01
Best overall pick
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier District • Classic Socal Surf And Strand • Best All-Around Experience
A polished yet relaxed beach town with great swimming, surf, dining, and people-watching in a compact, walkable stretch of coastline.
Just a quick shot west from Del Aire, Manhattan Beach delivers the archetypal South Bay scene: a wide, clean strand backed by the Strand bike path and rows of beach volleyball courts. The blocks around the pier are dense with cafés, patios, and boutiques, so it’s easy to turn a simple beach visit into a full afternoon out. Parking can be tight near the water, so consider the lots a few blocks uphill if you’re coming on a sunny weekend.
02
Low-key local choice
El Segundo Beach
El Segundo Shoreline • Quiet, Uncrowded City Beach • Best For Easy Parking
A straightforward, mellow strip of sand that locals favor for its easier parking and room to spread out.
El Segundo Beach sits just north of Dockweiler and tends to draw more locals than tourists, which keeps the vibe relaxed even on warm days. The sand is wide, the bike path runs right behind the beach, and you can usually find a spot in the nearby lots without circling for ages. It’s a good call when you want a simple beach walk, casual surf session, or a quick sunset stop without the bustle of the busier pier towns.
03
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Between El Segundo And Playa Del Rey • Wide State Beach With Fire Pits • Top Spot For Evening Hangouts
The rare LA beach where you can still gather around legal fire pits right on the sand.
Dockweiler is the closest true ‘big state beach’ to Del Aire, known for its long, flat shoreline and front-row views of planes lifting off from LAX. The big draw is the line of fire pits, which fill quickly on clear afternoons as groups stake out spots for hot dogs and s’mores. Expect paid parking and a bit of wind; if you’re planning an evening, arrive early, bring layers, and you’ll have one of the easiest beach bonfire setups in the city.
04
Best for nightlife
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza • Lively Beach Town With Bars • Great For Social Beach Days
A compact beachfront downtown where volleyball games, casual bars, and sunset walks all blend together.
Hermosa Beach pairs a deep, active stretch of sand with a pedestrian pier plaza lined with bars, coffee shops, and eateries. The Strand here is always buzzing with cyclists, runners, and people strolling between Manhattan and Redondo, so it’s ideal if you like a bit of energy with your beach time. Plan for crowds and paid lots near the plaza on weekends, and treat it as your pick when the plan is beach first, then happy hour or live music afterwards.
05
Best for families
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach King Harbor • Family-Friendly Harbor And Beach • Ideal For Kids And Casual Walks
A softer, more sheltered stretch of coast paired with a classic pier, harbor, and plenty of low-key food options.
Redondo’s combination of pier, harbor, and sandy shoreline makes it especially appealing for mixed-age groups and low-key days out. The water near the pier and along the adjacent strand can feel a bit more protected than at the more surf-heavy beaches, and there are plenty of snack shacks, casual seafood spots, and arcades to duck into. It’s a smart pick when you want options beyond just towels-on-the-sand, from whale-watching boats to simple pier strolls with an ice cream in hand.