Top Rated Beaches In Los Angeles

August 14, 2020
Santa Monica Pier - Top Rated Beaches in Los Angeles

Many people flock to LA for the surf, and sand California is famous for, but with so many beaches to choose from, how do you know where to go? Not to worry, here is the short-list of the top-rated beaches in Los Angeles. Oh, and while you're soaking up the rays, you can munch out on some of the best tacos in LA.

Santa Monica Beach‍

Santa Monica Pier sign.

Santa Monica Beach is only a short 35-minute drive away from the Hollywood Hotel in LA’s heart. Featuring gorgeous mountains that provide a backdrop for the city on one side and the ocean on the other, Santa Monica is a beautiful beach to visit.

A must-see is the Santa Monica Pier, a 100-year-old structure that's become an icon in the area. Along with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy an amusement park, aquarium, shops, and restaurants. The pier also hosts music and other festivals throughout the year.

Stop by the 3rd Street Promenade for shops, restaurants, nightlife, and palm-tree lined streets that are Instagram and selfie-worthy.

Venice Beach‍

Streets at Venice Beach

The Venice boardwalk is the main attraction in this beach town. You’ll discover a variety of tourist stands, live entertainment, and street performers along the promenade. You may even spot a bodybuilder or two at Muscle Beach. Or, watch skateboarders perform feats of daring at the skate park located just off the boardwalk.

Did you know you don't have to go all the way to Europe to experience Venice’s beautiful canals? They're all right here, only 40 minutes away from the Hollywood Hotel. While you may not see any gondolas in these canals, you can launch your non-motorized boat from the boat ramp along Venice Bluebeard.

Hermosa Beach‍

This beach, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is centrally located only 10 minutes from the LAX airport and less than an hour from downtown LA. Hermosa Beach is a small town in a big city, and you'll find that things move a bit slower here when you visit. Pier Plaza offers visitors a great place to stroll. You can also take a bike ride around the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, a 22-mile trail that runs through Los Angeles County. Hermosa Drive and Pier Avenue offer tourists and locals plenty of shopping opportunities along with entertainment and nightlife.

Malibu‍

Aerial shot from Malibu Beach.

No list of the top-rated beaches in Los Angeles would be complete without visiting Malibu. This world-famous beach boasts 30 miles of majestic cliffs that drop down into sandy shores. Cruise down the Pacific Highway and take in breathtaking views with mountains on one side and ocean on the other. Gaze your eyes on stunning mansions and homes of movie stars and athletes long the way.

Malibu is world-famous for surfing and is home to Surfrider Beach. Located just off the Malibu pier, Surfrider Beach is the first-ever beach reserved exclusively for surfing. You can also visit the Surf Museum, located on the campus of Pepperdine University.

Malibu is home to unforgettable sunsets and stunning ocean views. A natural paradise, experience it up close when you hike through canyons and waterfalls at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area. Visit Malibu in the winter, and you may spot a gray whale or two at Point Dume.

Hollywood Hotel is close to the sun and surf.‍

When you stay at the Hollywood Hotel, you're close to everything Los Angeles has to offer. You're never too far away from the fun at the Hollywood Hotel! Make your reservation using our Hollywood Hotel promo code to save!