The Los Angeles area plays host to some of the most famous beach communities in the world.
Malibu – A cluster of beaches comprises this region, including Malibu State Beach, Topanga State Beach, Paradise Cove, Surfrider Beach and Zuma Beach. The beaches in this region are known for their excellent surfing and kite-surfing conditions. Stretched along 20 miles of pristine shores, and home to world famous movie stars, Malibu also boasts a slew of stunning beachfront and cliffside homes.
Santa Monica – Sandwiched between Pacific Palisades and Venice, Santa Monica State Beach serves as one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County. Although it runs only 2 miles long, it remains jam packed with attractions and activities, including beach volleyball facilities, basketball courts, chess tables, bike/running trails and the historic Santa Monica Pier, featuring various carnival rides and restaurants.
Venice – Venice Beach provides an unusual atmosphere unlike any other beach community in Los Angeles. For starters, Venice Beach features a promenade lined with boutique shops, tattoo parlors and fortune tellers. Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym displaying extraordinary weightlifting feats from burly participants, remains the most famous and crowd-pleasing aspect of Venice.
Manhattan Beach – Wedged between the cities of El Segundo and Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach remains one of the wealthiest beachfront communities in Los Angeles County. The Strand, a beachfront boardwalk reserved for walking, bicycling or skating, serves as one of the most popular features in Manhattan Beach. The nearby pier, featuring upscale shops and restaurants, brings in a steady stream of locals and tourists, as well.
Hermosa Beach – Nestled amidst the charming South Bay region, Hermosa Beach promotes such beloved beachfront activity as rollerblading, bike riding, fishing off the local pier and surfing. Each summer, the beach also plays host to the famed AVP Beach Volleyball Championship. There’s plenty of relaxing to be had as well, with wide open sandy shores inviting sunbathers to spend the day just working on their tan.
Redondo Beach – Outside of Santa Monica, Redondo Beach plays host to the most famous pier in Los Angeles County. Rebuilt after a devastating fire demolished it in 1988, the pier complex features scores of popular local restaurants and shops. Each year the beach plays host to an impressive 4th of July fireworks display.
Long Beach – Long Beach reigns as one of the largest cities in the United States, while hosting some of the finest beaches in Southern California. Spend the day relaxing on the sunny shores before walking, skating or riding to the host of nearby beachfront attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex and the Long Beach Museum of Art. Meanwhile, Dog Beach allows pet owners the opportunity to let their dogs run lose along the sandy shores or frolic in the Pacific Ocean.