01
Best all-around pick
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Socal Beach With A Busy Pier And Broad Sands • Best For First-Time Visitors From Burbank
A wide, lively beach with a pier, bike path, and plenty of nearby food for an easy day trip from Burbank.
If you only have time for one beach run from Burbank, Santa Monica is the most reliable crowd-pleaser. You get a huge stretch of sand, lifeguards, restrooms, rentals, and the option to wander the pier or Third Street Promenade between dips in the ocean. Parking can be busy on weekends, so aim for a morning arrival to beat the rush.
02
Best for people-watching
Venice Beach
Venice • Bohemian, Energetic Boardwalk Scene • Great For Street Life And A Beach Stroll
A lively mix of oceanfront path, skate park, and street performers backed by a long sandy beach.
Venice Beach is where the beach day blends into an open-air street show. The walking and biking path, skate park, Muscle Beach, and mural-lined alleys make it as much about exploring as swimming. Come for the atmosphere, then head north or south along the path if you want a slightly quieter stretch of sand.
03
Best low-key option close to the city
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades • Calmer, Wide Beach Favored By Locals • Good For Relaxed, No-Fuss Beach Time
A mellow alternative to Santa Monica with similar views but fewer crowds and a more local feel.
Just up the coast from Santa Monica, Will Rogers State Beach trades the pier and attractions for an easier, more laid-back experience. The sand is wide, the water access is straightforward, and it’s usually easier to find parking and space to spread out. It’s an appealing choice if you want classic ocean scenery without the boardwalk bustle.
04
Best for Malibu vibes
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu • Iconic Surf Beach With Coastal Charm • Ideal For Surf Watching And Scenic Walks
A famous right-hand point break and relaxed shoreline that showcase Malibu’s coastal character.
Surfrider Beach, next to the Malibu Pier, offers a different pace from the city beaches closer to Burbank. Surfers line up along the point, while visitors wander the pier, watch the sets roll in, and take in views of the hills meeting the sea. It’s not the largest swimming beach, but it’s hard to beat for atmosphere and a classic ‘Malibu afternoon’ feel.
05
Best for bonfires and sunsets
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey • Wide Sandy Beach With Fire Pits And Plane-Watching • Top Spot For Evening Hangs
A broad, straightforward beach known for its fire pits, long shoreline, and planes soaring overhead.
Dockweiler is the go-to choice if your beach day from Burbank stretches into the evening. Arrive before sunset to enjoy the water and bike path, then move to a fire pit as the sky turns orange and jets arc out over the ocean. It’s more utilitarian than scenic in spots, but the easy parking and bonfire-friendly setup make it a favorite for group outings.