8 Top-Rated Beaches in Los Angeles (2024)
The City of Los Angeles is famous all around the world for two prime buzzes, Glamourous Hollywood and long stretched quintessential beaches. The defining geographical boundaries of Southern California have blessed Los Angeles with plentiful beaches that, with their classical beauty, will fill your heart with love and pleasure. There are around 15 beaches lined finely within the city of Los Angeles, some famous for its clean and tidy surroundings, bird viewing, water suitability for kayaking and snorkeling, and waves to catch one round on surfboarding.
Most of the American population head towards Southern California to spend their summer holidays. And the beaches here in Los Angeles are one of the finest choices amongst both, seasoned travelers and first-time beach watchers. Wash your hot summer days.
8 Top-Rated Beaches in Los Angeles
Visit these 8 best beach locations in Los Angeles. Have a look and consider the ones that fascinate you the most.
1. Redondo Beach
Situated in the South Bay region within Greater Los Angeles is the magnificent Redondo Beach. Redondo is one of the famous beaches in Los Angeles that is known for its vibrant harbor, world-renowned horseshoe-shaped pier, rich history, and splendid sunrise & sunset. What attracts the most about Redondo beach is the white sandy beds and clear water, its central location, beach history museum, Dominguez Park, beach pier, seaside lounges, restaurants, Hopkins Wilderness Park, and art and photo gallery. 
Some of the popular activities you can enjoy here include Nature Cruises and Whale Watching, where you can view a variety of whales like minke whales, grey whales, humpback whales, fin whales, Sharks, dolphins, sperm whales, and seals.
2. Huntington Beach
Located in the southeast of Los Angeles downtown, Huntington Beach is famous for its long stretching coastline. Huntington offers an authentic American surfing lifestyle, a mild Mediterranean climate, and a safe atmosphere to enjoy around in the water. The total area here is spread over 121 acres, where one can enjoy both on and off the water with numerous activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and sunset viewing. The sandy stretch is served with fire rings for a bonfire, basketball and volleyball courts, and multipurpose trails. Even though swimming is allowed in the waters of Huntington, but it is advisable for non-swimmers to not head too much distance.
3. Playa del Rey
Within the Playa del Rey neighborhood lies a famous beach in Los Angeles, the Playa del Rey beach. Unlike several other Los Angeles beaches, Playa del Rey is not served with a lot of amenities and service. Still, it is what makes it a less populated and ideal location to spend a day with beachside peace and tranquillity. If you are looking for a beach to relax, and are looking forward to watch the sun and admire the beauty of nature, Playa del Rey is where you must spend your afternoons and evenings at. Here you can hike and bike over long paved trails, play volleyball or basketball at well-maintained beach courts, enjoy at kids play area, lie down at grass bed parks, and use the basic amenities available around.
4. Venice Beach
One of the most fascinating beaches in Los Angeles, Venice Beach is lively, popular, well-manicured, and thus classified as the best. Venice is spread over 238 acres and around 3 miles of coastline with a skate dancing plaza, tennis courts, biking trails, along with shopping and eating sites. When here, you can view bodybuilders, street performers, belly dancers, bikini-clad roller skaters, artists, and palm readers. Though if you are specifically interested in enjoying beach activities, you can also try beach volleyball, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, and surfing at Venice. It is also one of the acclaimed spots for surfing spot amongst the local residents of Venice Neighbourhood.
5. Will Rogers State Beach
A Los Angeles beach park, the Will Rogers State Beach is a well-managed and maintained location that offers a combined view of the beach and mountains. Will Rogers is a massive west-facing beach that benefits from the location of Pacific Palisades and Topanga and its proximity to Santa Monica. It stretches up to one and three-quarters miles and is a popular spot for beachside volleyball and surfing opportunities. Though the weekends here can be jam-packed, but if you are looking for tranquillity and peace, plan your visit during early morning hours, and the experience here will rejuvenate and refine you.
6. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
The Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a State Ecological Preserve that is home to 2 beaches, Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Not limited to that, the bluff top view, tidepools, and trails along the area add to the alluring beauty and fun of this Shoreline. For travelers who are roaming nearby in the city of Los Angeles, the beaches at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park are one of the finest commutes for coastal scenery and quiet time. Even when Southern California’s temperature touches its high, slight breezes here make it quite soothing than other locations around. Also, once a year, the waters at Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove beaches turn into a spectacular dark red tone due to algae formation right below the top layer. The location is also blessed with fantastic naturally carved rock tunnels where waves rush and crash through, creating a fun sight.
Though during the low tide days, you can get under those tunnels as well.
7. Manhattan Beach
Another famous beach in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, is stretched over 2 miles of ocean frontage along with 115 acres of long white sandy beach. It is not very far from the city center and also has an extremely popular surfing spot at the North end named El Porto where you can first take surfing lessons and then brush your skills to get more refined in the sport. There is a long-stretched parking location, plenty of volleyball courts, and several safe swimming and surfing spots. Not at a very far distance, you can also cover Redondo Beach and Hermosa beach alongside when visiting Manhattan Beach.
8. Topanga State Beach
Topanga State Beach is classified as the perfect beach in Los Angeles. It is noted as the first real beach in Malibu and is stretched over 21.5 acres. Famous among surfers, you can view and enjoy the beauty of nature here around and spend some hours afar from the crowd and noise. Though due to harsh waves breaking over cobblestones, swimming here can be quite dangerous. Not only for beach beauty, but it is also a preferred picnic spot with marked locations and beach wheelchairs available easily. There are plenty of showers, changing rooms, and restrooms here. To make the best out of your visit, consider exploring the Topanga State park as well.
