Malibu, CA
Whether you are looking for a beach to sunbathe at, explore the wildlife or just take a dip in the ocean, here are 13 of the best beaches in Los Angeles.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 22500 CA-1 90265
Carbon Beach resides on the Malibu coastline and is a mile-long beach in front of breathtaking homes in Eastern Malibu. Nicknamed “Billionaire's Beach,” it is a great spot to visit to scope out lavish properties owned by famous celebrities and CEOs while relishing in the beauty of the Pacific. When high tide comes, the beach is covered in water and you can look far out into the ocean.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
This state park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, sunbathing and so much more. Leo Carrillo State Park is also well-known because many movies have been filmed here, like The Karate Kid (1984), 50 First Dates (2004) and Cast Away (2000). Parts of the beach are pet friendly, which is great for furry friends. There are also 130 campsites, which can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents. Warning: The steeply sloped beach can make it more dangerous for inexperienced swimmers
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 32860 E Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
One of three beaches that make up Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Pescador State Beach is in Malibu, is known for its high water mark that makes it have just enough sand for sunbathing. There is a lot of wildlife here including hermit crabs, brittle stars, sea snails, mussels, barnacles, California brown pelicans, sandpipers and so much more.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 32350 E Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
El Matador is another one of the three beaches that make up Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach. One of the most popular beaches in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is known for its unique landscape. Up north on the beach, you can explore the caves and rock arches in the sea stacks. It's best to visit these features at low tide and you may even see professional photographers capturing swimsuit models, products on the beach or breathtaking sunsets.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
Zuma Beach is the ultimate Southern California beach with its wide beach that extends for 1.8 miles. There are over 2,000 parking spots with eight different lots so you can always find a spot. Zuma Beach has become a very popular spot for beachgoers to swim and body surf. However it is also known for its strong current and riptides. The beach is also a great spot to watch gray whales make their winter migration.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ Cliffside Drive & Birdview Ave 90265
Point Dume State Beach is surrounded by breathtaking headlines, cliffs and rocky caves. Popular activities at this beach are diving, surfing and even scuba diving. On a clear day, beachgoers can see the incredible view of the entire Santa Monica Bay and distant Catalina Island. This beach is also another great spot to watch gray whales during their December to March migration for the winter.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is one of the world’s landmark surfing beaches and you will always see a decent number of surfers and paddle boarders. Depending on the tide, beachgoers can walk out a decent distance into the lagoon itself to see wildlife. The wildlife here consists of beautiful and unique birds, lizards, mussels, sea urchins, California Seahare and much more.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy 90272
Will Rogers State Beach has over three miles of beach frontage and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. This beach is a great location for families and friends to get together as it is lined with plenty of picnic tables and volleyball courts. Surfing, sailing and windsurfing are also very popular activities for beachgoers here.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 12000 Vista del Mar 90293
This beach has more than 250 acres of beach, leaving plenty of room for fun activities. Dockweiler State Beach has great amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms and volleyball nets. Want to take a break from swimming? The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is easily accessible from the beach, which many visitors use for roller-blading, jogging and biking.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ Hermosa Ave & 33rd Street 90254
This beach is known for its excellent surf, good swimming areas and the various volleyball nets along the sand. The beach also features a beautiful long pier, which you can spend the day strolling on and listening to the sounds of the crashing waves. Other amenities on the beach include restrooms, nearby restaurants and playgrounds, making it a great spot to bring your family to.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 387 Paseo de la Playa 90501
Burnout Beach is a great spot if you love to surf. Known for its fairly consistent surf, you can always find surfers trying to catch a wave here. From the 1930s until 1958, the beach was the home of the Hollywood Riviera Beach Club and when the building burned down, the beach was given the name “Burnout.” It is a great spot to go catch some California sun and watch the surfers ride the waves in.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 1799 Paseo del Mar 90732
This beach is great for beachgoers that love to see sea life in their natural habitat. The tide pools at the Royal Palms State Beach offer glimpses of sea anemones and other sea animals. The beach also is great for swimming, surfing and also has a picnic area for when you get hungry. It is a great spot for the whole family, as there is also a children's playground and a small park at the top of it.
View this post on Instagram
Website/ 1799 Paseo del Mar 90731
This small beach is not for sunbathing or beginner swimmers and it’s very popular for scuba divers at high tide and tidepoolers at low tide. White Point Beach also has an area for a family picnic with tables as well as trails to hike on and a children’s play area. It also features beautiful views of the ocean, as well as Catalina Island.
With all of these beautiful beaches to choose from, you will have a great time relaxing in the California sun no matter where you go.
See also: Where To Have A Beach Bonfire In L.A.
Photography by: Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com
