Los Angeles beaches may almost be as much of an icon as Disneyland or the Hollywood sign. With twenty-plus beaches in Los Angeles County to choose from, you may have a hard time picking one or two to visit during your vacation. We've compiled a list of the best Los Angeles beaches by type and interest to help you choose.
Best Los Angeles Beaches by Type
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Surfing: Zuma Beach: Locals love this beach north of Malibu for its good waves and clean water, but if don't want to make the 20-mile drive, you'll find lots of surfing buddies in Manhattan Beach.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: People-Watching: Venice Beach: Los Angeles' quirkiest beach can be its most interesting, attracting a cast of characters fit for any Hollywood movie.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Walking: Manhattan Beach: A long, paved walking path with Santa Monica Bay views makes Manhattan Beach our favorite place to take a walk.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Beach Experience: Paradise Cove: This small, private beach offers a charming, old-fashioned beach experience and a beachside restaurant.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Beach Volleyball: Manhattan Beach: Where else but the birthplace of beach volleyball and home of the world's first beach volleyball tournament?
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Bonfire: Dockweiler Beach: Actually, it's the only one of the Los Angeles beaches where you can have bonfire.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Romance: El Matador Beach: This secluded, little pocket beach north of Malibu is a great place to watch the sunset with your sweetie.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: For Kids: Redondo Beach: Lots of sand to play on, a pier full of amusements and a long, paved path for biking or skating make this a place you can take the kids to and let them run until they're exhausted.
* Best Los Angeles Beaches: Amusements: Santa Monica Beach: The beach here is nice, but most people also come for the amusement park on the pier.
