Beach, Please! : The best beaches in L.A. for families

Los Angeles prides itself from being 20 minutes to an hour away from every outdoor activity you can imagine. Part of the allure of living in Los Angeles – and the reason we all gladly pay for the beautiful weather tax – is it’s close proximity to beaches. However, not all beaches are created equally – nor are they all accessible for parents with young children carrying half a ton of beach gear – on hot sand no less! Before I had kids I was a die hard Matador Beach girly. I didn’t mind the very rarely serviced porta-potty and the hike down a cliff on loose gravel, as much as I do now. So here is my tested, tried and true beaches I recommend for families. Rated on 4 main factors…

1. “Schlepability” – Can I get there on my own? Will my kids be able to walk safely with me as I carry the shade pop up, blanket, towels, snacks, drinks and sunscreen?
2. Bathroom Access – I didn’t know the levels of germaphobe I could reach until I had to teach my potty training 2 year old how to hover!
3. Parking – Price and availability
4. Scene – Is it scenic and are there any bonus surprise amenities to find.

I’ll leave a map here to help you navigate. Beach, please! Grab the sunscreen and lets get started…

1. Paradise Cove : 28128 PCH, Malibu CA. 90265

Paradise Cove has stellar convenience. It has a restaurant on the sand with bathrooms inside the restaurant and out. They’ve thought of everything they even have an owl that makes rounds to scare off seagulls from eating food off of peoples plates. There is a beautiful beach tucked into a cove and you can even take beverages away from the restaurant to enjoy on the beach. Parking is ample however, it is pricey. Beach parking starts at $45 on a weekday and up to $65 on the weekend. There is parking validation if you spend a minimum of $30 at the Cafe which lowers the parking fee to $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Spending $30 at the cafe is very easy – its about the price of one drink there.

2. Point Dume : 7103 Westward Beach Rd. Malibu CA. 90265

Point Dume SPECIFICALLY Westward Beach has the best beach proximity. Truly, the Schlepping factor could not be better! The walk from car to beach front is really short. There are three life guard towers some have have bathrooms and some porta potty – you choose your comfort level. Parking is ample and mid week will run about $8 and weekends $15. There is a parking booth and you will need exact change.

3. Malibu Pier  : 23000 PCH, Malibu CA. 90265

On the Malibu Pier, you can find Malibu Farms’ two restaurants where you can stop for a casual breakfast, lunch or a table service dinner, they have options! There is a bathroom at the start of the pier to the left for patrons and is very nice to have access to. Parking is adjacent to the pier and has easy beach access. However, they do not validate parking and parking costs around $15.

4. Leo Carillo : 856323v5+RP

This beach is a treasure. It offers great parking and proximity to beach. I think out of the 5, this one might be the most scenic! During low tide you can explore sea life among the tide pools and there is a little cave to explore. It is quite rocky and not great for swimming but fine for dipping toes and exploring! You will have to schlep your things a little but kids should be able to navigate with you. There is a bathroom in the parking lot and parking is about $12 for the day. Bonus, this beach is also dog friendly.

5. Annenberg Community Beach House : 415 PCH, Santa Monica CA. 90402

The Beach House is a historic building with many amenities available for the community. They have everything from sport courts to pool, splash pad and playground. There is free wifi and a cafe for lunch and snacks. They have gender neutral restrooms and there is plenty of parking ( with EV charging!) for only $3 per hour and max $12 a day. This place is great however, it is not what i would cal “beach front” it is technically on the sand but the schlep factor to get to the ocean is high. This is more of a poolside next to the beach day, than an actual beach day but both are possible! If you do attempt the hike to the beach, bring your sandals because the sand is hot!

6. Manhattan Beach : Manhattan Beach Pier

I had to come back in here to add this gem we found exploring Manhattan Beach – technically not in L.A. City proper but it IS in Los Angeles County! The beach here offers close proximity parking and dining as well as a little aquarium that is FREE! The  Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. If you are looking for a beach day that extends from just fun on the sand this is a great place to visit! Check out our last post for more info…

 

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Another thing to think about in having a beach day in Los Angeles is the possibility of heightened water pollution. Always check the L.A. County Public Health for any beach closures or warnings by calling 1-800-525-5662 or checking the live updated map on their site I will embed here, just for you.

I want to know your favorite beach! Drop your favorites in the comments! What makes for a good beach day in your book?

I’ll add more as I come across them so check back for updates!