Beaches near Los Angeles

LA is many things. One of the US's great cities, it's the home of Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. Offering one of the most exciting dining scenes in the United States, Los Angeles is also a great place to enjoy the reliably warm and sunny weather of Southern California. And of course, the city has some of the most iconic beaches in the world.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through the outskirts of the city, and you'll see one incredible sandy beach after another. LA has so many beaches to enjoy that you can find one to suit your needs whatever you're after. You can strut your stuff with the beautiful people at Muscle Beach or along the historic Santa Monica Pier or Malibu Pier, or enjoy a secluded pocket beach like El Matador Beach, with minimal facilities but some of the clearest water in Malibu.

In other words, you can always find the perfect California beach for you. Cool off in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and don't forget the beach towels as you enjoy some world-famous ocean front.

The top picks for beaches near Los Angeles

Ask two Angelenos what the best beach in the city is, and you'll probably get at least three or four replies. Everyone has their own opinion on the best beach in the city, so the only way to really find the top beach for you is to visit at least a few of them. Here are some places you can try for the perfect LA beach escape.

Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles area, located just west of downtown LA. It stretches for 3.5 miles along the Pacific Coast, offering visitors plenty of space to relax, swim, and enjoy the Southern California sunshine. The beach is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. The drive from downtown Los Angeles takes about 30-40 minutes, and there are multiple parking lots available near the beach. Public buses and the Metro Expo Line also provide easy access to Santa Monica Beach.

Santa Monica Beach is known for its wide expanse of soft, golden sand and clear, cool waters, making it a perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, and putting the beach volleyball nets to good use. The beach is divided into two main areas - North Beach and South Beach - with the famous Santa Monica Pier marking the dividing point. Both areas offer lifeguards, restrooms, and plenty of amenities in the surrounding seaside community to make your beach day comfortable and enjoyable.

In addition to its beachside appeal, Santa Monica Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities. The beach has designated areas for beach volleyball, biking, and skating, with the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also known as The Strand) running along the beach, connecting Santa Monica to neighboring Venice Beach and beyond. You can rent bikes, rollerblades, or electric scooters along the promenade to explore the beach and nearby attractions.

For those looking to unwind, there are plenty of areas to relax on the sand or take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The water is generally calm, making it suitable for swimmers and surfers alike. Surfing lessons and equipment rentals are available, especially for beginners looking to catch some waves. The beach’s wide layout provides plenty of space to spread out, even during peak times.

For those who enjoy outdoor workouts, Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym just south of the pier, offers a unique experience for fitness enthusiasts, with equipment for weightlifting, gymnastics, and more.

Santa Monica is surrounded by great restaurants and shopping centers, so it's easy to combine multiple activities into a single day here. Leave the shopping bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage, and you can try out that cute new bathing suit on the beach, then pick up your belongings whenever you're ready.

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is one of the most beautiful and upscale beaches in the greater Los Angeles area, located about 20 miles southwest of downtown LA. It’s easily accessible by car, with the drive taking about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The beach offers plenty of metered street parking and parking lots nearby, making it convenient for visitors to access the shore.

Manhattan Beach is known for its wide, clean sandy shores and clear waters for a pristine beach experience. Stretching for over two miles along the Pacific Ocean, the beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The calm waters and consistent surf breaks make it a favorite spot for surfers of all skill levels, while the expansive sandy areas provide ample room for beachgoers to relax or play beach sports. There are volleyball courts spread along the beach, and Manhattan Beach is often regarded as the beach volleyball capital of the U.S., with both casual and competitive games happening daily.

One of the iconic features of Manhattan Beach is its Manhattan Beach Pier, which extends into the Pacific and offers stunning views of the coastline. At the end of the pier, you’ll find the Roundhouse Aquarium, a small but charming aquarium where visitors can learn about local marine life. The pier is also a popular spot for fishing, walking, or simply enjoying the ocean views and sunsets.

Manhattan Beach is also known for its chic and vibrant downtown area, located just steps from the beach. The Manhattan Beach Boulevard leads from the pier to the town’s main streets, which are lined with upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and gourmet restaurants. You can enjoy everything from casual beachside dining to high-end culinary experiences, with many spots offering ocean views.

For those interested in fitness, Manhattan Beach has a beautiful and challenging outdoor workout option: Sand Dune Park, located just inland from the beach. The sand dunes are a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts who come to climb the steep sandy hills for a full-body workout.

You could easily spend a whole day enjoying the various attractions at this beach, but before you do, make sure to leave the bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage location. That way, you can enjoy the ocean hands-free.

Playa del Rey

Playa del Rey is a peaceful, less crowded beach located just south of Marina del Rey and north of Los Angeles International Airport. It’s one of the quieter beach communities in the greater Los Angeles area, offering a laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the more touristy spots. The beach is easily accessible by car, with the drive from downtown LA taking about 30-40 minutes. Parking is available in nearby lots and along the street.

Playa del Rey Beach is known for its wide, sandy shoreline and gentle waves, so it's great for sunbathing, swimming, and casual beach outings. Unlike the busier beaches like Santa Monica or Venice, Playa del Rey has a more relaxed vibe and is a favorite among locals and those looking for a quiet escape from the city. The beach’s large sand area is big enough to really spread out your gear, play volleyball, or enjoy a picnic by the water.

One of the standout features of Playa del Rey is its proximity to the Ballona Wetlands, a protected ecological reserve home to a variety of bird species and wildlife. Nature lovers can explore the wetlands through nearby walking trails, which is a scenic and peaceful escape into nature while still being close to the beach.

Playa del Rey’s location near LAX means that beachgoers can often see planes taking off and landing in the distance. This adds a unique feature to the beach’s atmosphere without being overly disruptive. The beach is less commercialized, meaning there are fewer shops and restaurants directly on the beach, but the nearby neighborhood has a few casual cafes, beach bars, and restaurants where you can grab a bite or a drink after a day in the sun.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Playa del Rey is popular for cycling and jogging along The Strand, the same scenic coastal path that runs from Torrance Beach to Santa Monica. The bike path along Playa del Rey treats cyclists to stunning views of the ocean and is less crowded than in other beach areas, making it ideal for those who want a peaceful ride or walk.

Dockweiler Beach, located just south of Playa del Rey, is another nearby spot that offers unique attractions like fire pits for evening bonfires and even a designated hang-gliding area. If you’re looking for more active beach activities, Dockweiler is just a short walk or bike ride away.

Whether your beach day near Los Angeles takes you to the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Cabrillo Beach with its nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Hermosa Beach, or the famous Santa Monica Pier, Bounce has you covered. We can handle all your extra suitcases, backpacks, beach gear, and shopping bags so that you can make the most of your time in the LA area.