Spend some time here and it’s easy to understand why LA’s
beach cities have an influence on music, movies, fashion and pop culture, and
why they’re famous for outdoor activities and adventures. The ocean, mountains,
streetscapes and best of all, the people, make this one of the most spectacular
destinations in the world.
“LA’s
beautiful beach cities represent the epitome of California
living, with endless possibilities for a perfect day of fun in the sun,” said Adam Burke, President
& CEO, Los
Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Whether you’re
strolling the charming canals of Venice, biking coastal trails, or enjoying
breathtaking ocean views from a pier, you’ll never forget the stunning
landscapes and laidback, welcoming culture of our coastal communities.”
VENICE BEACH
Venice Beach was founded in 1905 by entrepreneur
Abbot Kinney, whose visits to Italy inspired him to build a “Venice of
America.” Discover historic canals, picturesque bridges and the leafy,
pedestrian-only paths known as “walk streets.”
Head to
Venice’s beach and boardwalk for cafes, souvenir shops, street
performers, skate and bike rentals, and more. The boardwalk’s Beach Recreation Center is a hotspot for people watching
with the iconic Venice skatepark where crowds regularly form to watch
skateboarders shred and Muscle Beach gym where bodybuilders flaunt their
strength and Arnold Schwarzenegger once pumped iron.
SANTA
MONICA
The Santa Monica Pier’s famed amusement park, Pacific Park, is home to a historic 1922 carousel; thrill rides like Pacific Plunge; and the world’s
only solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Wheel, offering a panoramic coastal
view from 130 feet up. The brightly lit wheel can be seen at night from miles
away.
PACIFIC PALISADES
Driving north from Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast
Highway is Pacific Palisades. Beaches here include Will Rogers State Beach, once owned by the cowboy actor who was Hollywood’s
highest paid star in the 1930s. Inland is Will Rogers State Historic Park,
where you can ride horses and tour Rogers’ ranch house.
MALIBU
Continue north on
Pacific Coast Highway from Pacific Palisades to enjoy beaches and parks in Malibu, including Malibu Creek State Park, Dan Blocker Beach and El Matador State Beach. Climb the cliff at Point Dume State Beach and watch the waves crash at Zuma Beach, a local favourite where Taylor Swift filmed the
video for “22.”
MARINA
DEL REY
Marina del
Rey offers the world’s largest man-made small-craft harbour and is a waterfront
playground with parasailing, paddleboarding and more. The Marina Del Rey Ritz Carlton is a great option for a lux stay,
and don’t miss the properties gorgeous Sisley Spa. Just down the road is
boutique property Hotel June West and its rooftop Caravan Swim Club, which hosts events like Mezcal
Mondays, Taco & Tequila Tuesdays with live guitar music, and, for hotel
guests only, Saturday morning poolside yoga.
MANHATTAN
BEACH
Considered
the birthplace of beach volleyball, Manhattan Beach is home to the famed annual AVP Manhattan Beach Open
tournament and hosts endless amateur games played all along the beach. Just
offshore, surfers await their moment of glory, while on the pier, you’ll find
the Roundhouse Aquarium. Two blocks inland is Bruce’s Beach, a grassy, terraced park that honours its original
owners, Willa and Charles Bruce, who opened a resort for Black visitors in
1912.
HERMOSA
BEACH
Follow
the Strand through Hermosa Beach. At the base of Hermosa Pier, spot the sculpture of Tim
Kelly, a legendary surfer and lifeguard credited with inspiring LA’s
lifeguarding program. Both the pier and Hermosa’s storied Lighthouse Cafe, a live music venue, were featured in the movie “La La Land.”
REDONDO
BEACH
The
Redondo Beach Pier and Marina offers everything from bars, cafes and
souvenir shops to rentals for fishing poles, boats and bikes. One strategy for
exploring Redondo and nearby beaches is to park your car in the large onsite
lot, rent a pedal-assisted electric bike from Beach
E Biking (they’ll teach you how to
use it), and head north along the bike path, back through Hermosa and Manhattan
Beach.
Posted by: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Posted on: 22/08/2024