Escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles as we embark on a coastal journey to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes of the beaches nearby. From the sun-kissed shores of Malibu to the lively ambiance of Santa Monica and the serene beauty of Catalina Island, this blog unveils the perfect 5-day itinerary for beach getaways and coastal retreats. Join us as we explore each destination, immersing ourselves in the diverse activities and natural wonders that make these coastal escapes an essential part of the Southern California experience. Pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure—let’s dive into the best beach destinations near Los Angeles.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Begin your journey by enjoying Malibu‘s gorgeous beaches, such as Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach.
Afternoon: Visit Santa Monica and take in the lively ambiance of the Santa Monica Pier and Beach.
Evening: Take in Venice Beach‘s aesthetic beauty by wandering down the boardwalk and observing street acts.
Day 2:
Early in the morning, travel to Huntington Beach, widely known as Surf City USA. Spend the morning riding waves or watching surfers.
Afternoon: Drive to Manhattan Beach and unwind in the laid-back beach atmosphere. Take a stroll down The Strand or visit the local stores and restaurants.
Evening: Indulge in a beachfront dinner with stunning sunset views in Manhattan Beach.
Day 3:
In the morning, take a day trip to Catalina Island. Explore the island’s pristine beaches, hiking trails, and lovely town of Avalon by ferry from the mainland.
Afternoon: Try water sports such as snorkelling or kayaking, or simply relax on the beach.
Evening: Fly back to Los Angeles for a romantic meal in one of the island’s restaurants or in the city.
Day 4:
Morning: Visit Crystal Cove State Park to enjoy the natural splendor of the coastal walks and tide pools.
Afternoon: Visit Cabrillo Beach and Aquarium, a family-friendly attraction featuring educational displays and ocean-themed activities.
Evening: Take a beautiful drive to Point Dume State Beach and take in the magnificent views from the cliffs.
Day 5:
Morning: Explore Leo Carrillo State Park, which is noted for its beautiful coastline, beach caves, and nature trails. Hiking and investigating tide pools are both enjoyable activities.
Afternoon: Spend time relaxing on the beach or participating in beach activities like picnics, sunbathing, or beach volleyball.
Evening: Finish your journey by delighting in beachfront restaurants near Los Angeles. Enjoy the ocean views while sampling fresh seafood.
Malibu’s gorgeous beaches
Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach are two beautiful beaches in Malibu, California. Both beaches offer a variety of activities, including surfing, swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Zuma Beach is known for its excellent waves, making it a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels. Point Dume State Beach is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Both beaches have fine, white sand and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Here is a brief summary of the activities available at Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach:
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback riding
Santa Monica
Discover the vibrant allure of Santa Monica by exploring the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the inviting Santa Monica Beach. The pier boasts stunning Pacific Ocean views, an array of shops and restaurants, and classic amusement rides, including the renowned Ferris wheel. For a relaxing day by the water, Santa Monica Beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and surfing opportunities, providing a perfect backdrop for unwinding, and soaking in the coastal scenery.
Here are some delightful activities to enhance your visit to the Santa Monica Pier and Beach:
Santa Monica Pier:
- Ride the Ferris wheel
- Visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
- Go shopping
- Have a meal
Santa Monica Beach:
- Swim
- Go surfing
- Take a stroll
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic beachfront neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. It is known for its eclectic mix of people, shops, restaurants, and street performers. The beach itself is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching.
Here are some of the things you can do in Venice Beach:
- Visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a two-mile stretch of pavement that runs along the beach. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- See the Muscle Beach. Muscle Beach is an outdoor gym where bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts come to work out. It is a popular spot for people-watching and taking photos.
- Visit the Venice Canals. The Venice Canals are a series of man-made canals that wind through the neighborhood. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the canals, or simply take a walk along the canals and enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a trendy street in Venice Beach that is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Huntington Beach
Things to do in Huntington Beach, California:
- Surfing: Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA for a reason. The waves here are among the best in the world, and there are numerous options for renting a board and wet suit. There are also various surf schools that offer lessons for beginners.
