01
Closest to Inglewood
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Lax • Wide, Low-Key Shoreline With Fire Pits • Closest Ocean Access From Inglewood
A broad, straightforward stretch of sand that’s all about easy access, space to spread out, and classic beach bonfires.
Dockweiler is typically the quickest drive from Inglewood, straight down La Cienega toward the water. It’s not fancy, but the long, flat beach, bike path, and rows of fire rings make it a go-to spot for casual gatherings and sunset hangs. Expect plane flyovers from nearby LAX, but locals mostly treat the noise as part of the neighborhood soundtrack.
02
Best classic surf town feel
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach / South Bay • Upscale, Sporty Beach Town • Best For Surf, Brunch, And Beach Volleyball
A polished South Bay favorite with a scenic pier, busy volleyball courts, and a compact downtown just up the hill.
Manhattan Beach delivers the postcard version of a Southern California beach day, within a short hop of Inglewood. The Strand is perfect for biking or walking, while the pier offers views of surfers working the sandbars below. After the beach, locals head into town for coffee, tacos, or a sit-down brunch along Manhattan Beach Boulevard or Manhattan Avenue.
03
Best for laid-back bar and beach mix
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach / South Bay • Relaxed, Social Beach With Nightlife • Great For Groups And Evening Hangs
A relaxed strip of sand backed by a lively pedestrian plaza, perfect for combining beach time with casual bars and eateries.
Hermosa has a slightly looser, more easygoing vibe than neighboring Manhattan, but the same wide sand and Strand bike path. Around Pier Plaza, you’ll find patios, live music spots, and places to grab a drink after an afternoon in the water. It’s an easy choice when you want the beach to roll seamlessly into an evening out without moving your car.
04
Best people-watching
Venice Beach
Venice • Eclectic Boardwalk And Urban Beach • Top Pick For Street Energy And Culture
A wide city beach paired with an unmistakably eclectic boardwalk full of performers, murals, and independent shops.
Venice Beach is where you go from Inglewood when you want more than just sand and surf. The paved Ocean Front Walk is a nonstop scene, from skaters and basketball games to musicians and pop-up vendors. Step a block or two inland toward Abbot Kinney or the canals for quieter streets, cafes, and a different angle on the neighborhood.
05
Best all-day destination
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Pier Beach With Big-City Amenities • Best For Families And Full-Day Outings
A huge, well-serviced beach anchored by the Santa Monica Pier, with easy access to food, shops, and the Expo Line.
Santa Monica State Beach is built for a full day out, from morning bike rides along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to evening rides on the pier’s Ferris wheel. The sand is wide, lifeguard towers are frequent, and amenities like restrooms, rentals, and playgrounds are easy to find. Head into downtown Santa Monica for more dining options or to duck into the shade when the afternoon sun peaks.