Los Angeles is possibly the only city with the most diverse local beaches in the nation. There are several beaches within Los Angeles County and many more in the outskirts to the north and south. Even LAX is right next to a beach. Below is a roundup of the 7 best beaches in Los Angeles and some popular spots for families with young children.
1. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is an expansive stretch of one of the most stunning beaches in LA along the Pacific coast. It forms part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, and the only way to access it is by hiking down a steep trail that opens up to the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent view of the beach is set against a backdrop of massive, rugged cliffs that give it an ancient appeal.
El Matador State beach tends to get pretty packed during the summer months, but if you don’t mind the cold, you can have the beach all to yourself during the winter. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and do all the usual beach activities when you get there. If you’re up to it, you can explore the nearby caves and get transported back in time.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
2. Hermosa City Beach
Hermosa City Beach is aptly named because of its striking beauty. The word “hermosa” is Spanish for “beautiful.” The beach borders Redondo and Manhattan beaches but has a more casual, laid-back vibe in comparison. If you enjoy hitting the bars and clubs at night to catch a buzz, Hermosa City has a thriving nightlife scene compared to the neighboring cities. You can hit the beach during the day, soak up the sun, and hit the town at night.
One of the most notable things about Hermosa City Beach is the massive central pier that extends into the sea. This boardwalk provides the perfect backdrop for taking picturesque Instagram-worthy photos. The sunsets, in particular, are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a sight to behold.
Recommended nearby stay in Venice: View listing
3. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach was crowned the nation’s ” surf capital ” with good reason. The massive beach in southern California extends for nearly 20 miles, with a large pier dividing it in half. It boasts some of the best waves California has to offer and has the most spectacular beaches in the region.
Huntington Beach gets crowded, especially during the annual surfing tournament in the last week of August. Holiday weekends also see drones of locals flocking to the beach, so the best time to visit would be during the off-peak season or weekdays when most people are at work.
The city has a vibrant social scene with many fast-food eateries, fine-dining restaurants, and retail stores if you crave some shopping. If you have a dog, stroll to the nearby Dog Beach and let your furry companion run free. Dog Beach in California is one of the few off-leash dog parks in the region.
Recommended nearby stay in Venice: View listing
4. Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Rey is the world’s biggest artificial harbor for small watercraft. Being a marina, you might not think of it as a beach destination. However, the area has several small, stunning beaches to enjoy.
One of the popular ones is known as Mother’s Beach. It is extremely popular with water sports lovers, especially the kayakers in the house. There are conveniently located booths where you can hire a kayak and any gear or equipment you might require to go snorkeling.
The water close to the oceanfront is shallow and has a cordoned-off area to indicate the places that are safe for swimming and wading. There are volleyball and basketball courts nearby and a picnic area on the beach where you can enjoy delicious meals.
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5. Paradise Cove Beach
Paradise Cove Beach is a semi-private oceanfront perched in front of Malibu’s famous Paradise Cove restaurant. If you and your significant other are looking for a quiet romantic spot to enjoy each other’s company as you soak up the sun, you will love everything about Paradise Cove Beach.
It has many amenities to make your visit pleasant, including double beach beds, beach chairs, and private cabanas. There’s also a server service if you want to have drinks and meals while relaxing by the beach. You can stroll to the pier nearby to go fishing or enjoy magnificent sunset views in the evening.
If you enjoy long romantic walks on the beach, Paradise Cove is where you need to be.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
6. Redondo County Beach
The fine white sands of Redondo County Beach are mesmerizing. The beach comprises King Harbor – a large marina nearby – and a quaint little fisherman’s village. There’s also a massive municipal pier that hosts several restaurants, retail outlets, and rental stations for hiring sporting gear and equipment.
Surfing and beach volleyball are quite popular at Redondo. If you’re craving a different kind of fun, you can go jet skiing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Once sufficiently tired, you can retreat to the beach for a picnic or soak up the sun. Fishing is also popular at Redondo County Beach, so if you’re an angler, you’ll feel right at home here.
Recommended nearby stay in Venice: View listing
7. Malibu Surfrider Beach
Perched between Malibu Lagoon and Malibu Pier is Surfrider Beach. It is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for surfing. Whether you’re a veteran surfer with expert-level skills or a newbie looking to learn, there’s no better place to do it than at Malibu Surfrider Beach.
You don’t have to be a surfer to come here. You can visit the oceanfront to go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or fishing. You can also lay on the beach and sunbathe or watch whales in the distance.
