Los Angeles Best Beaches: A Visitors Guide for Beach Lovers

Los Angeles is one of the best cities in North America for those who like to be beside the sea, thanks to the many stunning beaches here. The perfect combination of 'city break' and 'beachfront escape' LA is truly the place for every kind of vacation.

No matter how you hope to spend your sea-side getaway in this gorgeous part of California's coastline, here are some of Los Angeles' best hotels, restaurants, and activities.

Best Hotels by the Beach in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is THE place to be in the USA if you're looking for some of the best beaches (other than Hawaii, of course!) and the hotels that back onto them (or even sit on their waters) are unmatched! 

If you're looking for a truly fabulous place to stay with stunning ocean views, great food, and plenty of on-site amenities right by the city's best beaches, you're spoilt for choice here. Whether you're looking for somewhere with a historical charm, or a place that's a little more hip and modern, there's plenty of choice along some of Los Angeles' best beaches.

Casa del Mar, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Situated almost right on the beachfront, the entrance to Casa del Mar is tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, and backs onto Santa Monica beach, just a short stroll away from the pier. It is located just a 30-minute drive from some of the city's most popular areas, such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

Many praise the exceptional service here, and guests can enjoy a warm welcome and plenty of on-site facilities, from a fifth-floor swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the ocean to a beach concierge who can help to arrange chairs and umbrellas for you to use. There's also a small fitness centre and the Sea Wellness Spa on-site where you can enjoy plenty of ocean-inspired treatments. There are two restaurants on-site for guests to enjoy, including the casual 'Terrazza Lounge' in the lobby, open for all three meals of the day with live music, and the more up-market 'Catch', open just for dinner.

Plenty of the rooms at this hotel boast gorgeous ocean views, and each has a stunning walnut four-poster bed, ocean-inspired artwork, a coffee maker, a mini-bar, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a hydrothermal massage tub.

Hotel Erwin, Venice, Los Angeles

Located just down the street from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Hotel Erwin provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is located near the Venice Beach boardwalk bicycle paths and rollerblading areas and is just steps away from a great range of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops. If you plan on traveling to some of the other nearby areas during your stay, both Santa Monica and Marina del Rey are less than 1.2 miles away. 

The hotel boasts the only open-air rooftop lounge bar in Venice and makes the perfect spot to look out over Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean while sipping on a delicious cocktail. There is also a great on-site restaurant and bike hire available for guests looking to spend their time getting out and about.

All of the guestrooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, a 49-inch flat-screen HDTV, an iPod docking station, a work desk, coffee and tea-making facilities, and some of the upgraded rooms and suites also have stunning balconies with ocean views and separate seating areas.

The Queen Mary, Long Beach

While Long Beach isn't always considered by everyone to be a part of LA, we simply couldn't miss the opportunity to include this outstanding, one-of-a-kind hotel!

One of the last luxury ocean liners of its kind, The Queen Mary provides a stay like no other. Once a world-class ocean liner, she now resides permanently near Long Beach, and provides guests with a unique experience, offering a glimpse into transatlantic travel between the 1930s and 1950s.

Part hotel, part museum, this unique ship-turned-hotel provides guests the opportunity to enjoy historic tours, see paranormal attractions, relax on the sundeck, browse the onboard shops, and even enjoy deliciously fresh seafood at Chelsea Chowder House & Bar.

The ship's original staterooms as just as classy and elegant as ever, with rich, wooden paneling in, Art Deco style throughout, and plenty of original artworks originally displayed on the ship from when she was in service. 

Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Sister hotel to the aforementioned Casa del Mar, you can expect the same standard of service and luxury at Shutters On The Beach, except, perhaps, with a few more amenities, making it a great choice for longer stays, or those who don't seek to stray too far from the hotel. This stunning resort sits directly on the beach and is just a short, 5-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier.

