Living on the West Coast in Los Angeles County opens up a world of opportunities when it comes to activities. You can hike West Ridge Trail, grab a bite to eat on Main Street, stroll down Montana Avenue or even spend the day shopping. However, when the sun is out and the UV is high, Angelenos can’t help but be swept off to the sandy shores of LA County beaches.
As a LA County native, I have spent the last 17 years of my life exploring the beautiful coast. Some of my most treasured memories come from the experiences I have had at three special beaches that I consider my absolute favorites: Broad Beach, Malibu; Point Dume Beach, Malibu; and Hermosa Beach. They each have their own perks, and I will be highlighting the activities available, amount of people they attract and the type of scenery they bring to the table.
Broad Beach
Tucked away in Northern LA County lies the scenic Broad Beach in Malibu. With activities such as tidepooling, surfing, swimming, bodyboarding and windsurfing, Broad Beach brings a solid crowd to its waters. It’s a more laid-back location, making it favorable for those who enjoy a less busy beach scene. While the majority of the beach is surrounded by beachfront homes, lush cliffs begin to wrap around it towards its north side.
My favorite activity located on the north side of Broad Beach would have to be the tidepooling. The tidepools are home to the most incredible creatures, including starfish, sea anemone, crabs and sea snails. I have also surfed at Broad Beach a few times and had a blast. If you’re feeling adventurous, adjacent to Broad Beach is Lechuza Beach, which is much quieter. If you want to access it from Broad Beach’s shores, you can climb through a series of rocks that separate the two.
Point Dume
A few minutes south from Broad Beach is Point Dume Beach. Headlands, cliffs and rocky coves surround its coast, and there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving and scuba diving. The views are insane, and it is definitely my favorite beach to lay out on and read.
If you would rather stay off the sand but still experience the beauty of Point Dume, there is a Point Dume Cove Trail that runs along coastal bluffs that overlook the ocean. The hike is an easier route that lasts about 30 minutes round trip. I feel like there is nothing more rewarding than doing some physical activity and ending it with a nice ocean plunge, so this hike is a great opportunity to do so. Finally, The Sunset Restaurant stands beachfront and welcomes surf and turf enthusiasts to sit back and appreciate breathtaking sunsets at Point Dume.
Hermosa Beach
Just north of Redondo Beach, California, lies a beachfront city known as Hermosa Beach. Although Hermosa Beach lacks the beautiful cliffs of the beaches I mentioned previously, the gorgeous views of the Pacific and everything the nearby city has to offer makes it the perfect beach for both beach enthusiasts and people who prefer to admire from a distance.
The Hermosa Beach crowd depends on the season, but it is normally crowded due to its abundant opportunities for activity. Its spacious coastline has beach volleyball nets and room for other activities like Spikeball or soccer. In the water, you will often find people surfing and paddle boarding, taking advantage of the LA sunny weather.
Additionally, beach-goers have easy access to dining and shopping in the city nearby. My favorite spot to grab a bite is The Brews Hall restaurant located on the Hermosa Beach Pier that offers a plethora of cuisines to enjoy. If you’re looking for something sweet, Paradise Bowls is an açai spot just a quick walk from the beach that serves as the perfect place to grab a seaside treat.
These beaches hold a very special place in the hearts of my friends and me. The stunning beauty of the West Coast is something that cannot be fully captured through a picture, which is why I highly recommend you experience it for yourself.
