Best Beaches Near West LA

This guide focuses on the beaches within a 5-to-8-mile radius of West LA that you can reach in under 20 minutes on a good day. We’ve skipped far-flung spots to prioritize nearby beaches that you can reach via a straight shot down Sepulveda, a quick hop on the 10, or a ride on the E Line train.

Santa Monica State Beach

• The Vibe: An huge, iconic, bustling seaside hub where the energy is high and the sand is vast. More of a "carnival" atmosphere vs. a quiet escape.
• Best for: Families, tourists, and anyone who thrives in a crowd. It’s also great for those with mobility needs as there are "beach mats" (accessible pathways) at several points like Arizona Ave and Bay St.
• Activities: Amusement park rides (Pacific Park), swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, and gymnastics at the Original Muscle Beach.
• Fun Facts: The Santa Monica Pier marks the official "End of the Trail" for Route 66, and the Pacific Wheel is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.
• Pro Tip: Check the live webcam before leaving—from May through July, the coast often stays trapped under a thick "Marine Layer" fog even when it's sunny in West LA. Also, pack light or bring a wagon: the beach is so deep that it’s a long trek across the sand to reach the water. When walking, be careful crossing the paved bike path; cyclists move fast and have the right of way there.
• Getting There from West LA: Skip the $20 parking and the I-10 traffic by taking the E Line (Expo) train to the final stop—you’ll be on the sand in 15 minutes. If you don't live within walking distance of a station, you can "Park & Ride" at the Expo/Sepulveda or Expo/Bundy structures for just $3 (parking is usually free on weekends).
• Learn More: www.parks.ca.gov

Venice Beach

• The Vibe: Eclectic, bohemian, and high-energy. You'll find street performers, vibrant murals, and an "anything goes" spirit. It’s less "polished" than Santa Monica, but twice as colorful.
• Activities: Watching world-class skaters at the Venice Skatepark, strolling through the serene Venice Canals, and visiting Abbot Kinney Blvd for boutique shopping. For $10, you can get a day pass to lift at the world-famous Muscle Beach Venice outdoor weight pen.
• Best for: People-watchers, street art fans, skaters, and those who want a grit-meets-glam California experience. For those who want to see the "wild side" of LA.
• Fun Facts: Venice was founded in 1905 as the "Venice of America" by Abbot Kinney, who imported actual gondolas from Italy. While Santa Monica has the "Original" Muscle Beach for gymnastics, Venice is the true home of modern bodybuilding where Arnold Schwarzenegger became a legend.
• Pro Tip: Bring small bills—if you watch a street performer, it’s local etiquette to tip. Head to the sand near Brooks Ave at sunset on Saturdays or Sundays to find the Venice Drum Circle. If you're visiting on the First Friday of the month, Abbot Kinney Blvd transforms into a massive food truck festival from 5-9:30 PM.
• Getting There from West LA: Since the E Line doesn't reach Venice, take the Big Blue Bus (Route 1 or Metro Line 33. If you're driving, aim for the Washington Blvd side of Venice (near the Venice Pier) for a slightly calmer entry point with better parking options than the main boardwalk. On weekends, use the free Beach Shuttle to connect from Marina del Rey.
• Learn More: Venice Beach Recreation Center

Will Rogers State Beach

• The Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, and community-oriented. Feels like a "neighborhood beach" compared to the tourist centers to the south.
• Activities: Professional-grade beach volleyball (home to active local leagues), swimming, and long-distance biking. A top spot for surf fishing and beginner-friendly surfing at Sunset Point, known for having some of the longest, gentlest waves in the city.
• Best for: Families seeking a calmer environment, fitness enthusiasts, and surfers (incl. beginners).
• Fun Facts: This was the primary filming location for the original Baywatch series. Also, Lifeguard Towers 17 and 18 are painted in Progress Pride colors and officially commemorated as "Ginger Rogers Beach."
• Pro Tip: Parking is easier than in Santa Monica, but be prepared for higher rates, depending on the day.
• Good to Know: Check out the legendary Gladstones restaurant at the north end: it's currently being transformed into a stunning new landmark. Also, don't be confused by the Mediterranean-style building on the sand—that’s the exclusive Bel-Air Bay Club. It effectively splits the beach in two: head south of the club for the volleyball and Ginger Rogers scene, or north of it for the surf at Sunset Point.
• Getting There from West LA: A straight shot west on Wilshire or Santa Monica Blvd to PCH. If taking the train, ride the E Line to the final stop and transfer to the Metro 134 bus, which runs north along the sand.
• Learn More: www.parks.ca.gov

Playa del Rey (Toes Beach & Dockweiler)

