01
Best all-around choice
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Oceanfront • Lively Pier-And-Promenade Beach • Best For Classic La Beach Days
A big, activity-packed stretch of sand with a pier, bike path, and plenty to do within an easy drive from Maywood.
If you want the full Southern California postcard view, Santa Monica is the straightforward pick. Expect around a 35 to 45 minute drive in light traffic, with lots of parking lots along the beach and under the pier. The mix of wide sand, restaurants, bars, and the amusement pier makes it easy for groups who want different things from the same beach day.
02
Most iconic boardwalk
Venice Beach
Venice Waterfront • Bohemian, People-Watching Beach • Best For Street Life And Skate Culture
An energetic stretch of sand backed by an always-on boardwalk of performers, shops, murals, and skate spots.
From Maywood, Venice is only a bit farther than Santa Monica but feels like its own world. The scene-heavy boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and skate park are great if you like your beach time mixed with art, music, and people-watching. Walk north or south a few blocks from the main drag and you will find quieter sand for actually stretching out with your towel.
03
Best small-town feel
Manhattan Beach
South Bay – Manhattan Beach • Polished Small-Town Strand • Best For Beach-Town Charm
A clean, sun-soaked beach paired with an upscale but relaxed town center and a classic fishing pier.
Manhattan Beach trades the carnival energy of Santa Monica and Venice for a more refined, local feel. The beach itself is wide and ideal for volleyball, swimming, and long walks, while the streets just uphill are lined with cafes, boutiques, and casual spots for a post-beach meal. From Maywood, it is a manageable drive down the 110 and 105, especially outside of rush hour.
04
Most dramatic scenery
El Matador State Beach
Malibu Coast • Dramatic Cliffside Cove • Best For Photos And Sunsets
A rugged, photogenic pocket of Malibu with sea caves, rock arches, and a tucked-away feel worth the longer drive.
For a more adventurous outing from Maywood, El Matador delivers those cinematic Malibu cliffs and rock formations. Be ready for a longer drive and a steep stairway down to the sand, plus limited parking that fills on weekends. It is better for light packing and sunset strolls than for hauling a full family setup, but the views more than repay the effort.
05
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Westchester Shoreline • Relaxed, Wide-Open Beach • Best For Bonfires And Group Hangouts
A long, flat beach with fire pits, easy access, and a laid-back vibe that works well for groups coming from inland neighborhoods like Maywood.
Dockweiler is one of the rare LA County beaches where you can still gather around a legal fire pit, which makes it a standout for evening trips. The drive from Maywood is relatively direct via the 105, and there is typically ample parking along the beach. You will hear and see planes on approach to nearby LAX, but most locals treat that as part of its distinctive, urban-coast backdrop.