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 clifftop gives you a beguiling view of the surroundings and is perhaps one of the best spots to capture the scenery around you. The neighbouring kelp forest, the deep blue sea and the rare sight of migrating whales are all you need for that perfect L.A. holiday album.
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 is located within proximity to the Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway so is easily accessible. If you plan to explore the tide pools at the Sequit Point, you may spot sea stars, anemones, crabs, and mussels.
#3 Point Dume Beach Malibu, Los Angeles, 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.
#4 Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, 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.
#5 Hermosa Beach Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles County, 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.
