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Great Beaches in Los Angeles

Best Beaches in the LA Area

LA Beaches:
Discover the Best Beach in LA California


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Nov 22, 2024

Top Beaches in Los Angeles

Experience the sun-kissed allure of the best beaches in Los Angeles, where golden sands, azure waters, and vibrant coastal culture await.

Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each offering its own unique charm and stunning vistas. Among the prettiest beaches in Los Angeles, El Matador State Beach stands out with its rugged cliffs and golden sands, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photography and relaxation. For a classic Southern California experience, Santa Monica Beach offers wide stretches of sand and a lively pier, while Venice Beach showcases an eclectic atmosphere. For those seeking tranquility, Zuma Beach and Point Dume in Malibu provide serene escapes with panoramic ocean views. Whether you're searching for the most beautiful beaches in LA or simply looking to unwind by the shore, the beaches in the Los Angeles area offer endless beauty and opportunities for adventure.

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

El Matador State Beach - Malibu

El Matador stands out as a gem among Los Angeles's coastal treasures. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty, this beach offers visitors a captivating blend of rugged cliffs, golden sands, and azure waters. The parking lot, perched atop a bluff, provides not only convenient access but also sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, inviting guests to linger and soak in the scenic splendor. With its cinematic allure reminiscent of both fantasy realms and timeless romances, El Matador has left an indelible mark on popular culture, serving as the enchanting backdrop for iconic films like "The Notebook," "Mamma Mia!" (2018), and Madonna's "Cherish" music video (1989), as well as providing the serene setting for the ocean scenes of Jules in the television series "Euphoria."


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica Beach - Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, offers a quintessential coastal experience, epitomizing the allure of Southern California living. Strolling along the iconic Santa Monica Pier, renowned as the terminus of Route 66, amid the captivating hues of a Pacific sunset, one can't help but be enchanted by the sublime beauty of the moment. Often celebrated as "Hollywood by the Beach," Santa Monica has enchanted audiences for generations with its 3.5 miles of pristine coastline, breathtaking ocean vistas, and timeless architectural elegance. Since the inception of cinema, this coastal haven has held a prominent place in the limelight, serving as the backdrop for a myriad of iconic films, seamlessly weaving its charm into the fabric of cinematic history.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Point Dume, Malibu, California
Point Dume Beach, Malibu, California
Point Dume State Beach in Southern California

Point Dume Beach - Malibu

Point Dume Beach boasts over a mile of pristine ocean frontage and 34 acres of soft sand, framed by majestic headlands, cliffs, and rocky coves that beckon exploration. From its sprawling cliffs to its expansive beaches, this coastal gem showcases some of Southern California's most breathtaking scenery. The clear waters and golden sands offer a serene retreat, while the towering cliffs add a dramatic backdrop to the panoramic views stretching across Santa Monica Bay and distant Catalina Island. Point Dume has left an indelible mark on cinematic history, serving as the backdrop for iconic scenes in films like the original "Planet of the Apes," including its climactic ending revealing the Statue of Liberty, as well as featuring digitally-added shots of Tony Stark's house in "Iron Man." Other notable films shot here include "The Big Lebowski," "Knight and Day," "Beach Blanket Bingo," and "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach, California

Venice Beach - Venice

Discover Venice Beach, California, where the sun-drenched shores, vibrant culture, and eclectic atmosphere converge to craft an unparalleled coastal experience. Not only has Venice Beach served as a captivating backdrop for numerous films, but it has also doubled as substitute locales in cinematic history. In the 1958 musical "Gigi," Venice Beach stood in for seaside scenes originally intended for Trouville, France, showcasing its versatility and allure. This coastal haven boasts a rich cinematic tapestry, frequented by iconic figures like Jim Morrison and Olivia Newton-John, who famously roller-skated on these shores in "Xanadu" remain etched in memory. For those seeking to immerse themselves in cinematic nostalgia, the historic Samesun Venice Beach hostel offers a unique stay, featured prominently in the film noir classic "Touch of Evil" (1958). With its stunning Pacific vistas and storied past, Venice Beach continues to captivate filmmakers and travelers alike, seamlessly blending cinematic allure with natural beauty for an unforgettable coastal retreat.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
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 - Malibu

Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, Los Angeles, California, affectionately dubbed the "movie beach," has long been a favorite among filmmakers for its stunning natural features, including caves, tide pools, and reefs. Beyond its picturesque beauty, Leo Carrillo State Beach offers a plethora of activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, windsurfing, and fishing, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. This coastal haven has also 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, Leo Carrillo Beach has witnessed the creation of numerous unforgettable movie moments. From the beachside nostalgia of "Gidget" to the epic adventures of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," this beach has lent its natural splendor to a diverse range of stories. Classics like "Beach Blanket Bingo," timeless series like "The Rockford Files," and cultural phenomena such as "Grease" and "The Karate Kid" have all been graced by its picturesque backdrop. The beach's cinematic journey continued with modern hits like "50 First Dates" and the compelling isolation of "Cast Away," solidifying Leo Carrillo State Beach as an enduring destination where imagination meets reality.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Manhattan Beach, California
Manhattan Beach, LA County, California
Manhattan Beach in Southern California

Manhattan Beach - Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach displays a two-mile-long expanse of wide sandy shores, renowned among surfers and beach enthusiasts alike. Its iconic 900-foot-long pier, numerous parks, and abundance of sand volleyball courts make it a haven for outdoor recreation. The Strand, a scenic beachfront path, meanders along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of modern mansions juxtaposed with stretches of pristine sand and bustling volleyball courts. Downtown Manhattan Beach beckons with over 250 retailers, restaurants, and locally owned businesses, inviting visitors to indulge in chic shopping and savor award-winning culinary delights. With its picturesque setting, Manhattan Beach has attracted the attention of filmmakers, serving as the backdrop for a multitude of cinematic productions, including "The Avengers," "The Mandalorian," "Point Break," "Captain America," "Thor," "Avatar 2," "Jerry Maguire," and "Against All Odds," solidifying its status as a cinematic gem along the California coast.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Hermosa Beach California
Hermosa Beach, LA County, California
Hermosa Beach in Southern California

Hermosa Beach - Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach, with nearly 2 miles of ocean frontage and 94 acres of public beach, stands as one of the most beloved coastal destinations in Los Angeles County, renowned for its excellent surf, vibrant sand volleyball courts, and scenic biking opportunities. Nestled between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, Hermosa serves as the southern anchor of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, affectionately known as The Strand. Sunbathers, beach volleyball enthusiasts, surfers, paddleboarders, and cyclists flock to Hermosa Beach to indulge in its array of recreational activities. Alongside the pier, a palm tree-lined promenade invites visitors to explore a variety of shops and restaurants. With its picturesque setting, Hermosa Beach has also captured the attention of filmmakers, serving as the backdrop for iconic movies such as "La La Land," "Beverly Hills 90210," "Carrie," "Creature from the Black Lagoon," "Age of Summer," and "Westworld," further solidifying its status as a cinematic treasure along the Southern California coastline.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach - Malibu

Zuma Beach emerges as a quintessential gem, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life. Its allure lies in its breathtaking scenery, boasting azure waters that blend seamlessly with velvety sands and rugged cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and recreation alike. Zuma Beach's captivating beauty has not only attracted sunseekers but has also beckoned the film industry's spotlight. Renowned for its scenic 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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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu Surfrider Beach

Malibu Surfrider Beach - Malibu

Immerse yourself in the storied surfing legacy of Malibu Surfrider Beach, hailed as the most renowned surf break in mainland America. Delve into its fabled point break and uncover the tales of the surfers who forged its legendary status. Malibu Surfrider Beach also holds a significant place in cinematic lore, serving as a quintessential backdrop for numerous films and television shows. Notably, it starred in classics like "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "Big Wednesday," cementing its status as an emblem of the quintessential beach movie genre. As the backdrop for the fourth installment in the series featuring iconic figures like Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, this picturesque shoreline became a timeless cinematic canvas, forever etching its place in the annals of film history.


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Beautiful Beaches Near Los Angeles
Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach

Topanga Beach - Malibu

Topanga Beach beckons with its breathtaking beauty and vibrant coastal charm. As Malibu's closest beach to Los Angeles, Topanga Beach offers an immersive experience for beachgoers seeking thrilling surfing on cobblestone waves, windsurfing, diving, sunbathing, and more. Beyond its recreational allure, Topanga Beach holds a significant place in cinematic history, notably serving as the backdrop for the iconic 1963 film "Muscle Beach Party." 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 spirit of the era and the enduring allure of Topanga Beach.


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Best Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
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