Los Angeles County California Beaches

The most visited and most popular beaches on the West Coast of the United States are located in Los Angeles County. Millions of tourists and residents visit these beaches each year. They surf, swim, kitesurf, sail, and simply sunbathe on the golden sands where there's never snow and it's usually quite nice (low humidity, minimal bugs).

Not all Los Angeles County beaches are mainland -- there are also beaches at Catalina Island, a Los Angeles County destination some 22-25 miles offshore west of the coast in the Pacific Ocean. 

Descanso Beach
Crescent Beach
Pebbly Beach
Ben Weston Beach
Little Harbor Beach
Little Fisherman's Cove
Alamitos Bay Beach
Belmont Shore
Long Beach City Beach
Cabrillo City Beach
Point Fermin Park
White Point County Park
Royal Palms County Beach
Abalone Cove Beach
Malaga Cove
Torrance County Beach
Redondo County Beach
Hermosa City Beach
Manhattan County Beach
El Porto Beach
El Segundo Beach
Mother's Beach
Dockweiler State Beach
Venice City Beach
Santa Monica State Beach
Will Rogers State Beach
Topanga County Beach
Las Tunas County Beach
Surfrider Beach
Malibu Lagoon County Beach
Dan Blocker County Beach
Escondido Beach
Paradise Cove
Point Dume County Beach
Zuma County Beach
Broad Beach
South Los Angeles
El Matador State Beach
La Piedra State Beach
El Pescador State Beach
Nicholas Canyon County Beach
Leo Carillo State Beach
Los Angeles
County Line Beach

Alamitos Bay lifeguard, playground, food concessions, restrooms, showers
location: Bayshore Drive at Second Street, Long Beach, CA 90803
description: Contains several marinas with berthing capacity for bike trails & paths, 000 boats.
Water-skiing is permitted only in Marine Stadium. Alamitos Bay Beach is a narrow,
sandy swimming beach south of 2nd St. on the bay side. Kayak rentals available.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway exit Second Street west, make left onto
Bayshore Ave.

Alamitos Beach bike trails & paths, concessions, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach
location: Along Ocean Blvd. from Belmont Pier to Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach,
CA 90802
description: Wide, sandy beach seaward of Ocean Blvd. Launch ramps for small
boats at Claremont Ave. and Granada Ave. Bike rentals available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Cherry Avenue
west, make right onto Ocean Blvd.

Belmont Shore bike trails & paths, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, food concessions, showers, concessions, windsurfing
location: Along Ocean Boulevard from 54th Place to Belmont pier
description: Wide sandy beach. On-site dog beach.
directions: Ocean Boulevard between 54th Place and Belmont pier.

Cabrillo Beach firepits, fishing, lifeguard, restrooms, 1concessions
location: 40th St. and Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731
description: Stillwater beach inside the San Pedro Breakwater, and surf beach on
the ocean. Public boat launching ramp on harbor side. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: Take the Harbor Freeway (110) south to Gaffey Street, make left
onto 30th Street, right on Pacific to Stephen M. White Drive.

Colorado Lagoon BBQ grills, firepits, lifeguard, picnics, playground, restrooms, showers
location: Appian Way and 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90804
description: 40 acres of water and land; the tidal lagoon receives seawater
from Marine Stadium. Features a sandy beach, floating causeways and a
marine science center.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway turn south on Bellflower Boulevard
and then right on Colorado Street.

Dan Blocker Beach diving, fishing, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, volleyball, concessions, surfing
location: 26000 block of Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: Sandy, narrow beach draws surfers and divers and is a great spot
for scuba enthusiasts. Limited free roadside parking.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Solstice Canyon Road and
Corral Canyon Road.

Dockweiler RV Park BBQ grills, bike trails & paths, firepits, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, volleyball, surfing
location: 12001 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
description: Beachfront RV campsite located near LAX. Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm.
Call 800.950.7275 for RV parking fees. No tent camping. RV limit 37 feet.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Imperial Highway
west to the entrance of the RV park.

Dockweiler State Beach bike trails & paths, campground, firepits, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, playground, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach,
concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 12501 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
description: Newly renovated beach facilities located near LAX, 3.7 miles
of ocean frontage and 255 acres of beach. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Imperial Highway
west to Vista del Mar Blvd.

El Matador State Beach picnics, restrooms, stairs to beach,1concessions
location: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic sea stacks.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Encinal Canyon Road and Kanan
Dume Road.

El Pescador State Beach picnics, restrooms, stairs to beach,1concessions
location: 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.

Hermosa Beach bike trails & paths, diving, concessions, lifeguard, playground, food concessions, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball
location: Hermosa Ave. & 33rd St., Hermosa, CA 90254
description: Two mile stretch of beach that runs along the Santa Monica Bay
before running into the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Metered street parking available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Artesia Blvd.
West, make left onto Hermosa Avenue.

Junipero Beach bike trails & paths, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach, concessions, volleyball
location: Along Ocean Boulevard from Cherry Ave. to Belmont pier, CA 90802
description: Narrow, sandy beach.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Cherry Avenue
west, make left onto Ocean Blvd.

La Piedra State Beach picnics, restrooms, stairs to beach,1concessions
location: 32700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.

Las Tunas Beach diving, fishing, lifeguard, concessions, surfing
location: 19444 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: A narrow beach beneath the bluffs that holds a special attraction
to surf casters. Free parking lot.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Tuna Canyon Road and Las Flores
Canyon Road.

