Guide to LA’s Most Beautiful Beaches

All you need is to book your private jet charter to Los Angeles and pack a beach towel, some sunscreen, and this guide.

1. Santa Monica

Courtesy of Megan Singleton, Blogger at Large

“Santa Monica beach is a 3.5 mile long, active playground edged with high-value town houses, behind which the Pacific Coast Highway lazily winds under the cliffs of the city of Santa Monica.

“The iconic Santa Monica Pier had its centenary a few years ago and is fun for families, with a small amusement park and plenty of souvenir kiosks and stores.

“Rent a bicycle or a pull on your blades and hurtle along the paved Ocean Front Walk that runs south all the way to Venice Beach and Marina del Rey in one direction, and nearly as far as Malibu in the other.

“While the waves aren’t huge in Santa Monica, surf lessons are available. Alternatively you can just lay out your towel and enjoy the wide sandy beach until the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean. Remember to bring some cash for parking. “

2. Venice Beach

Courtesy of Monica Santos, Local Ambassador at Like a Local

“Venice Beach is probably one of the best places to people-watch in the city. The beach’s boardwalk contains an array of colorful characters, performers, and artists, as well as a skatepark and the famous Muscle Beach, an outdoor weight-lifting location on the sand.

“For food lovers, Venice Beach’s Abbot Kinney is a must-see during First Fridays, in which food trucks from all over the city flock to the area on the first Friday of every month.

“Just to be aware, while the beach is exciting for teens and adults, there is a level of unpredictability that may not be appropriate for children, as Venice Beach often houses some of the more salacious events that go on in the city.

“While the ocean area is more family friendly, it is equally convenient for families to head a mile in either direction to the less controversial Santa Monica or Ocean Park beaches.”

3. Manhattan Beach

Courtesy of Carol Cain of Girl Gone Travel

“Manhattan Beach is very laid back with a close-knit community that enjoys spending time playing volleyball and surfing. Walk along Manhattan Beach Pier for a glimpse of the surfers, or join in with the volleyball players and sunbathers.”

“If you want to mingle with locals, stop in for a drink and bite at Shellback Tavern or, if you’d rather take in the views on your own, rent a bike and enjoy the long South Bay Bicycle trail, dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians only, along the beach.”

“Be sure to visit the aquarium at the end of the pier, which boasts interesting sea creatures and athrilling touch pool. While swimming, body boarding and surfing is great at this beach, know that swimming is not allowed in areas next to the pier, and surfing and body boarding are restricted to the south and north side of the pier respectively.”

4. El Matador Beach

Photo courtesy of Mike Girod

If you’re looking for a romantic spot for you and your loved one, or just a peaceful spot to think, El Matador is the place. It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes glued for the small sign marking this scenic beach wedged in between Broad Beach and Decker Canyon Road.

The towering ridged cliffs and hidden caves dotted along a rugged shore, as well as the crystal clear waters and at times robust waves, make this the best place to enjoy a secluded moment. For the adventurer, it’s also a great spot for body boarding and body surfing.

5. Paradise Cove

Photo courtesy of California Beaches

The name for both a public beach and a privately owned café, this stunning stretch of beach has wooden lounge chairs, palm trees and thatched umbrellas. The presence of lifeguards and clean facilities make it the ultimate sunbathing and swimming spot.

This is one of very few beaches where you can have a drink on the beach, so enjoy a cocktail on the sand in a private, rented cabana or munch on the famed fresh lobster while listening to live jazz at the Paradise Cove Café. This is the perfect spot to lie back, relax and people-watch, while the rest of family swim or take part in an energetic volleyball match.

Parking is privately owned by the café and is charged for visitors to the beach and café. There is, however, valet parking for guests of the Paradise Cove Café. Parking can also fill up pretty fast on sunny weekends, so make sure you get there nice and early to claim your spot.