Los Angeles County is home to a variety of scenic and unique beaches. Whether you want to catch some waves, play beach volleyball with your friends, relax in the sand, frolic in the waters, build sand castles with your little ones, or you’re a tourist looking for things to do around LA, here are six beaches in and around the Los Angeles area you can explore.
1. Paradise Cove Beach
Tucked at the foothills of Malibu, Paradise Cove beach offers its visitors a myriad of beach experiences. This stunning semi-private beach boasts of clean surroundings and attracts all types of beachgoers, from couples, families, to large groups and solo tourists. Most amenities are provided by The Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, but anyone can access and enjoy the beach for free. You can rent beach chairs, cabanas, lounges, private terraces, and even indulge in waiter service. It is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing places in the Los Angeles County area.
2. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular and vibrant beach destinations in the county. It is almost always filled with people, as this lovely stretch of white sand is easily accessible from Downtown. An amusement park is located on the world-renowned Santa Monica pier, where beachgoers can enjoy an activity-packed carnival day with their loved ones. Since it can get extremely crowded during the weekends, it would be best to come on weekdays so you can properly enjoy the beach and its surplus of recreational facilities.
3. Manhattan Beach
Situated in an upscale neighborhood, Manhattan Beach is a stunning beach spot filled with fancy hotels and family-owned restaurants. It is well-maintained and less crowded compared to most beaches in the area. You can swim, run, surf, play beach volleyball, walk barefoot in the sand, or bike along the coastline.
4. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, history buffs, and bird enthusiasts. It is located at the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Creek. Aside from savoring the ocean breeze and relaxing in the waters, tourists can participate in guided tours, go bird-watching, or hike on the dirt trails around the coastal wetland.
5. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is another popular beach destination in the Los Angeles area. This lively beach spot is decked with a boardwalk teeming with street performers, bodybuilders, and vendors selling artistic crafts. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along the boardwalk, and the beach is also equipped with an outdoor gym, skateboard ramps, and volleyball courts.
6. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is undoubtedly one of LA County’s most scenic beach locations. It is a highly popular site for wedding photographers, as the beach is dramatically situated beneath high bluffs, with several sea caves and large rock formations to explore. The cliff top offers a spectacular view of the surroundings where you can catch panoramic photos of the Pacific ocean, the nearby thick kelp forests, and migrating whales.
With numerous iconic and beautiful beaches, Los Angeles County is certainly a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists looking for fun and adventure.
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