01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Socal Boardwalk Beach • Easy, Do-It-All Choice
A broad, lively beach with plenty of sand, a famous pier, and lots to do before and after your swim.
From Mayflower Village, Santa Monica is the most reliable all-around beach day: wide sand, gentle waves, and nearly endless amenities along the path. The pier and nearby downtown make it simple to pair your swim with a meal, a drink, or a bit of shopping. Parking is straightforward if you arrive earlier in the day, and you can usually find a quieter spot by walking a few minutes away from the pier.
02
Most iconic scene
Venice Beach
Venice • Bohemian, High-Energy Waterfront • Best For People-Watching
A busy stretch of sand backed by street performers, murals, and a famously eclectic boardwalk.
If you want your beach day to feel distinctly LA, Venice delivers with its mix of surf, skate, and street art. The sand itself is wide and good for swimming or tossing a frisbee, but the real character sits just behind it: Muscle Beach, the skate park, and vendors along the boardwalk. For a more relaxed feel, walk north or south a few blocks from the main hub before you spread your towel.
03
Best for long walks
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Wide Open, Mellow Surf Beach • Great For Long Strolls And Space To Spread Out
A long, uncrowded Malibu shoreline with room to walk, play, and watch the waves roll in.
Zuma is worth the slightly longer drive from Mayflower Village if you value space and scenery over boardwalk bustle. The beach runs for nearly two miles, so even on warm weekends you can usually find a patch of sand that feels removed from the crowds. It is a favorite for long shoreline walks, casual body surfing, and staying to watch the sunset behind the headlands.
04
Best South Bay vibe
Manhattan Beach
South Bay • Polished Small-Town Strand • Best For An Upscale Beach Day
A postcard-perfect pier, tidy sand, and a walkable downtown give this beach a refined yet relaxed feel.
Manhattan Beach pairs a clean, well-kept stretch of sand with a compact downtown full of cafes, bars, and boutiques. Locals jog the Strand, families cluster near the pier, and volleyball games fill the courts along the water. It is a good pick if you want a beach day that transitions easily into a nicer dinner or drinks before driving back to the San Gabriel Valley.
05
Best for classic surfing
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach • Lively Surf City Shoreline • Best For Surf Culture And Active Days
A long, energetic beach known for consistent waves, a busy pier, and a strong surf-town identity.
Huntington City Beach feels like a dedicated surf town, with board shops, casual eateries, and the pier all centered around the waves. The sand stretches for miles, giving you space to walk, bike along the path, or stake out a spot near a volleyball court. If you want a day that mixes swimming, people-watching, and a front-row view of surfers working the break, this is the drive south that pays off.