01
Best all-around pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica Waterfront • Lively, Full-Service Beach With A Busy Pier • Best For First-Time Visitors
A broad, classic SoCal beach where you can pair sand time with the iconic pier, shopping, and plenty of dining options.
From East Pasadena, Santa Monica is one of the easiest and most rewarding beach day destinations, with wide sand, bike paths, and lifeguards on duty. The pier adds rides, arcades, and quick snacks, while the nearby downtown area offers sit-down restaurants and shops when you are ready for a break from the sun. It can be crowded on summer weekends, so arrive earlier in the day for easier parking and a more relaxed feel.
02
Most polished seaside escape
Manhattan Beach
South Bay • Upscale But Laid-Back Surf Town Beach • Great For Strolling And Beach Volleyball
A stylish stretch of sand backed by a walkable downtown, perfect for people-watching, volleyball, and long shoreline walks.
Locals love Manhattan Beach for its clean sand, strong sense of neighborhood, and the scenic pier with its small aquarium at the end. The Strand, the paved path running along the water, is ideal for a long walk or bike ride with ocean views in both directions. After the beach, you can wander into the compact downtown for coffee, brunch, or a casual dinner before heading back to the San Gabriel Valley.
03
Best for a full-day coastal escape
Zuma Beach
Malibu Coast • Expansive, More Natural-Feeling Shoreline • Great For Long Beach Walks And Surf Watching
A wide, often less crowded Malibu beach that rewards the longer drive with room to spread out and a more relaxed vibe.
If you are willing to drive a bit farther from East Pasadena, Zuma delivers that classic open-ocean Malibu feel with fewer high-rises and more coastline. The beach stretches for what feels like miles, making it ideal for long walks, boogie boarding, and simply setting up a chair to watch the waves. Pack snacks or a picnic, as services are more spaced out than in city beaches but the sense of escape is much greater.
04
Most eclectic scene
Venice Beach
Venice Boardwalk • Energetic, Artsy Beach With A Bohemian Edge • Best For People-Watching
A lively beachfront where the boardwalk’s street performers, murals, and skate park share the spotlight with the sand and surf.
Venice is the beach to choose when you want entertainment along with your ocean breeze, thanks to its famous boardwalk and creative street energy. You can watch skaters at the seaside skate park, check out local vendors and artists, then drop down to the sand for a swim or a nap. It can feel hectic, so it is better for visitors who enjoy a bit of urban grit and color rather than a quiet, secluded day.
05
Best mellow alternative
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades • Relaxed, Family-Friendly Stretch Of Sand • Great For Low-Key Beach Days
A simpler, less hectic beach just north of Santa Monica, with roomy sand and an easygoing atmosphere.
Will Rogers State Beach is a smart choice when you want the convenience of the Santa Monica area without the pier crowds and noise. The long, straight shoreline works well for families, casual swimmers, and anyone who mainly wants space for a blanket, a book, and a cooler. With straightforward facilities and fewer distractions, it is a hassle-free option for a quick, no-frills beach trip from East Pasadena.