There’s something cinematic about the beaches near LA...like the scenery is waiting for you to step into the frame. Each one brought me something different: the thrill of cliffs and crashing waves, the hush of tidepools, the everyday joy of surfers and salt air. I remember walking along the shoreline and thinking, "This is the California that lives in my daydreams."
Best Beaches Near Los Angeles:
Cliffside beauty at El Matador State Beach - 50 minutes from Downtown LA
El Matador took my breath away—literally, as I climbed down the rugged stairs to reach it. But once I touched the sand and stood before those iconic sea stacks, I felt like I was in a postcard. I remember thinking, "This is wild beauty, unfiltered." It was romantic, windswept, and just a little mysterious.
What I Loved Most: Watching the waves crash through sea caves and seeing the sunset paint the rocks gold and pink.
My Highlights? A quick bite at Malibu Farm Pier Café before the beach. I had the cauliflower crust pizza with lemon ricotta and arugula—fresh, light, and bright. Sitting at a table above the Pacific, it was pure Malibu.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Downtown LA: ~1.25 hours northwest
- Vibe: Dramatic, romantic, photogenic
- Highlights: Rock formations, sea caves, small coves
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds
- Cost: Paid parking lot
- Hours: 8am–sunset
- Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Low tides and quiet wonders at Abalone Cove - 40 minutes from Downtown LA
Abalone Cove felt like a secret world tucked into the cliffs of Palos Verdes. It was peaceful in a way that made me speak softer, move slower. I remember thinking, "I don’t want to rush this—ever." The tidepools were little galaxies of color and movement, and every turn of the trail brought a new view.
What I Loved Most: Discovering sea anemones and starfish in the pools, and sitting on a rock to watch the Pacific breathe in and out.
My Highlights? A picnic I packed from Yellow Vase Café—a turkey brie sandwich and an iced lavender latte. I found a shaded spot with ocean views and let lunch last as long as it needed to.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Natural, contemplative, hidden
- Highlights: Tidepools, bluffs, hiking trails
- Best Time to Visit: During low tide
- Cost: $6–12 parking fee
- Hours: 9am–4pm
- Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
This spectacular video shows the best beach scenes in LA from above.
Surf energy at El Porto Beach - 30 minutes from Downtown LA
El Porto buzzed with energy. From the moment I stepped onto the sand, I could feel the rhythm of it—surfers slicing through waves, beach runners, locals chatting over coffee. I remember thinking, "There’s no need to pretend here—it’s just good, clean salt and sun." It felt casual and real in the best way.
What I Loved Most: Watching the surfers at dawn and walking along the shoreline with the distant hum of the city behind me.
My Highlights? A breakfast burrito from The Local Yolk just off Highland Ave. Eggs, avocado, salsa, and bacon all wrapped up tight. I took it to the beach wall and ate it warm, watching the waves roll in.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~40 minutes west
- Vibe: Surf-town, sporty, no-frills
- Highlights: Big waves, volleyball, surf schools
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for waves and parking
- Cost: Metered street parking
- Hours: Open daily
- Address: 3800 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA
Seaside simplicity at Cabrillo Beach - 35 minutes from Downtown LA
Cabrillo Beach was easygoing and a little nostalgic. There were kids exploring the touch tanks, fishermen casting lines, and families sharing snacks on the shore. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place I’d come as a kid and keep coming back to." It was calm, clean, and comforting.
What I Loved Most: Exploring the aquarium, then walking along the breakwater and watching sailboats drift into the harbor.
My Highlights? Lunch at Pacific Diner, an old-school spot in San Pedro. I had the chicken-fried steak with gravy, scrambled eggs, and crispy hashbrowns. It was big, bold, and perfect after a salty morning walk.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Family-friendly, mellow, accessible
- Highlights: Breakwater walk, tidepools, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early evening
- Cost: Inexpensive parking
- Hours: 5am–10pm
- Address: 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA
Easy days at Hermosa Beach - 35 minutes
Hermosa boardwalk buzzed with bikes and music, while the beach stretched endlessly in the background. I remember thinking, "This is where you go when you want to feel young again." It was vibrant and bright, without trying too hard.
What I Loved Most: Walking the Strand, watching volleyball matches, and people-watching from a shady bench.
My Highlights? A beachside lunch at Good Stuff. I had a spicy turkey burger with avocado and a side of sweet potato fries. The ocean breeze and open-air tables made every bite better.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~45 minutes southwest
- Vibe: Lively, active, beach-town energy
- Highlights: Volleyball, The Strand, pier, local shops
- Best Time to Visit: Midday or sunset
- Cost: Metered parking and garages
- Hours: Open daily
- Address: 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA
Wilderness meets water at Leo Carrillo - 1 hour
Leo Carrillo felt like a world apart. There were fewer crowds, more wild corners, and a feeling like nature was just a little wilder here. I remember thinking, "This is where the ocean breathes differently." The tidepools, the campsites, the cliffs—it all felt like a secret shared in low tones.
What I Loved Most: Walking the bluffs, finding hidden coves, and spotting sea creatures in the tidepools.
My Highlights? A fireside breakfast at the campground: eggs, camp toast, and black coffee. It was quiet, foggy, and perfect before a morning swim.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~1.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Wild, peaceful, rugged
- Highlights: Tidepools, caves, hiking, camping
- Best Time to Visit: Early or off-season
- Cost: $3–12 entry or parking
- Hours: 8am–sunset
- Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Nature and stillness at Malibu Lagoon - 35 minutes
Malibu Lagoon was where land and water blurred. I wandered between marsh and sand, surfers and birds, city views and total stillness. I remember thinking, "There’s more here than meets the eye." It felt layered, like I could keep coming back and see something new each time.
What I Loved Most: Birdwatching in the lagoon and walking from the estuary to Surfrider Beach as the sun lit everything golden.
My Highlights? A mellow brunch at Malibu Country Mart—an açai bowl with almond butter, fresh berries, and coconut flakes from SunLife Organics. Sweet and cool and everything I wanted after a morning of wandering.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from LA: ~1 hour northwest
- Vibe: Ecological, reflective, quietly beautiful
- Highlights: Birdwatching, wetlands, surfing, nature trails
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for tide and wildlife
- Cost: $12 parking
- Hours: 8am–sunset
- Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Where the Shoreline Stays With You
The beaches near Los Angeles are more than weekend escapes—they’re places where time loosens its grip. Each one gave me something different: space to think, sun to soak in, trails to wander, and flavors to remember. Even with the city just behind me, I found a kind of freedom in the foam and sky. That’s the gift of California's coast: it meets you where you are, and leaves you better than it found you.
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