Beach Bars in Los Angeles
By Tara de Lis, Los Angeles
Bikinis, martinis and a cool ocean breeze: Drink in the summer at one of our favorite SoCal seaside haunts, from the South Bay to Santa Monica. Sunscreen not included.
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Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Suburban dwellers from the Valley join beach residents and out-of-town tourists, all crammed into this beachside haunt for seafood and strong drinks. Why? It's one of the only bars in L.A. where you can legally drink right on the beach. -
Duke's Malibu Restaurant & Barefoot Bar
21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Sip mai tais and watch the sunset from the Malibu sand at this sweet and super casual tiki-themed seaside spot. The view is gorgeous and the sun-kissed Pepperdine coeds and laidback locals are too. -
The Malibu Pier Club
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
There's no real decor to speak of at this casual new spot, but there is a live piano player, blankets on the backs of chairs in case you get cold and views of the blue Pacific as far as the eye can see. -
Gladstone's 4 Fish
17300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA
Drop anchor at this schmaltzy beach shack that's more about the scene than the sea-born vittles. Translation: Don't expect cuisine to match the prices, but the view is priceless.
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Venice Whaler Bar & Grill
2-10 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
Friendly locals gather for cocktails at this Venice bar with a great ocean view. Skip the divey downstairs scene and head to the roof, which by far features the best seats in the house. -
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
With one of the most gorgeous views in Santa Monica, the bar here has its own scene--and its own view of the elusive green flash. And if you decide to order dinner, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that the food is actually quite good. -
Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
1615 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA
A great alternative to the upscale singles scene at many area bars, this open-air hole-in-the-wall is almost literally in the shadow of the Pier, and offers the no-frills comfort of surfboard decor and neon-beer signs. -
Rusty's Surf Ranch
256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Waves break and hips shake on the tip of the Santa Monica Pier: Inside this slightly rundown shack is a fun, casual vibe, but one step out the back door and there's the mighty Pacific.
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Baja Sharkeez
3801 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA
This swimmingly fun beach bar is packed to the gills almost every night of the week with surfer dudes and bleached blonde California girls, all scoping each other out over pitchers of beer. -
Hennessey's Tavern
8 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA
With an unbeatable location on the Hermosa Pier and an ocean view to match, be prepared for shot-induced shenanigans among a crowded house of tanned 20-somethings. -
Shellback Tavern
116 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
Get cozy with cocktails and cold ones just yards from the Manhattan Beach Pier at this dive affectionately self-referenced as a "beach trash" bar. On summer weekends, the crowd is literally body-to-body packed. -
Poop Deck
1272 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA
People-watching, peanuts and pitchers of Bud make this longtime Hermosa Beach hangout a splash. It's been around forever and it remains a South Bay favorite for easy-going good times.
