01
Best all-around pick
Long Beach City Beach
Long Beach Shoreline • Wide Sandy City Beach • Most Convenient Ocean Escape
A long, easygoing stretch of sand with a paved path, gentle water, and classic SoCal skyline views just a quick hop from East Rancho Dominguez.
If you want a straightforward beach day without a long drive, this is usually the first stop. The water here is calmer thanks to the offshore breakwater, so it’s more about lounging, walking, and biking than big surf. Aim for the stretches near Junipero or Alamitos for easier parking and quick access to restrooms and snack spots.
02
Best neighborhood vibe
Belmont Shore Beach
Belmont Shore, Long Beach • Lively Neighborhood Beach • Best For Mixing Sand And City
A relaxed, residential-fronted beach where the sand meets a lively strip of cafes, bars, and boutiques a few blocks inland.
Belmont Shore adds a bit more character to the Long Beach coastline, with volleyball nets on the sand and kiteboarders catching wind offshore. After a swim or a stroll along the bike path, it’s an easy walk up to 2nd Street for coffee, tacos, or a casual drink. It’s a favorite when you want a beach day that naturally flows into an evening out without ever moving your car.
03
Best classic SoCal scene
Manhattan Beach
South Bay – Manhattan Beach • Polished Surf-Town Beach • Best For People-Watching And Pier Views
An iconic South Bay beach with a photogenic pier, steady surf, and an upscale but laid-back town center right at the top of the hill.
Manhattan Beach is the spot when you’re in the mood for postcard-worthy scenery and polished coastal energy. The wide strand is lined with volleyball courts and joggers, while surfers work the breaks on most mornings. Plan time to walk the pier to the small aquarium at the end, then browse the boutiques and restaurants downtown for a more elevated beach-day finish.
04
Best for a laid-back day
Hermosa Beach
South Bay – Hermosa Beach • Relaxed Pier-Focused Strand • Best For Casual Hangs And Nightlife
A smaller, easygoing beach town with a sociable pier plaza, good surf, and a walkable lineup of bars and eateries right off the sand.
Hermosa Beach trades some of Manhattan’s polish for a looser, more music-and-nightlife-driven scene, especially around the pier. The strand here is ideal for long walks or bike rides, and you’ll often find pickup volleyball games to watch. It’s a solid choice if you want a full day that rolls from sunbathing into happy hour without ever feeling too formal.
05
Best for bonfires and planespotting
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Lax Coast • Windy, Open Stretch Of Coast • Best For Sunset Hangs With Friends
A broad, no-frills beach known for its fire pits, big-sky sunsets, and up-close views of planes climbing out over the Pacific.
Dockweiler is less about polished promenade life and more about gathering your crew for a casual evening on the sand. The fire rings make it one of the rare nearby spots where you can still sit around a real beach bonfire, so arrive early on weekends if you want to claim one. Expect some airplane noise from nearby LAX, but many regulars see that as part of the charm rather than a drawback.