7 Best Beaches in Los Angeles

California is blessed with one of our nation’s most beautiful shorelines, including the shorelines of Los Angeles that spans 75 miles of golden beaches. The LA area’s vibrant boat community has year-round activities to offer locals and visitors alike. These beaches are perfect for you and your crew to sunbathe, swim, and surf. Oh, and to boat!

Here are the top seven beaches near Los Angeles, all accessible by boat:

1. Venice Beach
2. Santa Monica Beach
3. Manhattan Beach
4. Redondo Beach
5. Hermosa Beach
6. Malibu
7. Zuma Beach

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1. Venice Beach

Venice Beach has deep Californian roots with its founding in 1905. This swanky beach is so famous, it is used as the setting for major motion films and was featured in the video game GTA V. Popular areas of this beach include Venice Boardwalk, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers!

You also have the fishing pier and Venice’s very own Muscle Beach (the birthplace of the physical fitness boom), where you can watch people workout in the open air. You can enjoy Half Moon Bay, which consists of various smaller beaches — Francis Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach — including Venice.

Check out boats for rent near Venice Beach

2. Santa Monica Beach

Historical highway Route 66 sunsets at Santa Monica Beach. Americans have traveled near and far to sit on the golden sand, play among the palm trees, and dive in the blue Pacific.

You also have the Santa Monica Pier, populated with restaurants, amusement games, and rides, for more entertainment. Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the county, attracting more than 8 million visitors yearly.

Check out boats for rent in Santa Monica Beach

3. Manhattan Beach

This beach is great for families and sports enthusiasts alike, with its volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a bike path with an oceanfront view. You can watch surfers and maybe learn a thing or two from them. This beach also has a pier!

Check out boats for rent near Manhattan Beach

4. Redondo Beach

This beach is known for its gentle water and beautiful sunsets. It’s a great place to take a walk, go for a swim, or relax and enjoy the view. It’s home to a beautiful harbor, fine dining, and a Saltwater Lagoon. There are also piers for fishing.

Redondo Beach is also a popular spot for fishing and stand-up paddleboarding!

Check out boats for rent in Redondo Beach

5. Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach is another excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also a popular destination for nightlife, with various bars and clubs. The Hermosa Beach Pier is a great place to watch the sunset or go for a walk. There are also multiple art galleries and a vibrant beach volleyball community.

6. Malibu

Malibu is one of the most famous beaches in California, and it’s easy to see why. With its beautiful scenery and celebrity homes, it’s a must-see. If you’re interested in whale watching in California, go to Malibu Bluffs Park for the best view.

Otherwise, the Malibu Creek State Park is perfect for hiking and picnicking. Or you can enjoy the view from one of the many oceanview restaurants.

Check out boats for rent in Malibu

7. Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It’s also a popular place for picnics and barbecues. The exposed beach break means it’s a top place to hang ten for surfers. It also makes it ideal for bodyboarding and kite surfing.

There are lifeguards on duty, volleyball courts, and seasonal food stands. According to an annual beach cleanliness report, Zuma is one of LA’s cleanest beaches.

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