The Classic Stretch of Sand: Santa Monica Beach. Heal the Bay usually gives Manhattan Beach an "A" grade, but it has occasional problems in wet areas. El Matador Beach is 10 miles north of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway (CA Hwy 1). If you're determined to give it a try, The Nature Conservancy gave Will Rogers State Beach an "Ocean Oscar"in 2010 as the best California beach for ocean swimming, saying it's "one of the nicest beaches in California to take a dip in the ocean and bask in sunshine on a beach towel.". Some beachgoers report that they've seen Dall's porpoises and sea lions at Point Dume - and if you're there at the right time, you may see some California gray whales swimming by. Zuma Beach is 19 miles north of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway. This urban beach is always busy. North Beach, located in the de facto southwest Louisiana capital of Lake Charles, is your best bet at finding a true urban beach. Their parking fee varies by season. Locals love Zuma Beach north of Malibu for its good waves and clean water. 10,739 reviews. These are the best places for kid-friendly beaches in Los Angeles: Which places provide the best beaches in Los Angeles for couples? You'll find lots of surfing buddies in Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach Los Angeles' quirkiest beach can be its most interesting, attracting a cast of characters fit for any Hollywood movie, The long, paved walking path with Santa Monica Bay views makes Manhattan Beach our favorite place to take a walk, Paradise Cove is a small, private beach that offers a charming, old-fashioned beach experience and a beachside restaurant.
Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of beach volleyball and home of the world's first beach volleyball tournament. Dogs are not allowed at Point Dume because they disturb the wildlife and even if they never leave the parking lot, their scent can stop migrating birds from nesting. Nude sunbathing is strictly illegal in Los Angeles County, but that may not stop some people from baring it all anyway. Paradise Cove is best for: Swimming, fishing, beach volleyball, people-watching. The northernmost Los Angeles beach has lots of room and if you're lucky, you may see dolphins in the surf. The sand isn't all on the beach at Point Dume, it's also piled up in a sand dune that forms a bluff protecting the beach. "great to people watch, … Parking enforcement is diligent. The address is 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA. Check current conditions. If you're going to be at Zuma very long, stop on the way up from Malibu and pick up something to eat. Learn More. These places are best for beaches in Los Angeles: Which places provide the best beaches in Los Angeles for kids and families?