• The Vibe: Laid-back, unpretentious, and "local." It lacks the tourist polish of Santa Monica but makes up for it with wide-open spaces and a charming, small-town atmosphere. Note: It can get loud due to the planes, so it's not the place for a quiet nap.
• Activities: Playing volleyball at the famous Toes Beach courts, cycling the Ballona Creek Bike Path, and—most importantly—beach bonfires at the adjacent Dockweiler State Beach.
• Best for: Locals avoiding crowds, groups wanting a sunset bonfire, and plane spotters (you’re directly under the LAX takeoff path).
• Fun Facts: The area is nicknamed "Toes Beach" because it was a legendary spot for "hanging ten" (toes over the nose of the surfboard) back in the 1950s. It’s also home to the Ballona Wetlands, one of the last remaining saltwater marshes in Los Angeles.
• Pro Tip: To get a bonfire pit at Dockweiler on a summer weekend, you must arrive by 8:00 AM—people "claim" them for the day. For food, do as the locals do and grab a burger at The Shack (a local legend since 1972) or a pastry at Playa Provisions (owned by Top Chef's Brooke Williamson) before heading to the sand.
• Getting There from West LA: A quick 15-minute drive down Culver Blvd. You can often find free street parking along Pacific Ave or near the Del Rey Lagoon, which is a much shorter walk to the sand than the massive paid lots at Dockweiler.
• Learn More: beaches.lacounty.gov/playa-del-rey-beach

Mother’s Beach (Marina Beach)

• The Vibe: Exceptionally calm, family-centric, and harbor-focused. Instead of crashing waves, you have rows of yachts as your backdrop. A giant, salt-water swimming pool.
• Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding (SUP), and toddler-safe swimming. In the summer, you can catch the WaterBus for $1—it's a scenic boat taxi that loops the entire Marina. Also check the local events calendar for sand sculpture competitions, food truck events, and more.
• Best for: Families with toddlers, first-time paddleboarders, and people who want to avoid the wind and salt-spray of the open ocean.
• Fun Facts: Marina del Rey is a massive Hollywood "backlot." While you paddle, you’re floating in the same waters used for scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean, Dexter, and Arrested Development. (The famous "Bluth Banana Stand" from Arrested Development was located just across the water at Fisherman's Village.)
• Pro Tip: Since the calm waters here don't circulate as fast as the open ocean, water quality can also be an issue. Be sure to check the Public Health water grades before diving in.
• Getting There from West LA: Drive south on Admiralty Way. To skip the $10-$15 parking fee and construction headache, use the free Beach Shuttle (Sat/Sun, May 23 – Sept 27) which drops you right at the sand.
• Learn More: beaches.lacounty.gov/marina-beach

Carbon Beach (Billionaire’s Beach)

• The Vibe: Exclusive, quiet, and surreal. It feels like you’ve wandered into a private movie set. Because access is limited and there are no amenities or public bathrooms, the beach is often nearly empty, even on hot summer days.
• Activities: Architectural sightseeing, long-distance beach walking, and sunset watching. Because the sand is so deep, it’s one of the best spots in LA for a peaceful stroll past some of the world's most expensive real estate.
• Best for: Couples, architecture buffs, and people who want beautiful views with refined calm. It is not great for families (no restrooms) or big groups.
• Fun Facts: This beach was the site of a 25-year legal battle over public access. Many of the homes are owned by tech moguls like Larry Ellison and Marc Andreessen (who set a record with a $165M purchase here). Look for Deal Makers Rock—a specific rock formation where studio heads have been rumoured to meet for morning walks.
• How to Access the Beach: Look for the two primary "secret" public access gates along PCH. The most famous is the Zonker Harris Access (22706 PCH). The second is the "Geffen Access" (22132 PCH), named after mogul David Geffen who famously tried to block it for decades.
• Important: There are no trash cans or bathrooms on the sand, so what you pack in, you must pack out.
• Getting There from West LA: Drive north on PCH past the Getty Villa. Parking is limited to the narrow dirt shoulders of PCH. If you can't find a spot, park at the Malibu Pier lot and walk east along the shoreline at low tide. Also, automated speed cameras have been installed on PCH between Carbon Canyon and the Pier, so watch your speed closely.
• Learn More: California Coastal Commission Access Guide - PDF

Annenberg Community Beach House

• The Vibe: 1920s Hollywood glamour meets modern inclusivity. It’s a 5-acre public facility that feels like an elite resort, yet it remains completely open to the public with no membership required.
• Activities: Swimming in the iconic marble-lined pool, splash pad play for toddlers, beach volleyball, and free docent-led tours of the historic Marion Davies Guest House.
• Best for: Families with young children, history buffs, and anyone wanting "luxury" amenities (like clean changing rooms and a beachside cafe) on a public beach.
• Fun Facts: This was the "Gold Coast" social hub of the 1930s. Tycoon William Randolph Hearst built the 110-room estate for actress Marion Davies. The pool still features the original white marble and decorative tiles from the 1920s.
• Is it Free? Entry to the grounds, splash pad, playground, and historical tours is free. The only fees are for the pool and parking.
• Pro Tip: The pool is open seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Pool passes are sold in-person only on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 AM. Insider Secret: Take the stairs to the second-floor view deck; it is free and open to the public, offering a "VIP" sunset vantage point that most visitors miss.
• Getting There: Located at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Park in the on-site "Pay & Display" lot, use nearby Beach Lots 8 or 9 North, or take the Big Blue Bus (Route 9) which stops near the entrance.
• Learn More: Annenberg Community Beach House - Official Site

Westside Living, Beachside Convenience

West LA is a great for anyone who wants the coastal lifestyle, but without the daily grind of beach-traffic or higher pricing.

Located steps from from the E-Line for easy beach access to Santa Monica and beyond, inspired apartments at Linea blend design-forward floor plans (huge windows, modern kitchens, luxe appliances) with a wonderful suite of lifestyle and wellness-focused amenities. Please schedule a tour to learn more; we look forward to showing you around.