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