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Top 10 Beaches in Los Angeles

LA's Best Beaches

#1 El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California.

El Matador Beach, Malibu
El Matador State Beach, Los Angeles
El Matador Beach, Malibu, California

The most popular among the three beaches flowing within the boundaries of Robert H. Meyer State Beach El Matador is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches in L.A. The parking lot at El Matador is situated on a bluff and has picnic tables that offer a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

The picturesque backdrop of El Matador State Beach bears a striking resemblance to the settings in the hit series "Game of Thrones." However, this stunning location played a pivotal role as the captivating beach locale in the romantic film "The Notebook" and has served as the backdrop for numerous other renowned productions, including Madonna's "Cherish" music video (1989), "Mamma Mia!" (2018), and the beach scenes of Jules in the ocean on the TV series "Euphoria."


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#2 Santa Monica Beach Malibu, Santa Monica, California.

Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach

As you walk along the Santa Monica Pier, famously known as the end of Route 66, during the captivating sunset when the colossal sun descends into the Pacific, you might find yourself pondering whether there exists a more exquisite moment than this one.

Santa Monica, often hailed as "Hollywood by the Beach," has dazzled audiences for generations with its 3.5 miles of shimmering coastline, awe-inspiring ocean panoramas, and timeless architectural charm! From the dawn of cinema, this city has taken the spotlight, gracing the silver screen in countless iconic films.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#3 Point Dume Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, California.

Point Dume, Malibu, California
Point Dume Beach, Malibu, California
Point Dume State Beach in Southern California

Point Dume Beach has over one mile of ocean frontage with 34 acres of sand. It is surrounded by headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and vast beach access. From its sprawling cliffs to its expansive beaches, this area indeed houses some of Southern California’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. The pristine water and sand are a welcome sight, and the massive cliffs that line the edges make it a must-see. On a clear day visitors can enjoy an incredible view encompassing the entire Santa Monica Bay and distant Catalina Island.

By far, one of the most famous movies filmed here was the original Planet of the Apes. The climactic ending where he sees the Statue of Liberty and realizes he is still on Earth. Also, Tony Stark’s house in Iron Man was digitally added on the cliffs of Point Dume. Other movies that were filmed at this location include The Big Lebowski, Knight and Day, Beach Blanket Bingo, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? See list of movies filmed at this location.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#4 Venice Beach Los Angeles, California.

Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach, California

Discover the enchanting world of Venice Beach, California, where the sun, sea, and vibrant culture converge to create an unforgettable coastal experience like no other.

Venice Beach, California, has not only been a captivating backdrop for countless films but has also played a role as a substitute for other locales. In the 1958 musical "Gigi," while the majority of the film was set in France, the seaside scenes were unexpectedly filmed on Venice Beach due to adverse weather conditions in Trouville, France. This coastal haven has a cinematic history that includes iconic figures like Jim Morrison and Olivia Newton-John, who famously roller-skated on these shores in "Xanadu." And if you're looking to immerse yourself in the cinematic nostalgia, you can even stay at the historic Samesun Venice Beach hostel, a location featured in the 1958 film noir classic "Touch of Evil." Venice Beach, with its stunning Pacific vistas, continues to be a beloved destination for both filmmakers and travelers alike, offering a slice of cinematic history along with its natural beauty.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#5 Leo Carrillo State Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, California.

Malibu Leo Carrillo State Beach Sunset
Sequit Point, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, California
Sunset on Leo Carrillo State Beach in Southern California

Leo Carrillo State Beach is also known as the “movie beach” due to its popularity among filmmakers. Boasting a wide range of caves, tide pools, and reefs. Some of the activities around the area of Leo Carrillo State Beach include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, windsurfing, and fishing.

