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By Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles

Santa Monica's sun, surf, sand, and mountains
Santa Monica's sun, surf, sand, and mountains
In SoCal, it's easy to have fun in the sun. From Malibu to the South Bay, plan your ocean excursion with our recommendations for the best L.A. beaches and activities, waterfront bars, restaurants and hotels.
On This Page: Santa Monica, Venice/Marina Del Rey, Malibu, South Bay, O.C.

Santa Monica

  1. Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica, CA
    Whether you're hitting the sand for some serious sunbathing, biking along the winding boardwalk or picnicking in the tree-lined park area, you can be sure you'll have the ultimate beach experience.

  2. Santa Monica Pier

    200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
    Walk on water (or at least above it) at this family favorite that offers everything from roller coasters and carnival games to corn dogs, pizza, people-watching and oh yeh, stunning views of the Pacific.

  3. The Georgian Hotel

    1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
    The cozy front patio deck of this art deco hotel provides some of the best views of the Santa Monica Pier ... and the food's not so bad either.

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  4. Joe's Pizza

    111 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA
    Now Angelenos can find out what all the fuss is about: New Yorkers swear by this no-nonsense pizza joint where the walls are spare, the service quick and the pizza to live for.

  5. Cha Cha Chicken

    1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
    You'll swear you've been washed ashore at some funky Caribbean shack--this local favorite dishes spicy fare like jerk chicken enchiladas and fried plantains.

  6. Ivy at the Shore

    1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
    Pink, mint green and Polynesian prints abound at this plush tropical paradise of $30 salads, $8 pineapple juice and lots of elbow-rubbing with the Westside's rich and hungry.

  7. Rusty's Surf Ranch

    256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
    You'll have to walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier to get here, but tourists (and a few locals) can't get enough of this upbeat beach-bum eatery.

  8. One Pico at Shutters

    | Website

    1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
    The casual yet upscale Cal-Med dishes might be a little pricey, but the poshy beach scene and ocean views are priceless.

Venice/Marina Del Rey

  1. Ocean Front Walk

    Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles, CA
    All the world's a stage at L.A.'s notoriously wacky boardwalk starring a never-ending cast of kooky characters, street performers, junk peddlers and body-building exhibitionists.

  2. Venice Beach

    Pacific Coast Hwy, Venice, CA
    L.A.'s funkiest beach might play second fiddle to its outrageous Ocean Front Walk, but the surf and sand have their fair share of followers.

  3. Venice Whaler Bar & Grill

    2-10 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
    Stiff drinks, beers on tap and killer views are the main attractions at this breakfast-to-dinner local-heavy hangout.

  4. James Beach

    60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
    Just a few blocks from the beach, this spacious '80s-style spot is where folks go for vodka martinis and a laidback dining scene.

  5. Cafe Del Rey

    | Website

    4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA
    It's business and pleasure at this posh seafood favorite for gorgeous waterfront views, a lively bar scene, cozy fireplace and super fresh fish.

  6. Fisherman's Village

    13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA
    Located on the waterfront of Marina Del Rey, this boardwalk might be a bit beat up, but the handful of restaurants and dozens of cruise, kayak and boat rental options keep waterbound patrons coming back.

  7. On the Waterfront Cafe

    205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
    No, it has nothing to do with the Marlon Brando film. This Venice boardwalk eatery is all about Swiss food, German beer and good times.

  8. Jer-Ne Restaurant & Bar

    | Website

    4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA
    Sure, it's inside the Ritz, but this upscale Asian fusion find has a distinctly Marina sensibility--don't be surprised if the visiting suits and local boaters loosen their ties after a few cocktails and tasty starters.

  9. Le Marmiton

    4724 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA
    It's not on the beach, but this chic Marina Del Rey bistro is where folks can enjoy French-Euro cuisine and a friendly, breezy atmosphere.

Malibu

  1. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

    Malibu, CA
    Sun lovers, celebrities and a sandy beach--it's the L.A. experience encapsulated.

  2. Reel Inn

    18661 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
    The beer is cold, the seafood is hot and the atmosphere is perfect for a nosh after a day at the beach.

  3. Duke's Malibu Restaurant & Barefoot Bar

    21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
    Sip mai tais and watch the sunset from the Malibu sand.

  4. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

    | Website

    28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
    Locals and tourists cram this beachside haunt for seafood and strong drinks.

  5. Geoffrey's

    27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
    Good food plus a gorgeous view equals a great time at this Malibu special-occasion favorite.

  6. Moonshadows

    | Website

    20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
    Don't bust a Mel (Gibson, that is) at this popular waterfront eatery serving up Asian-tinged seafood.

  7. Getty Villa

    17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA
    Renovated cultural landmark and original Getty Museum site houses expanded exhibits of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruscan arts.

South Bay

  1. Manhattan Beach

    Manhattan Beach, CA
    A sun-kissed mecca of physical exertion for the young, hip and sweaty.

  2. Martha's 22nd Street Grill

    25 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA
    One block from the beach, this South Bay charmer is a casual brunch destination.

  3. Shellback Tavern

    116 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
    Get cozy with cocktails and cold ones just yards from the Manhattan Beach Pier.

  4. Manhattan Beach Brewing Company

    124 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
    Beer aficionados and beach bums delight in pints of homemade pilsner, pale ale and porter.

  5. Poop Deck

    1272 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA
    People-watching, peanuts and pitchers of Bud make this longtime Hermosa Beach dive a splash.

  6. Beach House at Hermosa

    1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA
    A blissfully idyllic oceanfront hideaway that's just far enough away from L.A.

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  7. Hermosa Beach Pier

    1 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA
    This lively pier offers year round fishing, volleyball courts, access to the famed "Strand" boardwalk and lots of eating options.

O.C.

  1. Huntington Beach

    21700 to 22500 blocks of PCH, Huntington Beach, CA
    Surf City's eight-mile stretch of beach beckons adventurers to tackle its famed shore, funky town and surfable waves.

  2. Crystal Cove State Park

    8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
    Dive into a crystalline cove or hike and camp the backcountry at this diverse California coastal park.

  3. Laguna Beach Dog Park

    N Coast Hwy and Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA
    This fenced dog park offers plenty of grassy leash-free space for Fido to run free.

  4. South Coast Plaza

    3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA
    Mega-mall draws shoppers and tourists with a staggering array of stores, restaurants and entertainment.

  5. Gondola Cruises of Newport Beach

    3101 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA
    For a unique experience, tour the Newport waterways on a private, romantic gondola cruise.

  6. Shades Restaurant at Hilton Waterfront

    21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
    California wines and contemporary cuisine served on a poolside ocean-view patio with live entertainment and a popular Champagne brunch.

  7. Back Bay Cafe

    1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA
    Kick back on Newport's ultimate waterfront patio sipping a signature bloody mary and snickering at first-time seamen.

  8. Fashion Island Shopping Center

    401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA
    Upscale shopping and dining in a relaxing, outdoor oceanside setting.

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