Dockweiler Beach is three-mile-long section of Los Angeles shoreline that's seldom crowded. A west-facing beach, Dockweiler is the only place in Los Angeles County where you can have a bonfire and it has the only beachfront RV park as well. Although it's in the middle of the city, this piece of sand is not surrounded by buildings and houses.

Entrance Fee: Fee charged. Dockweiler Beach is state park, but it does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.
Parking Fee

El Matador Beach takes some effort to get to, but once there you find delicate white sand and beautiful pebble beaches. On busy summer days, the shores are dotted with people peacefully hiding from the crowds of LA. As for swimming, this beach is one of the rare places in SoCal that you can actually jump in the water and still see your feet. Rock formations and tide pools reveal themselves at lower tides, while the shoreline hides a series of shallow caves and secluded coves. A generous hike in keeps the crowds down, while the chi-chi zip code provides the occasional glimpse of celebs out for a seaside constitutional. Amenities are minimal, but there are a several picnic tables on the bluff overlooking the beach trail, and a few (very) rudimentary Port-a-Potties.

Manhattan Beach may well be the prototype for the quintessential Los Angeles Beach. A Beach Boys' hangout in their early days and the birthplace of beach volleyball, this west-facing urban beach attracts a broad mix of visitors.

Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee

This urban beach faces west, with good views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It's busy on summer weekends.

Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee: The easiest parking is the big, paid multi-story structure at the pier. You'll also find limited metered parking at Veterans Park off Catalina Avenue above the beach (closed Thursdays for the Farmers Market). A persistent parker might find free street spots, but at the risk of losing their good mood during the search.

Santa Monica's stunning beach is the city’s greatest natural asset. Blessed with 3.5 miles of broad sandy coastline and more than 340 days of sunshine per year. Santa Monica State Beach offers a picturesque, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean at its best. Dolphins, who often choose this stretch of shore for a playful morning swim, add to the atmosphere of health and leisure, as do the dedicated joggers enjoying the moderate climate and fresh sea air.

This beach has a carnival atmosphere, although most people are here for the street-vendor shopping, parade of oddities, and the world-famous Muscle Beach along Ocean Front Walk.

Zuma Beach is Malibu's top surfing beach

With white sand, clean water and plenty of room, Zuma Beach is a perennial favorite with residents and visitors alike. This south-facing beach attracts lots of visitors on summer weekends, but Zuma Beach is relatively quiet during the week.

Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee: If you get there early, you can park for free on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway. Otherwise, park in the paid parking lot, which has over 2,000 spaces.

This small beach, located north of Malibu just off Highway 1 is framed by bluffs and lookw out on boats moored nearby. Don't be surprised if it looks familiar.

Entrance Fee: Per-person fee if you walk in or get dropped off

Parking Fee: Parking fees vary depending on how long you stay at Paradise Cove and whether you get validation from the restaurant.

Facilities: Fishing, Handicap Accessways, Picnicking, Restrooms, Showers, Surfing, Swimming

The beach is presently operated by Los Angeles County, which also operates Zuma County Beach. These facilities are noted for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December - March migration period.