01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica • Iconic Pier-Side City Beach • Best All-Around Experience
A long, lively stretch of sand with a classic pier, wide bike path, and something for almost everyone.
If you only make one beach trip from Valinda, Santa Monica is the most versatile choice, with broad sandy areas, lifeguards, restrooms, and plenty of space to spread out. The pier and nearby Third Street Promenade keep food, shopping, and people-watching close at hand. Aim to arrive earlier in the day on weekends, as traffic and parking can back up fast.
02
Classic boardwalk scene
Venice Beach
Venice • Bohemian Boardwalk And Skate-Park Beach • Best For People-Watching
A high-energy beach lined with murals, street performers, and a famous skate park just steps from the sand.
Venice Beach is where the ocean meets LA’s eccentric side, with Muscle Beach, vendors, and artists giving the boardwalk a constant buzz. The sand itself is wide and walkable, and the bike path connects easily to Santa Monica if you want to ride the coast. It’s not the quietest place to lay out, but it’s perfect when you want a beach day with plenty to look at between dips in the water.
03
Polished South Bay choice
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach • Upscale Yet Relaxed South Bay Beach • Best For Laid-Back Charm
A scenic strand with a photogenic pier, volleyball courts, and a compact downtown that feels made for post-beach strolling.
Manhattan Beach offers a more polished, small-town feel than the busier tourist spots up the coast. Locals flock here for beach volleyball, gentle shoreline walks, and the views from the pier’s small aquarium. After the sun, you can head a few blocks uphill for cafés, ice cream, and restaurants that make the drive from Valinda feel like a mini getaway.
04
Surf-centric day trip
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach • Lively Orange County Surf Beach • Best For Surfers And Active Families
A broad, energetic beach anchored by a long pier, known for consistent waves and plenty of space to play.
Huntington City Beach, right by the pier, lives up to the “Surf City” nickname with regular swells, surf contests, and a promenade that stays busy into the evening. There’s ample sand for families, fire pits in designated areas, and volleyball courts if you want more than just sunbathing. Pair your beach time with a stroll along Main Street for casual eats before heading back toward the San Gabriel Valley.
05
Wide-open Malibu escape
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Scenic, Spacious Malibu Shoreline • Best For Long Walks And Sunsets
A long, gently curving beach with fewer crowds than central Malibu and room to really stretch out.
Zuma Beach rewards the slightly longer drive from Valinda with cleaner air, big-sky views, and a more relaxed pace than the city beaches. The sand stretches for what feels like miles, making it ideal for long shoreline walks, light swimming on calmer days, and sunset watching. There are multiple parking lots along Pacific Coast Highway, so you can usually find a spot if you’re willing to cruise a little.