Living in Desert View Highlands means the ocean is a day trip rather than a quick stroll, but the payoff is worth the drive. Within a couple of hours you can swap desert scrub for surf breaks, classic piers, and quiet coves. These five beaches are the spots locals most often aim for when they need a change from the high desert horizon.
A big, clean stretch of sand with reliable waves and fewer crowds than the busier LA beaches.
Zuma’s long, open shoreline makes it easy to find your own space, even on busy weekends. There are big parking lots, decent restrooms, and snack stands, so it works well for full-day trips from the high desert. Bring layers—afternoon winds can pick up and there isn’t much natural shade.
Classic SoCal scene with a wide beach, a busy pier, and plenty of food and entertainment within a short walk.
If you’re bringing a group with different priorities, Santa Monica is the safest bet: kids can hit the pier rides while others walk the bike path or relax on the sand. Expect higher parking prices and heavier crowds, but in exchange you get easy access to restrooms, showers, rentals, and plenty of dining options along Ocean Avenue. It’s a good pick when you want a ‘postcard’ beach day that still feels manageable as a day trip from Desert View Highlands.
A polished beach town vibe with volleyball courts, a scenic pier, and a compact downtown right above the sand.
Manhattan Beach draws locals who like to stay moving—expect rows of volleyball nets, joggers on the Strand, and surfers just beyond the break. The small downtown cluster has good coffee, brunch spots, and boutiques, which makes it easy to turn a few hours on the sand into a relaxed full-day outing. Parking is mostly metered or in small garages, so give yourself time to circle for a spot, especially on sunny weekends.
A laid-back stretch of sand where the beach, bike path, and bar scene all feed into the same easygoing energy.
Hermosa works well if your crew wants equal parts beach time and nightlife without moving the car. The wide sand, volleyball courts, and paved Strand make the day feel mellow, then the restaurants and bars around Pier Plaza pick up toward sunset. It can feel festive (and loud) on summer weekends, so it’s better for adults and older teens than for a quiet family outing.
A more rugged slice of coast with rock arches, tide pools, and smaller coves to wander through at lower tides.
Leo Carrillo appeals to anyone who’d rather explore than just lay out; you get sea caves, tide pools, and bluff-top views in a single stop. It’s a state beach, so expect a paid lot but also decent facilities and a slightly more mellow feel than the in-town spots. Check tide charts before you go and bring sturdy sandals if you plan to scramble over rocks for the best viewpoints.