01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Lively Classic Socal Beachfront • Best All-Around Choice
A broad, busy stretch of sand with a bit of everything, from gentle waves to the iconic pier and bike path.
If you only have time for one beach run from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica is the most versatile option. The wide sandy shoreline works for casual swimming, sunbathing, and beach games, while the pier and nearby Third Street Promenade keep non-beachgoers entertained. Go early on weekends for easier parking and softer light, then stay for sunset over the Ferris wheel.
02
Best near-by escape
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades • Relaxed, Low-Key Shoreline • Great For A Quick Beach Fix
A quieter alternative just north of Santa Monica with room to spread out and fewer distractions.
Will Rogers State Beach feels like Santa Monica’s calmer cousin, close enough for an easy Uber from Beverly Hills but with a more local crowd. The beach is long and open, with volleyball courts, basic facilities, and mellow waves that suit casual swimmers and confident kids. It is a smart pick when you want sand and sea without the boardwalk bustle or heavy traffic around the pier.
03
Best for people-watching
Venice Beach
Venice • Eclectic Boardwalk And Surf Beach • Ideal For A High-Energy Afternoon
A broad city beach backed by a famously colorful boardwalk, skate park, and street performers.
Venice Beach is where the ocean meets LA’s full personality, with murals, buskers, and Muscle Beach all a few steps from the sand. The shoreline itself is wide enough to find a quieter patch, but the real draw is the energy: skaters, artists, and sunset crowds along the path. Choose Venice when you want your beach day to double as a neighborhood walk and people-watching session.
04
Best big-beach feel
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Wide, Open Malibu Shoreline • Great For Long Beach Days
A huge, clean strip of Malibu sand with consistent surf, long views, and a more laid-back vibe than the city beaches.
Zuma Beach is worth the slightly longer drive from Beverly Hills when you want a full day planted on the sand. The beach stretches for what feels like miles, with space for families, surfers, and walkers to all do their thing without crowding each other. Pack snacks or a picnic, check the surf and flag conditions, and plan to linger through golden hour for some of the area’s best open-sky sunsets.
05
Most dramatic scenery
El Matador State Beach
Malibu – West Of Point Dume • Rugged Cove With Sea Caves And Rock Formations • Best For Scenery And Photos
A small but spectacular cove with cliffs, sea stacks, and tide-washed caves that feels far from the city.
El Matador State Beach trades wide sand for drama: think steep stairs down the bluff, wave-carved arches, and photographers setting up for golden light. It is not ideal for big groups or rolling coolers, but it is a standout choice for a romantic walk, low-tide exploring, or a quick escape that feels much farther than the drive from Beverly Hills. Time your visit for midweek or early morning to avoid the tight parking lot backing up.