Los Angeles Beaches in the City

These beaches in Los Angeles made the California lifestyle famous

May 19, 2007

From Malibu south to Long Beach, the Los Angeles shoreline stretches 72 miles, with the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and other LA beaches in between.

Beaches in Los Angeles offer more than sun and sand. There's a whole California lifestyle here to be observed and enjoyed, from surfing and beach parties to boardwalks and volleyball. These LA beaches are an easy drive from the city, and some are considered tourist attractions in their own right.

It's no wonder so many TV and film stars live here. The mountains rise sharply behind the beach, making a beautiful backdrop to the rolling surf. Though some beaches are private, there are public access ways that allow for unimpeded walks along the shore.

Of the public beaches, Malibu Surfrider Beach has some of the best surfing on this part of the coast. The famous Malibu Pier is located here. West of the pier is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, adjoining one of California's last wetlands harboring many shorebirds.

Zuma Beach, the largest beach, and Topanga State Beach have many facilities. Point Dume State Beach, with its rocky cliffs and coves, is a good place to watch for gray whales (December-March). Also on the Point Dume headland is an isolated nude beach, Pirate's Cove, reached via Paradise Cove.

Nearly a century old, the Santa Monica Pier has lost none of its charm, with its amusement park rides, arcades and old-fashioned carousel. Fishermen cast their lines from the end of the pier, and there are free summer concerts. A wide band of beach stretches either side, with a path for skaters and cyclists that runs all the way to Venice. Swimmers should note that water quality is often poor near the pier and warnings are posted.

The beach itself plays second fiddle to the bohemian scene on Ocean Front Walk. Swimsuit-clad rollerbladers whiz around the boardwalk strollers, who are ogling the sidewalk artists, Tarot readers, tee-shirt sellers, jugglers, buskers and other assorted characters. The show's at its best at Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where beautiful bodies pump iron and get tanned at the same time.

For those who would rather be on the water than in it, Marina del Rey is a yachting paradise, homeport to over 5,000 pleasure craft. Boat rentals, harbor cruises and fishing trips can be arranged. Mother's Beach is a shallow, surf-free beach with play equipment for children.

Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches gave birth to California's beach culture. Surfer George Freeth first rode the waves here in 1907, and the Beach Boys' songs made the lifestyle famous. Still a magnet for young people, little has changed but the hairstyles.

Despite its name, the beaches aren't always easy to find in California's fifth-largest city. It's a busy port, but it also has several miles of sandy beaches. There are some in downtown Long Beach, or head a little south of the center to the beach communities of Naples, Belmont Shore (near Belmont Pier), or Seal Beach near Shoreline Village.

The copyright of the article Los Angeles Beaches in the City in California Travel is owned by Donna Dailey. Permission to republish Los Angeles Beaches in the City in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.