LA’s Best Beaches
A guide to help you decide which beaches to explore next.
01. MANHATTAN BEACH
Manhattan Beach is our favorite beach in LA. It’s clean, beautiful, lively, has an excellent pier, big waves, no rocky floors, and tons of volley ball areas. At the end of the pier you will find a small round concession stand that also has a small aquarium inside.
Favorite places to eat:
El Sombrero (Mexican): Simple, but delicious Mexican food and AWESOME fresh salsa.
Mama D’s (Italian): Try their butter nut squash ravioli with pink sauce – it’s to die for.
Places to drink:
The Strand House – AMAZING Views, Good Food, Great Drinks
Activities:
Bike Riding: They have a fantastic Bike Path – it’s a very bike friendly beach
Surfing: This beach is great for surfing. If you don’t know how, you can get lessons from onewavesurf.com
Volleyball: This beach is famous for beach volleyball and hosts the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open.
2. MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH
This beach is famous for, you guessed it, surfing.
There are three surfing points:
The First Point is closest to Malibu Pie, the Second Point is in the middle and Third Point is furthest North. Longboards are best at First and Second Point. Shortboards and those looking for more of a challenge can check out the Third Point.
Places to eat:
Grom Malibu: Grom is one Italy’s most famous gelato places and now they have a shop in Malibu!
Duke’s Malibu: Traditional American fare with a great view
Activities:
We love surfing, paddling boarding, and other water sports and activities. Here is the contact for some of the best rental shops and instructors:
Malibu Coastal Adventures: (310) 701-1996
Activities: Dolphin/Whale Watching, Paddleborad Tours/Lessons, Coastal/Island Cruises, Diving/Fishing Excursions
Lessons: Surfing, Paddleboarding, Kitesurfing
Malibu Surf Shack: (310) 456-8508
Activities: Surfing, Kayaks, Paddle Boards
Lessons: Surf & Kayak
Point Break Surf Company: (805) 390-1808
Lessons: Surfing
Cove Paddle Fitness: (310) 429-2058
Paddle board rentals and lessons
3. SANTA MONICA BEACH
This is one of LA’s most famous beaches. The Santa Monica pier is a popular tourist attraction and the beach is a wide expanse of sand. It’s also one of LA’s trendiest areas, so you will find tons of bars and restaurants right off the beach.
Places to eat:
Fritto Misto: Literally the best pasta you will ever have. Ever.
Mercado: Good Mexican food, spicy drinks, and a great atmosphere
Favorite Places to drink:
Makai Lounge – right in front of the pier, a great atmosphere day or night
The Huntley Penthouse – Amazing views, good for brunch or nighttime
Favorite Activities:
Grabbing a warm churro or funnel cake on the pier
The world famous Ferris Wheel
4. VENICE BEACH
Venice Beach is one of the most fun beaches in Los Angeles. If you want to have a full beach day, Venice Beach is the beach to choose – you can play basketball, handball, check out the muscle beach area, go for a walk on the board walk and check out all the interesting shops and performing artists – it is incredibly eclectic.
Places to Eat
C&O’s Trattoria – Garlic rolls to die for, great food, great service, great location
Favorite Places to Drink
High Rooftop Lounge – Nightly drink specials, live DJs, and it’s the only rooftop bar around
Activities
Shopping on Abbot Kinney Blvd
Walking along the Venice Canals
Beach Basketball
People Watching
5. HERMOSA BEACH
Hermosa is a great, chill, semi-hipster, laid back beach.
Food:
Fritto Misto: Same as the Santa Monica location – it. Is. The. Best. Pasta. You. Will. Ever. Have.
Rentals:
Hermosa Cyclery: rent a bicycle or inline skates.
ET Surf: Surf board rentals
Activities:
Hermosa Pier
The Strand – it’s a beachfront sidewalk for those looking to jog, bike and be active
Shops on Pier Avenue: Some good places to eat and some locally-owned shops
Comedy Club
