Angelenos are fortunate to have incredible ocean access which affords us year-round coastal 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, LA has more than a dozen beaches to explore. As we celebrate National Clean Beaches Week (July 1 – 7), here are a few of our favorites:
Are you a beachcomber? Then you’ll find all sorts of treasures hidden in the sand at these locations:
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 beachcomb and discover some great finds. Grab a bagFrom 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 El Porto, known as a great surf beach for both newbies and pros alike. But if you’re more of a shore-stroller, this beach also offers some great combing opportunities as you’re watching those surfers hang ten.
Venice Beach – This world famous beach has appeared in so many movies that you may know it better 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.
Looking for a quiet stroll along the shore? Check out these secluded beaches where peace and beauty will roll in with the tide.
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 a rugged coastline with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a stroll.
Ocean Trails Reserve – Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and with nearly 100 acres protected for conservation, this area is a wonderful way to get away from the crowds. It also features breathtaking views of the channel and Catalina Island on clear days. You may even spot a pod of dolphins or a few migrating whales.
Are you someone who loves wildlife and sealife? Then visit these tidepools and catch a glimpse of sea anemones, fiddler crabs, hermit crabs and possibly even an orange sea star peeking out from among the rocks.
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 is no shortage of pools to explore.
Leo Carillo Beach – Located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on 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.
No matter which beach you visit, it never hurts to give back to the places that you cherish. Remember that the ocean really begins in your neighborhood because trash on our city streets will eventually flow through our storm drain system to a local beach. And consider joining one of the many community based organizations striving to make a positive impact by keeping our local beaches clean. Our environmental partner Heal the Bay offers monthly beach clean ups.
Have any other questions about LA’s beaches? Feel free to contact us on lastormwater@lacity.org.
