01
Closest easy escape
Alamitos Beach
Long Beach Waterfront • Relaxed Urban Shoreline • Closest To Bell
A mellow, no-fuss stretch of sand in Long Beach that is one of the quickest ocean escapes from Bell.
Alamitos Beach is usually the fastest way for Bell locals to swap concrete for sand, with a straight shot down the 710. The water is calmer here thanks to the breakwater, making it comfortable for casual dips and families who prefer fewer waves. A paved path runs along the beach for easy walks or bike rides, and nearby coffee spots keep it feeling like a relaxed neighborhood shoreline.
02
Classic LA postcard
Santa Monica Beach
Westside • Lively, Full-Service Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
A big, busy, classic Southern California beach with a pier, bike path, and plenty to do before and after you hit the water.
Santa Monica Beach is the go-to if you want the full LA beach experience in one stop. Wide sand, volleyball courts, the pier, and a long bike path mean everyone in the group can do their own thing and still meet back at the towels. It is a longer drive from Bell, but the mix of people-watching, restaurants, and amenities makes it an easy choice for a full day out.
03
Most character
Venice Beach
Venice / Westside • Eclectic Boardwalk Scene • Best For People-Watching
A broad sandy beach backed by an iconic boardwalk filled with performers, skateparks, and street art.
Venice Beach is where you go when you want more than just sun and surf. The sand is wide and open, but the real energy lives along the path, with skaters, Muscle Beach, and a steady stream of performers and vendors. From Bell, it makes a great weekend trip when you are in the mood for a beach day with a strong side of LA personality.
04
Polished South Bay pick
Manhattan Beach
South Bay • Upscale But Laid-Back Strand • Best For A Refined Beach Day
A scenic South Bay beach with a pier, volleyball courts, and a compact, walkable downtown above the sand.
Manhattan Beach feels like a polished small town dropped at the edge of the Pacific, and it is still a manageable drive from Bell. The beach itself is clean and active, with surfers in the water and volleyball games lining the sand. After a few hours by the ocean, you can head up to the pier-adjacent streets for good coffee, casual bites, and sunset views from the bluff.
05
Surf town energy
Huntington Beach
North Orange County • Classic Surf City Shoreline • Best For Surfers And Bonfires
A long, wave-rich beach with a real surf culture, a busy pier area, and fire pits for lingering after dark.
Huntington Beach, known as Surf City, suits Bell locals willing to drive a bit farther for consistent waves and a true beach-town feel. Surfers, walkers, and cyclists share a long shoreline backed by paths and parks, with the pier as a lively focal point. Public fire pits make it a strong pick if you want to turn a regular beach day into an evening hangout with friends.