No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a lot of beach time. What's the best one to go to? Well, that depends on what you are looking for. With almost two dozen beaches to choose from, you may have a hard time picking.
Before I moved to Cali everyone told me “you won’t go to the beach as much as you think you would!" Well, I don't know about you, but I never forget the fact I chose to live a bike ride away. You can find me at any beach at least once a week!
Here are my top five favorite beaches in L.A. and what each one is like!
Venice “The People Watcher Artsy Beach”
Venice Beach, once only known as a grungy beach town, now encompasses a unique and vibrant mix of people, activities, and attractions. Where are the “cool” people go to. The legendary Venice Beach boardwalk is about a mile and a half long with the beach on one side and all sorts of visual candy on the other side. It’s something you have to see at least once and you can actually find good food and drinks. Located steps from the sand on Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach Gym is one of the treasures of Venice. Bodybuilders and spectators have flocked here since the 1930’s. Once the home gym of bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, the newly updated gym is one of the treasures of Venice. If you are ready to do some serious shopping, look no further than the “hoods most stylish block.” Just minutes from the beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a mile long strip of all the latest fashion especially popular Boho chic style. Bringing a little part of Italy to California with the beautiful Venice Beach Canals. Originally designed to replicate Venice, Italy, the canals man made and run along a residential district. Quickly becoming one of the most iconic skateboarding spots, Venice Skate park is a must to see. It is right on the sand of the beach in the midst of the bustling scene, what could be better?
Hermosa “Young Hipster, Family Friendly Beach”
Hermosa Beach, as the name would imply, is home to a beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean. Filled with surfers, sunbathers, shopping and nightlife, this happening beach town is a perfect escape for some fun in the sun. Hermosa Beach has been described as having a mellow, low-key kind of vibe. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in this city that is home to surfers, volleyball players, and beach enthusiasts
Malibu “The Surf Spot” Surfs up dude!
You don’t have to be a professional surfer to enjoy the vibe at Malibu, sometimes it’s just as fun to watch. When your not surfing or watching surfers at one of the many beaches in Malibu, there are plenty of other things to explore in the waterfront city. A visit to Malibu Wines is almost a rite of passage for Angelenos. It's easy to see why: the picturesque vineyard and tasting room boasts plenty of lawn space for picnicking.
Want to surf? Swim? Or just lay out for a tan? You can do all of that at Santa Monica State Beach. It's a classic must see. Visit the two miles long sunny strip for sand, surfing, drinking with views, and shopping. Santa Monica is one of the best places for killer views of L.A. Start enjoying new city views from the many beautiful rooftops across from the beach.
Catalina Island "The Island Getaway"
Overlooking Avalon on Catalina Island. Credit: Mark Roland via flickr cc
22 miles off the coast and just an hour ferry ride away, Catalina Island makes for the perfect getaway! You can spend a day or an entire weekend here taking advantage of all the opportunities. There are so many things you can do here that you can't at the other beaches such as; snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, hiking, jeep tour, museum, helicopter tour, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking.
Are you ready to go soak up the sun in Socal? Tell me below what your favorite beach is that fits your style!