Discover LA, Your Way: Los Angeles’ Beach Cities
Spend some time here and it’s easy to understand why LA’s beach cities have an influence on music, movies, fashion and pop culture, and why they’re famous for outdoor activities and adventures. The ocean, mountains, streetscapes and best of all, the people, make this one of the most spectacular destinations in the world.
“LA’s beautiful beach cities represent the epitome of California living, with endless possibilities for a perfect day of fun in the sun,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Whether you’re strolling the charming canals of Venice, biking coastal trails, or enjoying breathtaking ocean views from a pier, you’ll never forget the stunning landscapes and laidback, welcoming culture of our coastal communities.”
VENICE BEACH
Venice Beach was founded in 1905 by entrepreneur Abbot Kinney, whose visits to Italy inspired him to build a “Venice of America.” Discover historic canals, picturesque bridges and the leafy, pedestrian-only paths known as “walk streets.” Head to Venice’s beach and boardwalk for cafes, souvenir shops, street performers, skate and bike rentals, and more. The boardwalk’s Beach Recreation Center is a hotspot for people watching with the iconic Venice skatepark where crowds regularly form to watch skateboarders shred and Muscle Beach gym where bodybuilders flaunt their strength and Arnold Schwarzenegger once pumped iron.
PACIFIC PALISADES
Driving north from Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway is Pacific Palisades. Beaches here include Will Rogers State Beach, once owned by the cowboy actor who was Hollywood’s highest paid star in the 1930s. Inland is Will Rogers State Historic Park, where you can ride horses and tour Rogers’ ranch house.
MALIBU
Continue north on Pacific Coast Highway from Pacific Palisades to enjoy beaches and parks in Malibu, including Malibu Creek State Park, Dan Blocker Beach and El Matador State Beach. Climb the cliff at Point Dume State Beach and watch the waves crash at Zuma Beach, a local favourite where Taylor Swift filmed the video for “22.”
SANTA MONICA
The Santa Monica Pier’s famed amusement park, Pacific Park, is home to a historic 1922 carousel; thrill rides like Pacific Plunge; and the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Wheel, offering a panoramic coastal view from 130 feet up. The brightly lit wheel can be seen at night from miles away.
MARINA DEL REY
Marina del Rey offers the world’s largest man-made small-craft harbour and is a waterfront playground with parasailing, paddleboarding and more. The Marina Del Rey Ritz Carlton is a great option for a lux stay, and don’t miss the properties gorgeous Sisley Spa. Just down the road is boutique property Hotel June West and its rooftop Caravan Swim Club, which hosts events like Mezcal Mondays, Taco & Tequila Tuesdays with live guitar music, and, for hotel guests only, Saturday morning poolside yoga.
MANHATTAN BEACH
Considered the birthplace of beach volleyball, Manhattan Beach is home to the famed annual AVP Manhattan Beach Open tournament and hosts endless amateur games played all along the beach. Just offshore, surfers await their moment of glory, while on the pier, you’ll find the Roundhouse Aquarium. Two blocks inland is Bruce’s Beach, a grassy, terraced park that honours its original owners, Willa and Charles Bruce, who opened a resort for Black visitors in 1912.
HERMOSA BEACH
Follow the Strand through Hermosa Beach. At the base of Hermosa Pier, spot the sculpture of Tim Kelly, a legendary surfer and lifeguard credited with inspiring LA’s lifeguarding program. Both the pier and Hermosa’s storied Lighthouse Cafe, a live music venue, were featured in the movie “La La Land.”
REDONDO BEACH
The Redondo Beach Pier and Marina offers everything from bars, cafes and souvenir shops to rentals for fishing poles, boats and bikes. One strategy for exploring Redondo and nearby beaches is to park your car in the large onsite lot, rent a pedal-assisted electric bike from Beach E Biking (they’ll teach you how to use it), and head north along the bike path, back through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.