Beaches are great places to go to no matter the occasion, and perfect for spending time with the family. Luckily, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Los Angeles. Whether you live there full time or are just visiting, it’s great to be able to take advantage of these.
We’ve compiled this list of 8 beaches near Los Angeles that are great for spending quality family time, and they will be sure to catch your eye. Let’s get into it!
Mother’s Beach
This beach is actually located in a bay, which makes it very safe for swimming. Instead of worrying about the waves crashing down on your children, you can rest knowing that there will only be gentle waves similar to a wave pool. There is a shallow swimming area that is roped off and watched by lifeguards, so if you are looking for a safer beach option, this is definitely it.
If your family is interested in kayaking or paddleboarding, Mother’s Beach offers rentals on the north side. This is great if you are looking for more of an activity oriented trip.
This beach has a lot that you have to pay to park in. It tends to fill up pretty quickly, so if you want to avoid this you can park in Playa Vista and take the Summer Beach Shuttle for free.
Santa Monica State Beach
At 3 and a half miles long, Santa Monica State Beach offers a variety of things for the family to enjoy. There is a boardwalk with plenty of shops, and the beach is walking distance to many delicious restaurants if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
If you really want to bring the entire family, this beach allows dogs! You can only have them on leash in the boardwalk section, but if you want to bring your furry companion with you, this is the place to do it. There are plenty of paths that you can walk along so that your dog gets lots of exercise.
Santa Monica State Beach also has plenty of parking in different places, so it shouldn’t be too challenging to find a spot if you drove there.
Venice City Beach
If you are looking for a beach with lots of activities, Venice City Beach has you covered. There is a ton of grass, which makes it perfect for playing soccer or tossing a ball (though you could do this on the sand as well). There’s also a ton of courts: Whether your family enjoys volleyball, basketball, or tennis, this beach has it all.
There is also the opportunity to bike on paved trails that run along the beach. There are tons of stores and pop up stands as well, making it a very interesting place to wander through. And an added bonus: You should never have a hard time finding a bathroom at Venice City Beach!
Leo Carrillo State Park North And South Beach
If you’re interested in a less populated, more natural beach, this is definitely a great pick. Just a short walk from the day parking lot, the beach is beautiful and full of opportunities. There are some easy hiking trails if your family enjoys looking at the views, or you may choose to stay and explore tide pools when the tide is low.
This beach is great if you are just looking to relax, build sandcastles, and boogie board all day long.
Playa Del Rey Beach
This beach is definitely more quiet and residential than others that we’ve talked about. With the Playa Del Rey neighborhood on one side and the beautiful ocean on the other, you can walk down the sand with two different views to enjoy.
This beach doesn’t have many activities, but if your family is just interested in swimming, sand castles and sunbathing, it is the perfect place to go.
Will Rogers State Beach
This beach has a lot of lifeguards, which is great if you are planning on taking a dip in the ocean. You have a wonderful view of the mountains on this beach, though the Santa Monica pier isn’t too far and you can see it from the beach.
One great thing about Will Rogers State Beach is that there is a ton of parking available, which tends to be a bit rare with beaches in Los Angeles. With this beach, you won’t have to fret about finding a spot.
Paradise Cove Beach
You may or may not be surprised to know that Paradise Cove Beach has been featured in several different movies over time. Its picturesque views of the ocean and sandstone cliffs make it a great destination for sightseeing while still having plenty of activities to keep you busy.
If anyone in your family likes to fish, it’s worth noting that this beach features a fishing pier. It also offers kayaking, though if you aren’t interested in these activities, sitting in the soft sand or going for a swim is just as good.
There are also a ton of places to eat if anyone in the family gets hungry, and many bathroom opportunities along the beach.
Abalone Cove Beach
Though they both have “Cove” in the name, this beach is much different from Paradise Cove Beach. Abalone Cove is a small beach in Palos Verdes, and it is very nature-esque. It rarely gets crowded since it’s not as popular, but it’s super beautiful and a great option if you are looking to get away from crowds.
There is an easy trail that goes along the beach and ends up at some really cool tide pools. If you go at low tide, you and your family will be able to see all sorts of sea creatures in these pools.
Keep in mind that there are some slippery, rocky areas, so this beach may not be suitable for small children.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you are looking for, whether it be a crowded beach with tons of attractions or a quiet beach where you can view nature, Los Angeles offers something for everyone.
We hope that this article has given you some ideas when it comes to different beaches you can go to, and urge you to go out and enjoy them.
