Angelenos are fortunate to have incredible ocean access that allows for year-round life-enriching experiences such as water sports, whale watching, and beach combing. Whether you’re a surfer, a sailor, or prefer the simple pleasure of walking along the shore, you have the benefit of living in a county with 15 beaches to explore . So, next time you’re looking to get out and enjoy the coast keep the following in mind.

 

Be sure to check on current COVID Stay at Home orders and beach visitation. Be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing if you are able to enjoy the beach.

 

Where to Go

 

With so many beaches a short car ride away  from L.A. there are ample opportunities to get out and enjoy a day at the beach. But, with so many choices how do you possibly decide? We’ll break it down for you by what the beach best offers (beachcombing, seclusion, or tide pools).

 

Beachcombing:

 

Dockweiler Beach:

  • Located only 10 minutes from LAX, this popular beach mixes an eclectic group of visitors. With so many unique visitors comes the great chance to comb and find some great items. From seashells to lost gems, there are ample opportunities to discover some cool finds and clean up the beach while doing so.

El Porto Beach:

  • Not too far down the road from Dockweiler, you’ll find this beach known as a great surf beach for both newbies and pros alike. So, whether you’re paddling out past the breaker or taking a brisk walk down the shore, this beach offers great beachcombing opportunities. A day at this beach may afford you the pleasure of finding  some treasures, while also helping to clean one of the more popular beaches in the area.

Venice Beach:

  • This world famous beach has appeared in so many movies that you may know it for the motley groups that frequent the area. What you may not know is that this beach offers great opportunities to comb for some wonderful items, while enjoying the culture that Venice Beach has built up over the years. 

 

Seclusion:

 

El Matador State Beach:

  • Located near Malibu, this pristine piece of coastline is a great spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet and beauty. Whether for a romantic getaway or a solitary day out, this beach offers rugged coast with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a stroll to comb for goodies.

Ocean Trails Reserve:

  • Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and with nearly 100 acres protected for conservation reasons, this area is a wonderful way to get away from the crowds. It also features breathtaking views of the rolling coastline. Be sure not to miss out on these incredible trails.

 

Tide Pools:

 

Cabrillo Coastal Park:

  • Located just down the way from the aquarium, this beautiful span of coastline offers wonderful tide pool viewing. You can glimpse the unique creatures that call these pools home or even trek to a nearby salt marsh for more unique wildlife. The best time to view is during low tide and you can find out when that is using Cabrillo’s Tide Chart.

Golden Cove Beach:

  • These tide pools are not for the faint of heart or small children. The rocky shoreline may not have a beautiful sandy beach, but these rocks hide all sorts of wonderful wildlife. With numerous coves (Honeymoon Cove, Christmas Tree Cove, and more) in the area, there are no shortage of pools to find your own viewing destination.

Leo Carillo Beach: 

  • Located nearby 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, this beautiful beach is part of a state park that offers guided hikes, camping, and tidepools. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches or relax in the shade of the Sycamore trees. Whatever you’re looking for, this place has it all.

 

Tide Pool Etiquette

 

Peering into the waters of an isolated tide pool can fill an individual with awe. From the unique sea life from octopi to sea stars, these interesting habitats provide a home to some of the weirdest and wildest species. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind on your next trip to view tide pools. 

 

  • Never turn your back on the ocean. Always keep an eye out for sleeper waves and keep children close.
  • Try to observe tide pools at low tide. This will be less dangerous for you and provide more viewing options. 
  • Always try to bring a bag with you to pick up any litter that you may see on your way to the pools and back. Clearing litter will keep wildlife from harm.
  • If you want to pry under a rock, please make sure to return it to the way it was. Leaving rocks upturned is a surefire way to kill any species clinging to that rock. 
  • Always, always abide by fish and game laws and respect the land. For more information visit the department’s website.

 

Beachcombing 101

 

If you’re feeling a bit lucky and want to spice up your beach hikes, beachcombing may be the activity for you. Beachcombing is the practice of searching (combing) beaches for any valuable items such as lost jewelry, shells, colored glass, etc. These goodies can be used for your next art project or sold to make a quick buck. There are, however, a few tips that will help you stay out of trouble on your next beachcombing trip.

  • Take a small bucket or bag with you. You never know what you’re going to find, so always be prepared.
  • Be responsible. Don’t disturb any wildlife and pick up all of your trash. If you can, try to pick up any litter that you see on the beach.
  • Dress appropriately. You never know exactly when the weather’s going to turn, so be sure to prepare for rain, cold, or heat.
  • Be sure to follow public health warnings and refrain from visiting beaches within 72 hours after a major storm event.

 

Get Involved

 

No matter how you choose to enjoy your beach days, it never hurts to give back to the places that you cherish. Join one of the many organizations striving to make a positive impact. Check out these opportunities to help clean your beaches. 

 

Have any other questions about our wonderful beaches? Feel free to contact us on lastormwater@lacity.org.