Also known as the 'City of Angels', Los Angeles or LA is the most populous city in California and the second most populous in the United States. The city's strategic location in a wide basin in the far south of the state makes it rich in all things natural – mountains, forests, valleys and of course the incredibly beautiful beaches along the Pacific.
Home to 'Hollywood', Los Angeles has been attracting all kinds of tourists from all over the world for years.
English is the official and most used language in the city, however, as California borders Mexico, Spanish is also widely used. In fact, the city of Los Angeles is known for being home to one of the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the world.
Los Angeles International Airport is the main airport, but the city has four more – Santa Ana, Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario. Trains, buses, taxis, cars and motorbikes are the usual way of getting around the city, but you can also ride a bike.
In addition to famous Hollywood, other significant sights of interest to visitors are Santa Monica, museums and the popular Venice Beach.
Speaking of beaches, let's now explore 7 of LA's best beaches and discover what they have to offer travel-hungry souls.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the most iconic and scenic beaches in Los Angeles, and it not only offers visitors spectacular views, but also a plethora of recreational facilities. Any day is Mardi Gras on Santa Monica Beach.
The beach's most significant feature is the Santa Monica Pier, which might look a little kitschy to ordinary eyes, but it's well worth a visit for the full Santa Monica experience.
Roller coasters, Ferris wheel, game tents and carnival-style food stalls make the beach fun and enjoyable for all types of visitors.
Santa Monica Beach is known for its 4.8 km long sandy shoreline and is perfect for joggers and walkers alike. While surfing, swimming and paddle-boarding are some of the most popular water activities here, beach volleyball is a tradition.
El Matador
The most popular of the three beaches that flow within the confines of Robert H. Meyer State Beach, El Matador is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches in LA.
A popular choice among wedding planners and photographers, the beach has many huge rocks and secret sea caves to explore.
El Matador's parking lot is located on a bluff and has picnic tables that offer a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Go down the cliff stairs to walk down to the beach.
The cliff top offers a seductive view of the surroundings and is perhaps one of the best spots to capture the landscape around you. The nearby kelp forest, deep blue sea and the rare sight of migrating whales are all you need for that perfect Los Angeles vacation album.
Malibu
A popular sight with surfing enthusiasts, bird watchers and history buffs, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is situated at the confluence of Malibu Creek and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is bordered by a picnic area to the west and Malibu Pier to the east.
A huge swamp makes up a large part of the land and offers bird watchers the opportunity to identify and study over 200 species of birds in their natural habitat. There are dirt paths along the wetlands that are frequented by hikers and bird watchers.
Guided tours around the area are available for visitors interested in the flora and fauna scattered throughout the area, as well as the history of the Chumash Indian tribe that inhabited the area until the late 1700s.
Built in 1929, the Adamson House is also worth a visit, as is its former garage that is now the Malibu Lagoon Museum.
Manhattan Beach
Located in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is a beautiful beach spot to soak up the sun and feel the ocean breeze.
The 3.2 km long sandy beach offers ample opportunities to run, swim, surf and enjoy a game of beach volleyball with the gang. Separate running and cycling tracks run along the coast.
The adjacent Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot for sunset viewing and fishing. The Pier is the oldest of its kind on the West Coast and has been declared a state heritage site. The Roadhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium is located at the end of the pier.
Venice Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, Venice Beach is a very popular attraction for local and international tourists.
The beach is the perfect place to enjoy sun, sand and sea all year round. The surrounding area is decorated with a 2.5 mile promenade intended for pedestrians only. The area is also home to many shops, bars and restaurants.
In addition to swimming and surfing, you can rent a bike to ride between Venice Beach and nearby Santa Monica.
There is an adjacent skating arena, a fully equipped gymnasium, Venice Pier and an extensive canal system.
paradise cove
Made famous by the beach cafe of the same name, owned by distinguished American mystery novelist Bob Morris, Paradise Cove Beach attracts all types of visitors – groups of friends, solo travelers, couples and families. The cafe is unique and so popular due to its location on the sandy beach that stretches down to a romantic cove.
Most can recognize the beach as the location for hit Hollywood movies like 'Charlie's Angels' and 'American Pie 2'.
Beach beds and lounge chairs are available for rent, along with large umbrellas to provide shade. If you are traveling in a large group, you can rent a full terrace that accommodates up to 30 people.
Stroll along the beach and you'll find yourself close to majestic palm trees, clean sand and sandstone cliffs.
Leo Carrillo
Named after American actor, conservationist and political cartoonist Leo Carrillo, State Beach is also known as the “film beach” due to its popularity among filmmakers. In fact, it's the only beach to be as popular as this one after the famous El Matador State Beach.
With a wide variety of caves, tide pools and reefs, Leo Carrillo State Beach is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway, so it's easily accessible.
Some of the commonly enjoyed activities around the area include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, windsurfing and fishing.
If you plan to explore the tide pools at Sequit Point, you might spot starfish, anemones, crabs and mussels.
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