Good to know
Good to Know
- Arrive by 9 AM June through August to secure parking and avoid crowds.
- Water quality can be temporarily impacted by wet weather; bacteria levels may take 72+ hours to return to normal after heavy rainfall.
- Parking varies: some beaches use metered parking ($0.25–$0.50 per 10–15 minutes), while others charge flat daily rates ($8–$20).
- An annual beach parking pass costs $150 and is valid at the Grand Avenue lot at Dockweiler State Beach and the White Point/Royal Palms lot in San Pedro.
- Venice Beach becomes more party-oriented in evenings; visit during daytime if traveling with children.
- All LA County beaches are public and free to access; only parking incurs fees.
Beaches
Santa Monica State Beach
- Vibe
- family
- Parking
- $15
Beach lots $8–20/day; metered street parking available
- Description
- The quintessential LA beach featuring a 3.5-mile stretch with the iconic Pier, solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park amusement rides, Pier Aquarium, Muscle Beach, volleyball courts, and excellent swimming. Steps away are the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place mall.
Amenities
- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Food vendors and restaurants
- Pier with attractions
Venice Beach
- Vibe
- party
- Parking
- $15
Difficult to find; arrive before 10 AM or use ride-share
- Description
- The legendary bohemian beach known worldwide for its eccentric boardwalk. Features street performers, vendor stalls, famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, Venice Skate Park, and a 2.5-mile pedestrian promenade. The Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard are nearby. Best visited during daytime; evening crowds become less family-friendly.
Amenities
- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Restrooms
- Shops and restaurants
- Bike path
- Skate park
Zuma Beach (Malibu)
- Vibe
- family
- Parking
- $12
Metered parking $0.50 per 15 minutes (90-minute max), or $1 minimum credit card charge
- Description
- Malibu's most family-friendly beach with wide, clean sand and gentle waves. Lifeguards on duty. Part of Malibu's 27-mile legendary coastline.
Amenities
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Parking
Redondo Beach
- Vibe
- family
- Parking
- $12
Usually easy parking available
- Description
- Located in the South Bay, quieter and less flashy than neighboring beaches, making it excellent for families. The Redondo Beach Pier is fun to explore with restaurants and shops. The Seaside Lagoon offers a saltwater pool with waterslides—ideal for toddlers who cannot handle ocean waves.
Amenities
- Pier with restaurants and shops
- Seaside Lagoon (separate saltwater pool with waterslides)
- Easy parking
Manhattan Beach
- Vibe
- full-service
- Parking
- $15
Downtown meters run approximately $0.75/hour; free street parking available several blocks back
- Description
- South Bay beach with upscale, polished atmosphere and wide, perfect sand. The Manhattan Beach Pier features the Roundhouse Aquarium at its end where kids can see lobsters, eels, sea stars, and small sharks. Considered the birthplace of beach volleyball; courts line the sand for about one mile. The Strand, a paved beach path, runs the full length for cyclists, joggers, and skaters.
Amenities
- Roundhouse Aquarium (free)
- Volleyball courts
- Paved beach path (The Strand)
- Trendy boutiques and upscale restaurants
- Tuesday farmers market (11 AM–3 PM)
Point Dume (Malibu)
- Vibe
- family
- Parking
- $12
Ample parking with hundreds of spots
- Description
- One of Malibu's most beautiful spots featuring dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and wide sandy beach. Hundreds of parking spots. Restrooms and showers available. Popular for photographers, hikers, and families seeking a mix of adventure with beach time. Exploring coves at low tide is a favorite activity; gray whales often visible during winter migration.
Amenities
- Hundreds of parking spots
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Hiking access
Leo Carrillo State Beach (Malibu)
- Vibe
- family
- Parking
- $12
Included with beach entry
- Description
- One of the few LA beaches with a campground and one of the only with sea caves. Features tide pools and rocky areas to explore, offering an adventure-oriented experience beyond typical beach relaxation.
Amenities
- Campground (only LA beach campground)
- Sea caves
- Tide pools
- Rocky exploration areas
Overview
Los Angeles County has 75 miles of Pacific coastline with over 30 public beaches spread across three regions: Malibu, the Westside (Santa Monica and Venice), and the South Bay. All California beaches are public below the mean high tide line.
General Info
- Peak Season
- July–October (June Gloom morning clouds typically clear by July)
- Water Quality
- Daily monitoring by Heal the Bay. Avoid swimming within 72 hours after heavy rain due to potential bacterial contamination. Excellent water quality grades at most locations during dry weather.
- Swimming Safety
- Lifeguards present only at major beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rip currents can occur; swim near lifeguard towers and check flag warning systems before entering.
- Water Temperature
- Cold year-round: 55–70°F (13–21°C (55–70°F)). Locals wear wetsuits for surfing even in summer.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.