01
Best all-around choice
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Shoreline • Lively Classic Socal Beach • Best Mix Of Sand, Scene, And Amenities
A broad, walkable beach with a famous pier, plenty of parking, and enough food and activity options to fill an entire day.
From La Crescenta-Montrose, Santa Monica Beach is the go-to when you want an easy, no-guesswork ocean day. You get soft sand, lifeguards, bike paths, and restrooms all within a short walk of the pier and downtown. Aim for earlier mornings or late afternoons to dodge the heaviest crowds and snag easier parking.
02
For iconic Malibu surf
Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach)
Near Malibu Pier • Surf-Centered State Beach • Top Pick For Longboarders And Surf Watching
A small but famous stretch of shoreline known for its long, peeling waves and classic Malibu backdrop.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Malibu of surf films, this is the spot to drive to from the foothills. The break right next to the pier draws experienced surfers, while the lagoon area and sand near the pier work for relaxed lounging and people-watching. Parking can be tight, so plan a weekday visit or arrive early on weekends.
03
Most eclectic boardwalk
Venice Beach
Venice Oceanfront • Bohemian, People-Watching Hotspot • Best For Street Life And A Casual Dip
An energetic mix of sand, skate park, murals, and street performers wrapped around a broad urban beach.
Venice Beach is where you go when the scene matters as much as the shoreline. The sand is wide and good for a swim or a game of beach volleyball, but the draw from La Crescenta-Montrose is the boardwalk energy—muscle beach, local vendors, and non-stop people-watching. Expect more bustle than serenity and plan to walk a lot once you park.
04
Best big-sand escape
Zuma Beach
Northwest Malibu • Wide, Open Sandy Strand • Best For All-Day Beach Hangs
A long, open Malibu beach with plenty of room to spread out, reliable facilities, and a more relaxed feel than city-front sands.
Zuma rewards the slightly longer drive from La Crescenta-Montrose with cleaner air, fewer high-rises, and space to breathe. Multiple parking lots, lifeguard towers, and simple snack options make it easy for families and groups to settle in for the day. Winds can pick up in the afternoon, so bring layers and a good umbrella or windbreak.
05
Most dramatic scenery
El Matador Beach
Malibu Coastal Bluffs • Scenic, Rocky Cove Beach • Best For Photos And Sunset Strolls
A small, cliff-backed beach with sea caves, rock arches, and some of the most photogenic shoreline within an easy drive of the foothills.
El Matador is less about laying out all day and more about exploring and taking in the views. You’ll descend a steep staircase from the bluff-top parking area to reach the sand, where tides shape how much beach is accessible. Time your visit for lower tide and golden hour from La Crescenta-Montrose for standout photos and a memorable sunset walk.