Line goes to Downtown Santa Monica station, a short walk from the pier and beach.
Where can I have a bonfire on the beach in Los Angeles?
Dockweiler State Beach has fire rings, along with a few other beaches in the region. Check local rules before you go.
How do I check water quality before swimming?
Use LA County Public Health beach sampling results and the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card.
More guides
- Visitors guide
- Attractions and things to do
- Events calendar
- Where to stay
- Restaurants and food
- Nightlife
- Neighborhoods
- Getting around
- Weather by month
- Outdoor activities
- Theme parks
- Family vacation
- Living in Los Angeles
- All Beaches posts
Photo credits
Featured image: Joseph Yates / Wikimedia Commons, CC0