Once you finish the beach activities, swing by the Malibu Lagoon Museum and the Adamson House. There are a lot of interesting facts you’ll learn about Malibu’s long-standing relationship with surfing.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
7 Best Family Beaches in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for somewhere fun and safe in LA to take your kids, why not hit the beach? Here’s a list of the 7 best family beaches in Los Angeles your family will love.
1. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is tucked away in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is home to Abalone Cove Beach. It forms part of the Ecological Reserve and is a fantastic place to visit and explore everything Mother Nature has to offer. Every nature-loving family should visit the park at least once in their lives. Be warned. You will fall in love with its wild, rugged appeal.
Its tide pools are a must-see and abound along Abalone Cove Beach. You can also hit the trails and take long walks along the spectacular dunes. You can picnic by the shore and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. Try to stick around for the sunset. You won’t regret it.
Recommended nearby stay in Del Rey: View listing
2. Leo Carrillo State Beach
The one-and-a-half-mile-long Leo Carrillo State Beach is situated between Malibu and Santa Monica. It is the perfect getaway for you and your family and has no shortage of fun things you can do during your day out.
Your kids will be mesmerized by the rugged cliffs and stunning rock formations that tell a story of a time long gone. One of the great things about Leo Carrillo Beach is that, unlike other LA beaches, this one doesn’t typically get crowded. Depending on the time of year you visit, finding a nice secluded spot where you and your family can spend quality time together and enjoy the tranquil surroundings is possible.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
3. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Perched at the very end of Malibu Creek, where the stream merges with the Pacific, is the magnificent Malibu Lagoon State Beach. It’s the perfect destination for families that want a change of pace from your run-of-the-mill sandy beach with strong currents and crashing waves.
Malibu Lagoon boasts tons of tide pools your children can splash around in while you relax by the shore and soak up the sun. If you want to swim or surf, you can still do so, but you must venture further into the ocean.
Be sure to park a foldable beach chair and do some whale or bird watching while your kids play on the shore. When you’re ready, you can hike the trails and explore the areas around the beach.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
4. Manhattan County Beach
The two-mile-long Manhattan County Beach stretches from First Street to Rosecrans Avenue. It is popular among families, especially those with younger children. Aside from its stunning beauty, the beach offers many fun activities that cater to the whole family. There’s a massive pier you can walk out to enjoy some spectacular views of the Pacific’s crystal blue waters.
Swimming and surfing are allowed on the north side of the pier, although the south side is specifically reserved for surfing. The waves can get pretty high as you venture further from the shoreline. However, the water is calmer and shallower closer to the beach, making it ideal for kids to swim and splash around.
Recommended nearby stay in Venice: View listing
5. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the best family beaches in Los Angeles. This area is the most child-friendly location on Santa Monica Beach and has many amenities to make your family day out comfortable. When you go there, head toward the west end of Ocean Park and look out for the lifeguard post marked “26.”
You’ll find a children’s playground, plenty of changing facilities, and several restrooms. When your younglings tire from kicking up the sand, there’s a massive grassy area where you can relax and picnic.
Santa Monica Beach can get crowded, particularly in the summer months. If you’re planning a visit to the beach, make sure you go early to find a nice spot and get parking close to the beach.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
6. Venice City Beach
Venice City Beach is located just south of Santa Monica. It has a vibrant crowd and offers many fun, family-friendly activities. The best spot on the beach is close to the pier. You might see lots of sea stars stuck on the pier posts.
You can go swimming or snorkeling in the shallow water of the Pacific Ocean near the shore. If you don’t feel like getting wet, you can sunbathe or build sand castles with your kids. You can also take them to the nearby playground within walking distance from the pier.
Plenty of shops and eateries are around, so you don’t have to worry about getting food if you forget to pack snacks. Before leaving, head to the Venice Pier and watch the magical sunset. The view is spectacular.
Recommended nearby stay in Venice: View listing
7. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s something magical about clear blue ocean waters against the backdrop of the rugged rocky ridges in the distance along the Pacific coast. From the moment you set foot there, you instantly feel the stress and anxiety leaving your body. It is almost therapeutic.
The best part about Zuma Beach is that it is child-friendly, making it the ideal family getaway. There’s a playground, volleyball court, and plenty of space for playing Frisbee. The older kids can enjoy bodyboarding with the dolphins in the waves. It’s an experience that will stay with them forever.
The parking lot close to the beach is a paying lot. However, if you are okay with walking a little further, there is free parking on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Recommended nearby stay in Santa Monica Canyon: View listing
In the meantime, check out our top picks for the best Melbourne FL beaches.