Leo Carrillo State Beach has served as a captivating stage for an array of cinematic masterpieces, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film. With a star-studded cast that includes the likes of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lewis, Nancy Sinatra, and Dick Clark, this scenic haven has witnessed the creation of numerous unforgettable movie moments. From the sci-fi intrigue of "Attack of the Crab Monsters" (1957) to the beachside nostalgia of "Gidget" (1959), and the epic adventures of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959), Leo Carrillo Beach has lent its natural splendor to a diverse range of stories. Classics like "Beach Blanket Bingo" (1965), timeless series like "The Rockford Files" (1974), and cultural phenomena such as "Grease" (1978) and "The Karate Kid" (1984) have all been graced by its picturesque backdrop. The beach's cinematic journey continued with modern hits like "50 First Dates" (2004) and the compelling isolation of "Cast Away" (2000), making Leo Carrillo State Beach an enduring destination where imagination meets reality.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#6 Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, California.

Manhattan Beach, California
Manhattan Beach, LA County, California
Manhattan Beach in Southern California

Manhattan Beach is a two-mile-long wide sandy flat beach, popular for surfing, with a 900-foot long pier, several parks, and up to 100 sand volleyball courts. The Strand, a beachfront path for walkers & cyclists, winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Downtown Manhattan Beach is home to over 250 retailers, restaurants, and locally owned businesses where you can enjoy fashionably chic shopping and award-winning restaurants and chefs.

By far, one of the most famous movies filmed here was The Avengers. Other movies that were filmed at this location include The Mandalorian, Point Break, Captain America, Thor, Avatar 2, Jerry Maguire, and Against All Odds. List of movies filmed on Manhattan Beach.


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#7 Hermosa Beach Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles County, California.

Hermosa Beach California
Hermosa Beach, LA County, California
Hermosa Beach in Southern California

Hermosa Beach has almost 2 miles of ocean frontage with 94 acres of public beach and is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County due to the excellent surf, sand volleyball courts and biking. Situated between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, Hermosa is on the southern end of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, aka The Strand. Hermosa Beach is popular for sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, paddle boarding, bars, cycling and running. Next to the pier is a palm tree lined promenade with many shops and restaurants to enjoy.

By far, one of the most famous movies filmed here was La La Land. Other movies that were filmed at this location include Beverly Hills 90210, Carrie, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Age of Summer and Westworld. List of movies filmed on Hermosa Beach.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#8 Malibu Surfrider Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, California.

Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu Surfrider Beach

Dive into the rich surfing history of Malibu Surfrider Beach, the most famous surf break in mainland America. Explore its legendary point break and learn about the surfers who made it iconic.

Malibu Surfrider Beach holds a special place in cinematic history, standing as an iconic backdrop for numerous films and television shows. Among its illustrious appearances, the beach starred in the likes of "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "Big Wednesday," becoming a symbol of the archetypal beach movie genre. As the fourth installment in the series featuring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, and other beloved figures of the era, this picturesque stretch of shoreline became a timeless cinematic canvas for the stories it helped to tell.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#9 Zuma Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, California.

Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach

Nestled in the northern reaches of Malibu, Zuma Beach emerges as a quintessential gem. Its allure lies in its breathtaking scenery, boasting azure waters that blend seamlessly with velvety sands and rugged cliffs.

Zuma Beach's captivating beauty has not only attracted sunseekers but has also beckoned the film industry's spotlight. Renowned for its picturesque charm, the beach has served as a captivating backdrop for an array of cinematic productions. From the iconic television series "Baywatch" to Hollywood blockbusters such as "Planet of the Apes" and "Lethal Weapon 4," Zuma Beach's scenic allure has seamlessly integrated into these narratives, making it a preferred choice for filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of a perfect beach setting.


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LA's Most Beautiful Beaches

#10 Topanga Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, California.

Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Topanga Beach, Malibu's closest beach to Los Angeles. Experience thrilling surfing on cobblestone waves, windsurfing, diving, sunbathing and more.

In 1963, the vibrant shores of Topanga Beach served as the backdrop for the filming of the iconic movie "Muscle Beach Party." The film follows the lively beach gang as they find themselves in a spirited clash with a group of bodybuilders from a newly-established gym, whose presence threatens their cherished spot on the sand. Against the scenic canvas of Topanga Beach, the film unfolds with a dynamic mix of rivalry, humor, and the free-spirited essence of beach culture, creating a memorable cinematic experience that captures the essence of the era.


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7 Best Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
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