01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Classic Socal Beach With A Busy Pier • All-Around Crowd-Pleaser
A big, lively stretch of sand where first-timers and regulars both find an easy beach day.
From Sun Village, this is often the go-to first choice: plenty of parking options, wide sand, and that unmistakable pier backdrop. The mix of bike paths, volleyball courts, and easy food options makes it simple to keep everyone happy. Aim for an earlier arrival on summer weekends to skip the heaviest traffic and secure a convenient spot.
02
Best Malibu escape
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Wide Open, Laid-Back Shoreline • Worth The Extra Drive
A long, clean Malibu beach where the crowds thin out and the coastline feels bigger.
If you are willing to drive a bit farther past central Malibu, Zuma rewards you with room to breathe. Lifeguard towers, decent restrooms, and a more relaxed vibe make it feel a world away from the city. On hot Antelope Valley days, this is a great choice when you want cooler air and fewer distractions.
03
Top South Bay classic
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach • Sporty, Polished Beach Town • Best For Active Beach Days
An upscale South Bay strand known for volleyball courts, a photogenic pier, and walkable streets.
Manhattan Beach feels compact and easy to navigate once you’ve made the drive from Sun Village. The beach itself is ideal for swimming, walking the shoreline, or watching skilled volleyball games along the sand. After a few hours in the water, you can head up into town for coffee, tacos, or a sit-down meal without moving your car far.
04
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey • Relaxed Bonfire Beach Under The Flight Path • Great For Sunset Hangs
A straightforward, no-frills stretch of sand known for its rare legal fire pits and open feel.
For Sun Village groups planning a late afternoon outing, Dockweiler stands out because you can cap the day with a beach bonfire. The setting is more practical than pretty, with planes overhead and a simple strip of sand, but the fire rings create a social, campfire feel you won’t find at most LA beaches. Arrive with wood and snacks early enough to claim a pit, especially on weekends.
05
Best boardwalk energy
Venice Beach
Venice • Eclectic Boardwalk And Surf Beach • Best For People-Watching
A high-energy beachfront where the sand, skate park, and boardwalk scene all compete for attention.
When the goal from Sun Village is as much street-life as sea breeze, Venice delivers. The beach itself is broad enough for swimming and sunbathing, but the real draw is the constant motion: performers, skate park sessions, and a long path for walking or biking. It can be busy and a bit chaotic, so it suits visitors who enjoy a louder, more urban beach day.