The resort boasts an on-site gift shop, valet parking, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and even an outdoor poolside hot tub! Guests can enjoy dining at two oceanfront restaurants - 'One Pico', offering seasonal cuisine in an elegant atmosphere with panoramic ocean views, and 'Coast' the beachfront casual café with a bar and lite bites. There's also 'The Living Room', where guests can enjoy afternoon tea and a menu of freshly prepared treats, before sipping on cocktails on the heated terrace when the sun begins to set.

Each room boasts an elegant, yet somewhat traditional interior, each with an iPod docking station, and a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Upgraded rooms and suites also offer extra amenities, such as balconies and spa bathtubs.

Oceana Beach Club Hotel, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

This stunning five-star boutique hotel sits adjacent to Santa Monica Beach and is just one mile from both Santa Monica Pier and plenty of great shops at Third Street Promenade.

Guests can take advantage of the on-site massage services on offer, relax by the outdoor courtyard pool, or enjoy a cocktail on an evening by the outdoor fireplace. If you're looking for some fun activities to enjoy during your stay, you're in luck! The on-site gym offers private yoga classes every day, right on the beach. The hotel also offers free bike hire, guided hikes and even surfing lessons every Saturday! Be sure to also visit the on-site restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh innovative fresh cuisine.

Rooms at Oceana Beach Club Hotel are all incredibly spacious, and each features free Wi-Fi, plasma screen TVs, a minibar, and a seating area. Some suites also provide gorgeous ocean views.

Best Restaurants by the Beach in Los Angeles

If you're headed to the LA coast, there's certainly one thing you simply have to try during your visit, and that's fresh seafood! Thankfully, there's plenty of options at a range of restaurants, many of which are located right by the beach, and boast romantic, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you're looking for fresh, chilled oysters, or something more creative (or even if you plan on skipping the seafood option altogether!) there's something on the menu for everyone in Los Angeles' top beachfront restaurants!

One Pico, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Located at the beautiful aforementioned Shutters on the Beach hotel, One Pico (or 1 Pico) is a restaurant so good, we believe it deserved a recommendation all of it's own.

With a romantic patio area and gorgeous beachfront backdrop, it's the perfect place to indulge in some coastal Californian cuisine. If you get chance to visit on a Sunday, be sure to book a table between 11 am and 3 pm to enjoy the Bubbles and Jazz brunch, where you can listen to live music while sipping Champagne.

Some of the restaurants most highly recommended plates are the grilled blue prawns, lobster spaghetti (cooked in a heavenly combo of garlic and saffron), and the Wagyu filet mignon.

The Sunset Restaurant, Malibu, Los Angeles

A fabulous favorite amongst tourists and locals alike, The Sunset Restaurant is the perfect place to go if you're looking for an idyllic beachfront dining location. This white wooden building sits perched atop the sand, overlooking the waves, and is an unmissable spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner alike. This restaurant is home to a vibrant and fun bar area, where you can sip on drinks, or, head upstairs for a more quiet and intimate dining experience.

The restaurant provides beautiful views of the waves, which you can enjoy over a wide range of diverse dishes, influenced by many international cuisines. From mouthwatering Wagyu meatballs to fish tacos that pair exceptionally well with the seaside views, there's something for every kind of diner here.

Nalu Vida, Venice, Los Angeles

Located in Venice, right beside Venice Beach, Nalu Vida is a stylish and fun restaurant that welcomes diners with fresh and innovative dishes. Pairing coastal Californian cuisine with a selection of mouth-watering cocktails and beverages guests can enjoy deliciously fresh seafood and great drinks seven days a week.

Diners recommend the chilled seafood dishes, finding these to be refreshing, especially in the heat of the Californian summer. From Peruvian scallops to chilled oysters, the options are plenty, but if you're looking to indulge in something a little more eclectic, the seared salmon with shiso chimichurri and ponzu is arguably one of the best items on the menu.

The Albright, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Finding somewhere to eat on the Santa Monica Pier can be somewhat of a challenge, thanks to the handful of tourist traps and chain restaurants that reside there, but there's one spot in particular that stands out. If you're looking to enjoy a high-quality meal, head to the Albright, where you can indulge in tasty seafood in a picturesque setting.

