Take advantage of Los Angeles’ year-round warm weather by heading to one of these family-friendly, easily accessible beaches.
Summer might be coming to a close in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean the warm weather is going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re a SoCal native, you know we pretty much have warm weather year-round, so there’s always an excuse to hit the beach. But as relaxing as the beach may be, whether you’re a parent, babysitter, or nanny, taking the kids in tow is no easy feat.
From lugging lots of equipment to finding usable bathrooms, the search for the best easily accessible and family-friendly beaches can be a chore. Consider this a cheat sheet as we map out the top 10 best Los Angeles easy-access beaches.
Annenberg Beach House
Address: 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Phone: 310-458-4904
Parking: Lot parking, $9/day. | Click here to reserve.
If you could imagine the perfect beach in your mind’s eye, this would be it. And here’s something that will have parents rejoicing: Purchase parking online the night before, and you’ll have a spot waiting for you upon arrival. This is the closest to beach valet you can get. This beach boasts a sidewalk leading almost to the water, so you don’t have to trudge through the hot sand with all your stuff.
If you’ve had enough of the surf, take a break at the shaded playground, splash around in the splash pad, or take a dive in the community pool. Hungry? The Beach Front Cafe serves up classics like grilled cheese, Cobb salads, and burgers. If you want to grab a snack to-go, try the takeout window for french fries, ice creams, and ice cold drinks.
Mother’s Beach
Address: 5839 E. Appian Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-570-3100
Parking: Lot parking, $7/day or metered street parking
Calm waters with virtually no waves make this the best bet for parents of toddlers. Check out the nearby cafe serving up beach classics like hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese, fries, and chips — or pack your own picnic lunch. There’s a nice, grassy area to camp out on, plus a playground with soft, padded flooring for an owie-free day. Just leave fido at home! Dogs are not allowed, even if they’re on a leash. Parking is nearby and easy at just $7 for the day.
Leo Carillo
Address: 35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: 818-880-0363
Parking: Lot parking, $12/day or free along Pacific Coast Highway
How do glistening tide pools along with picturesque backdrops of cliffs and rock formations sound to you? If you look closely, you might even find some bits of sea glass and abalone shell in the soft sand. The pure beauty of this beach makes it a favorite for family pictures. Hey, it’s never too early to start thinking about those holiday cards. Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re on leashes, so you can get them in on the family fun, as well.
Beware, there are no snack stands nearby, so just bring your own. Parents rave about the bathrooms, because they’re super clean and include changing tables. Come early and check out the family-friendly trails if you feel like taking a hike or bike ride before hitting the beach.
Zuma Beach
Address: 30050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: 310-457-2525
Parking: Lot parking, $15/day or free along Pacific Coast Highway
This your go-to busy beach with all the bells and whistles — snack shack, bike rentals, clean bathrooms, and lots and lots of sand and surf. Once you see it for yourself, you’ll know why Zuma Beach is a major tourist destination. The views are just stunning.
You’ll see most families camped out near a lifeguard tower for an extra set of eyes on beginning swimmers. The waves are never too big, and you’ll see a divider for beach activities. One side is reserved for swimming and the other for boogie boarding. Be sure to check out the volleyball courts and nice stretches of flat, open beach for frisbee play.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Highway & Cross Creek Road, Malibu, CA 90263
Phone: 818-880-0363
Parking: Lot parking, $10/day or free parking along Pacific Coast Highway
This place has a very relaxed vibe, thanks to all the surfer dudes that call it home. And with clear, warm water and some of the best waves on the coast, you’ll want to make it one of your top beach destinations, too. If you have curious kiddos who love hunting for critters, know that this beach has lots of sand crabs that are fun to catch. And, because of the lagoon, it’s a great place to view wildlife, including dozen of species of birds. Be sure to pack your own snacks and drinks.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Address: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: 310-305-9552
Parking: Structure parking, $12/day or metered street parking
The Manhattan Beach Pier is one of three piers in the South Bay area and is surround by beautiful surf and sand. Take a walk out onto the pier to see the surfers catch waves, or lay out a blanket in the sand and simply enjoy the scenery. The end of the pier boasts a little aquarium that’s perfect for tiny sea lovers. Lifeguards are always on duty. If you have a young one who’s looking to start boogie boarding, there are definitely spots where the waves are good for beginners.
Dockweiler State Beach
Address: 12001 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Phone: 424-526-7777
Parking: Lot parking, $13/day or free street parking
Two words: Fire pits. If your looking to spend the day and evening beach side, Dockweiler is the way to go. Come early and get a pit so you can enjoy a quiet fire in the evening. Come prepared with firewood and s’mores supplies.
Keep an eye out! This place is close to a hang-gliding practice area, so you can be sure to see those guys throughout the day. There’s also a bike trail runs the length of the beach between the parking lot and sand’s edge. If you’re interested in camping out overnight, there’s RV parking for an additional few. Check the website for availability before showing up.
Abalone Cove Beach
Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive S., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Phone: 310-377-1222
Parking: Lot parking, $15/day or (very limited) free street parking
If your kids love hunting for seashells, this is the place. There are tons of clam, sea snail, abalone, and mussel shells scattered around the sand. And the rising and fading tide makes for excellent tide pool-watching opportunities. You’ll see everything from hermit crabs to sea anemones. The water is super clear and clean, making this beach a go-to for families.
Playa del Rey Beach
Address: 7313-7351 S. Marine Ave., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Parking: Free street parking
Watch the sailboats as they leave the marina all while wiggling your piggies in the soft, rock-free sand. And you can feel secure knowing that there are lifeguards on duty until sunset. Surprisingly, this beach never gets too crowded. So, come as you please without worrying about snagging a prime spot along the shore. This beach is often described as a gem of a beach because of this.
You’ll see lots of people jogging along the water. If you’re looking for a trip to the beach without all the sand, just check out the park with a playground across the street. The views are fantastic!
El Porto Beach
Address: 45th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: 310-802-5000
Parking: Metered and street parking available
If you have any aspiring surfers in your brood, come early and watch the pros catch some killer waves. The sand is clean and the waters are crisp — perfect for a warm Los Angeles day. Sure, it might feel cold at first, but you get used to it.
The bathrooms are spacious for changing babies, and it seems that they get cleaned a few times a day because they are always fully stocked with soap and paper. There’s a little cafe that serves up snacks, drinks, and coffee. So if you forget anything at home, there’s always a little something for your hungry crew.
