01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Socal Beach With A Lively Pier • Go-To Choice For First-Time Visitors
A big, broad stretch of sand with the iconic pier, plenty of food options, and easy amenities for a full beach day.
From San Fernando, Santa Monica is one of the most straightforward coast runs, with clear routes over the 118 and 405 or 101 and 405. The wide beach makes it easy to spread out, while the pier, nearby shops, and bike rentals keep non-beachgoers entertained. Parking can fill on summer weekends, so aim for earlier in the day or a late-afternoon arrival for sunset.
02
Best for long beach walks
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Expansive, Laid-Back Oceanfront • Top Pick For Full-Day Escapes
A long, clean Malibu beach with room to roam, gentler crowds, and a more relaxed vibe than the city-side shoreline.
Zuma is farther from San Fernando than the Santa Monica beaches, but the extra drive rewards you with more space and a quieter feel. Long, uninterrupted sand and steady surf make it ideal for serious beach walkers, casual bodysurfers, and groups that want to spread out. Pack a cooler, snag a spot near a lifeguard tower, and treat this as your all-day coastal getaway.
03
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey • Social Beach With Fire Pits And Bike Path • Great For Sunset Hangs And Casual Meetups
A wide, sandy shoreline famous for its evening fire pits and easygoing gathering vibe.
Dockweiler is a solid choice when you want a social beach evening without going deep into Malibu. The designated fire pits along the sand are a rarity in LA County, making this a favorite for sunset s’mores and casual group gatherings. Expect airplane noise from nearby LAX, but also easy access to the bike path and straightforward parking compared to the busier tourist hubs.
04
Best low-key option
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades • Relaxed Local Stretch Of Sand • Local Favorite For Low-Stress Beach Days
A mellow alternative just north of Santa Monica, with simpler access and a more local crowd.
If you like the idea of Santa Monica but not the crush of the pier crowds, Will Rogers a few minutes up the coast hits a nice middle ground. The sand is just as inviting, but the atmosphere is more residential and easygoing, with volleyball courts, room to lay out, and direct access to the beach bike path. It is a practical pick for San Fernando locals who want to park, walk straight to the sand, and settle in without too much scene.
05
Best for surf and scenery
Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach)
Malibu Lagoon • Iconic Surf Break With Coastal Wetlands • Best For Wave-Watching And Coastal Strolls
Famous right-hand point break meets a calm lagoon and small beach, with classic Malibu scenery in every direction.
Surfrider Beach is ideal when you care as much about atmosphere as swimming, thanks to its legendary wave and the backdrop of the Malibu Pier. Surfers line up for long rides, while visitors can wander the lagoon trails, birdwatch, or simply sit on the sand and people-watch. Parking takes a bit of patience, but this spot is hard to beat for a San Fernando day trip that feels distinctly, photogenically Malibu.