01
Best overall pick
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Lively, Classic Pier Beach • Best All-Around Choice
A broad, busy stretch of sand with a famous pier, paved bike path, and easy transit access from anywhere on the Westside.
If you want the full Westside beach experience in one place, this is it: wide sand, volleyball courts, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Marvin Braude bike path all in one sweep. Expect crowds on weekends, but parking is relatively straightforward with multiple lots along the oceanfront and quick rideshare drop-offs on Ocean Avenue. Head north of the pier for a slightly more relaxed feel, or stay near the pier if you want quick access to shops, restaurants, and amusements.
02
Iconic boardwalk energy
Venice Beach
Venice • Bohemian Boardwalk And Surf Beach • Great For People-Watching
The quintessential Venice mix of surf, skate, street performers, and murals right along a wide sandy beach.
Venice Beach is ideal if you like your beach day with a heavy dose of character: Muscle Beach, the skatepark, street vendors, and art all line the oceanfront path. The sand itself is generous and great for laying out or dipping in the waves, but the real draw is the mix of locals and visitors that keeps the boardwalk buzzing from morning into sunset. For a calmer experience, go early and park in one of the official beachfront lots, then wander inland toward Abbot Kinney for coffee or a post-beach meal.
03
Laid-back local stretch
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades / North Of Santa Monica • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Best For Low-Key Beach Days
A quieter alternative just up PCH from Santa Monica with fewer crowds and plenty of room to spread out.
Will Rogers State Beach feels like the locals' backyard: simple, clean, and less busy than the headline spots just to the south. You get long, open sand, lifeguard towers, and volleyball courts, but without as many tourists, so it's easy to stake out a roomy patch for families or a casual pickup game. Parking lots run along the highway, and while Pacific Coast Highway traffic can back up on sunny weekends, the payoff is a more relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere once you're on the sand.
04
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa Del Rey / Near Lax • Wide Sandy Beach With Fire Rings • Great For Sunset Hangouts
A long, open beach famous for its fire pits, sunsets, and up-close views of planes taking off from LAX.
Dockweiler is the go-to Westside option if you're planning a bonfire night, thanks to the concrete fire rings that line sections of the sand. Groups arrive early on weekends and summer evenings to claim a pit, so bring layers, supplies, and a backup plan if you're coming at peak times. The constant parade of departing jets adds background noise, but many locals treat it as part of the atmosphere, especially when the sky lights up at sunset.
05
Malibu day-trip pick
Zuma Beach
Malibu • Expansive Malibu Surf Beach • Best For A Full Beach Day
A huge, clean stretch of Malibu sand with consistent surf, clear water, and room to roam.
Zuma takes a bit more driving from the Westside, but many locals consider it worth the extra miles for the cleaner water and more open feel. The beach runs for nearly two miles, with multiple parking lots, lifeguard towers, and snack stands that make it easy to settle in for the day. Surf can be strong, especially on bigger swell days, so check conditions and swim near lifeguards if you're not experienced in the ocean.