01
Closest sandy escape
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Lax Corridor • Wide Urban Beach With Fire Pits • Best Quick Getaway From Westmont
A broad, no-fuss stretch of sand that’s the fastest way to trade Westmont streets for ocean air.
Dockweiler is usually the first beach locals think of when they want their feet in the sand without a long drive. Expect a wide shoreline, steady surf, and jumbo jets arcing overhead as they depart LAX. It’s one of the few LA beaches with fire rings, so it’s especially good for low-key sunset hangs and casual bonfires.
02
Best overall pick
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Downtown Shoreline • Polished, Athletic Beach Town • Best Balance Of Sand, Food, And Scenery
A classic South Bay beach with a photogenic pier, volleyball courts, and an upscale-but-relaxed main street just up the hill.
Manhattan Beach is where Westsiders go when they want the full package: clean sand, active crowds, and great dining within a short walk. The Strand path is perfect for biking or strolling, and the pier offers big views back toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Parking can be tight on weekends, so aim for earlier in the day if you want an easy spot.
03
Best for bar-hopping
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Pier District • Laid-Back But Social Beach Scene • Top Choice For Nightlife And People-Watching
A compact beach town where the sand, volleyball courts, and a lively bar-and-restaurant strip all meet at the pier.
Hermosa Beach leans younger and more social than its neighbors, making it a good pick if your beach day blends into evening drinks. The plaza at the base of the pier is pedestrian-friendly and usually buzzing with street performers, music, and casual dining. It’s still easy to claim a towel spot a bit south or north if you want a quieter patch of sand away from the crowds.
04
Best for relaxed families
Redondo Beach
Redondo King Harbor And Pier Area • Harborfront Beach With A Mellow Vibe • Great For Families And Casual Strolls
A gentler stretch of coastline with a quirky pier, harbor views, and plenty of low-key food options steps from the sand.
Redondo Beach works well when you want a slower pace and easy logistics, especially with kids or mixed-age groups. The horseshoe-shaped pier has classic seafood spots and snack stands, and the small marina offers paddleboard and kayak rentals when the ocean feels too rough. The beach itself is less scene-y than Hermosa or Manhattan, but still delivers solid sunset views and room to spread out.
05
Most iconic scene
Venice Beach
Venice Ocean Front Walk • Eclectic Boardwalk With Street Culture • Best For People-Watching And Skate Culture
A famous stretch where the beach, skatepark, Muscle Beach, and an always-busy boardwalk all collide.
If you have visitors in town or just want maximum LA flavor, Venice is worth the extra drive from Westmont. You get a wide sandy beach plus nonstop action along the Ocean Front Walk, from performers and vendors to murals and skate tricks. It can feel hectic and parking prices spike on weekends, so plan to arrive earlier and treat it as a full afternoon of exploring rather than a quick dip.