01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Shoreline • Lively, All-Around Beach Experience • Iconic Socal Crowd-Pleaser
A wide sandy beach backed by an amusement pier, bike path, and plenty of classic coastal energy.
If you want the quintessential LA beach day, Santa Monica is the safest bet from Bell Gardens. The broad beach works just as well for spreading out with the family as it does for a volleyball game or a jog along the waterline. Stay near the pier for rides and street performers, or walk north or south for more space and quieter stretches.
02
Most colorful scene
Venice Beach
Venice Boardwalk • Bohemian, People-Watching Hotspot • Great For Street Life And Skating
A lively mix of skate park, street performers, murals, and sand that feels more like a neighborhood than a simple beach.
Venice Beach is where the coast turns into a show, with the famous boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and a steady stream of artists and vendors. The sand itself is generous, but the real charm is wandering the path, watching skaters, and checking out the murals. Head a bit south toward the Venice Pier if you prefer a slightly calmer feel while staying close to the action.
03
Best for surfers
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach Pier District • Surf-Centric, Energetic Shoreline • Top Pick For Waves And Volleyball
Long, wave-rich shoreline with a classic pier, ideal for surfing, beach sports, and full-day hangs.
Branded Surf City USA for a reason, Huntington City Beach draws surfers, active families, and tournament-level volleyball players. The waves are more consistent here than at many LA County spots, and the long, open beach makes it easy to find your own patch of sand. Restaurants, bars, and shops cluster around the pier, so you can roll straight from the water to a casual meal.
04
Best for a relaxed upscale vibe
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Downtown • Polished, Small-Town-Feel Beach • Ideal For Laid-Back Couples And Foodies
A clean, handsome stretch of sand backed by a walkable town center with strong dining and coffee options.
Manhattan Beach is a favorite when you want something refined but still low-key. The pier, lined with anglers and views of the coastline, anchors a beach that feels well kept and a bit more local than the bigger-name spots to the north. Stroll The Strand, then work your way up the hill for independent boutiques, cafes, and sunset drinks above the water.
05
Closest coastal escape
Long Beach City Beach
Downtown Long Beach Waterfront • Calmer, Family-Friendly Shoreline • Convenient Option For Quick Trips
A sheltered urban beach with gentle water, a long beachfront path, and easy access from Bell Gardens.
Long Beach City Beach is often the quickest way to get your feet in the sand from Bell Gardens. Breakwaters offshore keep the water relatively calm, which suits kids, casual swimmers, and anyone who prefers a mellow shoreline to pounding surf. The paved path, nearby parks above the bluff, and straightforward parking make it an easy choice for a low-effort afternoon by the water.