Standing price of place since 1977, this upscale restaurant has stood the test of time, providing consistently high-quality dishes year after year.

After a day filled with fun times and carnival games, it's a great idea to order a few dishes to share with the table, such as crispy calamari, Baja ceviche, or fresh oysters. If you're not one for sharing though, the Connecticut-style lobster roll is one of the most timeless choices, but for those looking to really go all-out, you may want to order a whole Dungeness crab, cooked straight from the freshwater tanks.

Geoffrey's, Malibu, Los Angeles

Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, this classic Malibu restaurant is perched atop a cliff. Thanks to it's location, the outdoor terrace boasts unbeatable, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the number one choice for an upscale dining experience, or romantic date night in Malibu.

As with many others on this list, Geoffrey's is well known for it's mouth watering selection of seafood, including appetisers such as tuna tartare, and seasonal oysters, and entrées such as grilled Pacific swordfish and herb-crusted salmon.

Best Beach Activities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is truly one of the best places in the United States for beach life and activities. From exploring the bustling fun-filled piers, to learning a new skill such as how to surf or paddleboard, there's plenty to do on LA's best beaches no matter what kind of getaway you like to enjoy.

Palisades Park, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Stretching across twenty-six acres all the way along Ocean Avenue, Palisades Park is one of the most iconic sea-front parks in all of LA, drawing visitors from all over the world thanks to its stunning views of the Santa Monica Bay.

It's a great spot to visit at any time of day, with a range of gorgeous artworks and monuments to see, as well as a beautiful rose garden. There are several benches and picnic areas for those who like to enjoy alfresco sea-view dining, without the expense of an upscale restaurant!

Surfing Lessons, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

If you're looking for a thrilling beach activity where you can hit the water and learn to ride the waves, why not take a surfing lesson or two? 

Join in with a small group (or even take a private lesson) to enjoy a professionally guided class on one of LA's most iconic beaches, enjoying the neighborhood's laid-back vibes and catching exhilarating waves!

Paddleboarding, Marina del Rey, Los Angeles

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or simply looking to engage in an activity other than sipping cocktails on the beach, then Stand-up Paddleboarding (or SUP) is a great activity for you!

Many of the best Stand-up Paddleboarding tours take place at the stunning Marina del Rey, where you can uncover hidden spots within the marina, and discover local wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of gorgeous birds! Be sure to listen to your guide during the tour, as they'll also be able to give you extra information about marine life, paddle-boarding techniques, and safety tips while you enjoy the relaxing tour. Many tours will also include pictures of you in action!

Visit Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Since we've mentioned it a fair few times in this article already, it seems just right to talk a bit about the historical, yet infamous Santa Monica Pier. An alluring combination of entertainment, history, and cinematic fame, Santa Monica Pier is home to many fun attractions, including the Looff Hippodrome Carousel, and a gorgeous solar-powered Ferris wheel that boasts some truly unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean.

Open 6 am until 10 pm every day, it's a gorgeous spot to visit any time of day, but different attractions and restaurants have various opening hours, so be sure to plan in advance to be sure you don't miss out on the things you'd like to do!

With snacks, games, prizes, an aquarium, great restaurants, and even better views, this is one attraction worth setting aside plenty of time for!

Dinner Cruise, Marina del Rey, Los Angeles

While there's plenty of great restaurants and dining options at many of LA's beaches, one dining experience like no other is aboard a gorgeous cruise ship, where you can set sail for just a couple of hours on the Pacific Ocean and enjoy stunning sunset views over a delicious meal.

Departing from Marina del Ray, a range of cruise operators offer various different short cruises, but out of all of them, we recommend taking a dinner cruise thanks to the beautiful sunset vibes!

Weekly cruises are available all year-round, so no matter when you plan to visit Los Angeles, you can celebrate the occasion in style with an amazing dinner cruise!