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Day Trip Beaches Near Los Angeles (2026)

Curated picks in Los Angeles, California, United States.

10
Listings

Coastal access near Los Angeles depends on season, water quality, and how far you are willing to travel from the urban core of United States. Rankings weigh sand quality, facilities, and safety notes where available—not just postcard photos. Check local conditions before swimming; ranked spots still change with weather and maintenance cycles.

Beaches

Browse top-ranked places and open listing details for more information.

Manhattan Beach Pier — Beaches in Los Angeles

#1 Manhattan Beach Pier

4.8 (14,499)$$

Manhattan Beach Pier is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Manhattan Beach, rated 4.8 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles 90266

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Hermosa Beach Pier — Beaches in Los Angeles

#2 Hermosa Beach Pier

4.8 (8,408)$$

Hermosa Beach Pier is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Hermosa Beach, rated 4.8 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles 90254

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Point Dume — Beaches in Los Angeles

#3 Point Dume

4.8 (8,126)$$

Point Dume is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Malibu, rated 4.8 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, Los Angeles 90265

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El Matador State Beach — Beaches in Los Angeles

#4 El Matador State Beach

4.7 (6,073)$$

El Matador State Beach is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Malibu, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, Los Angeles 32350

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Will Rogers State Beach — Beaches in Los Angeles

#5 Will Rogers State Beach

4.7 (4,674)$$

Will Rogers State Beach is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Pacific Palisades, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

17000 CA-1, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles 17000

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Leo Carrillo State Park — Beaches in Los Angeles

#6 Leo Carrillo State Park

4.7 (3,571)$$

Leo Carrillo State Park is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Malibu, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, Los Angeles 35000

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ShoreLine Aquatic Park — Beaches in Los Angeles

#7 ShoreLine Aquatic Park

4.7 (2,780)$$

ShoreLine Aquatic Park is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Long Beach, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, Los Angeles 90802

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Bruce's Beach — Beaches in Los Angeles

#8 Bruce's Beach

4.7 (1,907)$$

Bruce's Beach is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Manhattan Beach, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

2600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles 90266

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Nicholas Canyon Beach — Beaches in Los Angeles

#9 Nicholas Canyon Beach

4.7 (399)$$

Nicholas Canyon Beach is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Malibu, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

33850 CA-1, Malibu, Los Angeles 33850

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Marina Del Rey Beach — Beaches in Los Angeles

#10 Marina Del Rey Beach

4.7 (67)$$

Marina Del Rey Beach is a mid-range beach or waterfront in Venice, rated 4.7 by visitors. Useful for swimming, walks, and coastal downtime near Los Angeles.

3418, Venice, Los Angeles 90292

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Explore more in Los Angeles

Other Top 10–style hubs in Los Angeles—pair categories when you route a day trip or night out.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best beaches in Los Angeles?

The best options depend on your interests, time, and budget. Use this ranked list as a starting point, then narrow by location and opening hours.

How many beaches should I plan in one day?

For most travelers, 2-3 strong picks per day is realistic without rushing. Group nearby stops to keep your itinerary manageable.

Is this Los Angeles beaches list good for first-time visitors?

Yes. The list is designed to help first-time visitors prioritize quality options quickly and build an efficient city plan.

What is the best area in Los Angeles for beaches?

Choose areas with multiple options close together so you can compare quality and avoid spending most of your time in transit.

What should I verify before heading out in Los Angeles?

Check hours, ticketing rules, closures, and whether reservations are recommended—especially at peak times.

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