01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Pier-And-Promenade Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
A wide, lively beach with a famous pier, plenty of parking, and easy food and shopping just off the sand.
From Arcadia, Santa Monica Beach is one of the most straightforward drives to the coast, and it delivers the full Southern California postcard scene in one stop. You get a broad stretch of sand, bike and pedestrian paths, and the Santa Monica Pier’s rides and games if you want a break from the sun. It works just as well for a casual afternoon walk as it does for a full day with kids in tow.
02
Best for people-watching
Venice Beach
Venice • Bohemian Boardwalk Scene • Best For Street Life And Skate Culture
An energetic beachfront lined with performers, murals, skateparks, and a lively mix of shops and snack stands.
Venice Beach is where Arcadia residents head when they want more atmosphere than quiet. The beach itself is spacious, but the real draw is the boardwalk, with its street performers, skatepark, and colorful storefronts. It’s ideal if you’re pairing a few hours on the sand with wandering, people‑watching, and soaking up classic LA coastal character.
03
Best for upscale casual vibes
Manhattan Beach
South Bay • Relaxed Upscale Surf Town Beach • Best For Laid-Back But Polished Outings
A clean, sun-soaked beach backed by a charming downtown strip of cafes, boutiques, and low-key nightlife.
Manhattan Beach makes a great day trip if you want something a little more polished than the big tourist hubs. The strand is popular with joggers and cyclists, surfers work the breaks near the pier, and the sand is usually tidy and well kept. After the beach, it’s easy to walk up into town for coffee, a drink, or a lingering dinner before heading back inland.
04
Best for classic surf culture
Huntington Beach
North Orange County • Broad, Surf-Focused Beach Town • Best For Active Families And Surfers
A long, wave-rich shoreline with fire pits, volleyball courts, and a walkable downtown centered on the pier.
Nicknamed Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is worth the slightly longer drive from Arcadia if you want a full surf-town experience. The wide sandy beach has room for volleyball games, sunset fire pits, and long shoreline walks, and conditions are usually good for both beginners and experienced surfers. The pier and nearby Main Street add easy food options, rental shops, and a lively evening scene.
05
Best scenic escape
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Scenic, Laid-Back Coastal Stretch • Best For Uncrowded Feeling And Views
A long, open beach in Malibu with cleaner air, fewer high-rises, and a more relaxed, away-from-it-all feel.
If you’re willing to extend the drive past Santa Monica, Zuma Beach rewards you with wider horizons and a calmer pace. The sand feels less hemmed in by development, and the coastal drive itself is part of the appeal, especially on clear days. It’s a strong pick for Arcadia locals who want a beach day that feels like a mini escape without straying too far from LA.