Leo Carrillo State Beach campground, diving, firepits, fishing, concessions, hiking trails, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, volleyball, showers, surfing, swimming
location: 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: Campground encompasses two sections of beach along a loop
road with 127 sites for tents and vehicles. Provides coin-operated laundry facilities,
propane, video game room and spa.
directions: 1 mile S. of Ventura County line on Pacific Coast Highway between
Mulholland Highway and Decker Road. Camping reservations/info:
ReserveAmerica by phone at 800.444.7275 or reserveamerica.com

Malibu Beach hiking trails, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball
location: 23050 & 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: 167 acre beach includes Malibu Lagoon, the Malibu Lagoon Museum
and the Malibu Pier.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu Canyon Road and
Rambla Pacifica Road.

Malibu Surfrider Beach diving, fishing, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball
location: 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: World renowned as an excellent surfing area. Swimming areas exist
but are limited.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu Canyon Road and Rambla
Pacifica Road.

Manhattan Beach bike trails & paths, concessions, lifeguard, playground, food concessions, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 400-4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
description: Bisected by a 900 foot pier. Classic sand volleyball beach nets extend
to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Manhattan Beach
Blvd., make right onto Highland.

Marina/Mother's Beach BBQ grills, lifeguard, picnics, playground, food concessions, restrooms, showers, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 4135 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
description: Non-ocean facing beach best suited for children and windsurfers.
Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit the 90 Freeway
(Marina), make left onto Mindanao Way, turn right onto Admiralty Way.
Marine Park/Mother's Beach lifeguard, playground, restrooms, concessions, swimming, volleyball
location: 5839 Appian Way, Long Beach, CA 90803
description: Narrow, sandy beach and calm bay waters known as Mother's Beach
with a marked swimming area and grassy areas. Kayak rentals available.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway exit Second Street west, turn right onto
Appian Way.

Marine Stadium firepits, lifeguard, restrooms, showers
location: Appian Way and 2nd St., Long Beach, CA 90803
description: Long, narrow, rectangular body of sea water connected to Alamitos
Bay; still used for rowing competitions and commercial water sport events. Boat
launching ramp on northwest side.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway exit Second Street west, turn right on the
Appian Way offramp, left on Appian Way and right on Marina Drive.

Nicholas Canyon Beach diving, fishing, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach,surfing, swimming, windsurfing
location: 33850 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: Less crowded than many Malibu beaches and has 23 acres of property.
directions: 1 mile South of Leo Carrillo on Pacific Coast Highway between
Mulholland Highway and Decker Road.

Peninsula Beach fishing, lifeguard, restrooms
location: Along Ocean Blvd., 54th Pl. to 72nd Pl., Long Beach, CA 90803
description: Moderate width, sandy.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway exit Second Street west, make
left onto Bayshore Avenue and left onto Ocean Blvd.

Point Dume Beach diving, fishing, hiking trails, lifeguard, picnics, food concessions, restrooms, showers, surfing, swimming
location: 7103 Westward Beach Rd., Malibu, CA 90265
description: Beach is bordered by cliffs and is one of the most beautiful along the
LA coastline.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Kanan Dume Road and Encinal
Canyon Road.

Point Vicente diving, fishing, hiking trails, restrooms, showers
location: Palos Verdes Drive, Palos Verdes, CA 90275
description: Located on the southwestern corner of the peninsula, the small Point
Vicente Park offers a whale-watching deck and displays of local history and ecology.
directions: North or south on 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Western Avenue south,
turn right on 25th Street, follow to Palos Verdes Drive South.

Redondo Beach bike trails & paths, diving, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, food concessions, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 400-1700 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
description: A 1.5 mile beach that runs south from the pier fto the other side that
becomes Torrance Beach.
directions: From Pacific Coast Highway exit Knobhill Avenue west, make left onto
Esplanade.

Santa Monica State Beach bike trails & paths, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, playground, food concessions, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball
location: 100-2900 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
description: Wide, sandy beach divided by the Santa Monica Pier.
directions: Take the 10 Freeway west (Santa Monica) to Pacific Coast Highway and
head north.

Topanga Beach diving, fishing, concessions, hiking trails, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach, concessions, surfing, swimming, windsurfing
location: 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: The first real beach in Malibu is rocky and narrow. A popular surfing
spot but too rocky for safe swimming. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Tuna
Canyon Road.

Torrance Beach bike trails & paths, diving, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, stairs to beach, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 387 Paseo de la Playa, Torrance, CA 90501
description: Flat swath of sand that widens between pier and peninsula. Beach
wheelchairs available.
directions: Take the Harbor Freeway South (110) exit Pacific Coast Highway, beach
located along Paseo de la Playa.

Venice City Beach bike trails & paths, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, food concessions, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 2700-3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
description: Popular street performer beach that is one of SoCal's biggest
attractions. The north end of the beach is home to "Muscle Beach." Beach wheelchairs
available.
directions: North or south on the 405 Freeway (San Diego) exit Washington Blvd.
west to Venice Beach parking lot.

White Point Beach/Royal Palms diving, fishing, hiking trails, lifeguard, picnics, playground, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming
location: 1799 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732
description: Rugged, rocky shoreline popular with shell collectors and surf casters.
directions: Take Harbor Freeway South (110) exit Gaffey Street south, turn right
onto Paseo del Mar.

Will Rogers State Beach bike trails & paths, diving, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, restrooms, showers, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 17700 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
description: Sandy three mile long beach that is the starting point for the Marvin
Braude Bicycle Trail. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Temescal Canyon and Sunset Blvd.

Zuma Beach diving, fishing, concessions, lifeguard, picnics, food concessions, restrooms, showers, concessions, surfing, swimming, volleyball, windsurfing
location: 30050 Blk of Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
description: The ultimate SoCal beach: wide, extends for miles. Equipped with food
stands at each end of its 4 mile PCH expanse. Beach wheelchairs available.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Kanan Dume Road and Encinal
Canyon Road.