- Swimming: The water in Huntington Beach is often calm and clean, making it an excellent spot to swim. There are also several lifeguards on duty, so you can relax and enjoy the ocean without being concerned about your safety.
- Walking or biking along the beach: There is a beautiful beach path that runs along the length of Huntington Beach. It is a great place to go for a walk, go for a run, or simply people-watch.
- Visiting the Huntington Beach Pier: The Huntington Beach Pier is a popular place for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are also several restaurants and stores on the pier.
- Shopping: Huntington Beach has a wide range of stores selling anything from souvenirs to beachwear.
- Going out to eat: There are many restaurants in Huntington Beach that serve anything from seafood to pizza.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a beautiful and vibrant seaside city in Southern California. It is known for its wide sandy beaches, fine dining establishments, and specialty shops.
Here are some of the things you can do in Manhattan Beach:
- Take a refreshing swim in the ocean. The water in Manhattan Beach is typically clean and calm, making it a great place to swim.
- Go surfing. Manhattan Beach is a popular surfing destination, and there are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons for beginners.
- Relax on the beach. The beaches in Manhattan Beach are wide and sandy, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sun.
- Bike or stroll along The Strand. The Strand is a scenic three-mile bike and pedestrian path that follows the shoreline. It’s a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the views.
- Visit the Manhattan Beach Pier. The Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are also several restaurants and shops on the pier.
- Go shopping. Manhattan Beach has a wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to surf shops.
- Dine out. Manhattan Beach has several excellent restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines.
Catalina Island
Things to do on Catalina Island:
- Explore Avalon, the island’s capital city. This charming town is home to the famous Catalina Casino and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Go hiking. There are trails for all skill levels on Catalina Island, from the easy Wrigley Memorial Trail to the challenging Trans-Catalina Trail.
- Swim, sunbathe, or surf at one of the island’s many beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Descanso Beach, Chinaman’s Beach, and Avalon Harbor Beach.
- Take a boat tour. Boat tours are a great way to see the island’s coastline and marine life. There are a variety of boat tours available, from wildlife viewing excursions to evening cruises.
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding along the shore. This is a great way to explore the island’s hidden beaches and coves.
- Snorkel or scuba dive to explore the island’s underwater world. Dolphins, seals, and sea lions are just a few of the marine animals that can be seen on Catalina Island.
Catalina Island is a beautiful island with something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, you’re sure to find it on Catalina Island.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a beautiful park near Newport Beach, California. It is known for its stunning beaches, tide pools, coastal walks, and hiking trails.
Here is a brief summary of the activities available in Crystal Cove State Park:
- Hiking
- Tide pooling
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Horseback riding
- Camping
Cabrillo Beach and Aquarium
Cabrillo Beach and Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction with educational displays and ocean-themed activities. It is an excellent spot to learn about Southern California’s marine biodiversity. Over 10,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles, are on show at the aquarium. There are also several educational exhibits that educate visitors on the importance of conservation and sustainability.
Here are some of the activities available at Cabrillo Beach and Aquarium:
- Explore the aquarium: There are over 10,000 animals on show at the aquarium, including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles. You can stroll through the displays and learn about the various marine animals that inhabit Southern California.
- Take a walk on the beach: Cabrillo Beach is a lovely beach in San Pedro. You can walk down the beach, swim in the ocean, or simply sit back and take in the scenery.
- Visit the tide pools: Cabrillo Beach has several tide pools. At low tide, you can explore the tidal pools and witness a variety of marine life such as crabs, sea stars, and anemones.
- Hike: Cabrillo Beach Park contains several hiking routes. Hike to the top of the bluffs for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Take a picnic: Cabrillo Beach Park has several picnic spots. You can eat with your family and friends while taking in the view.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Here is a brief summary of the activities available at Leo Carrillo State Park:
- Hiking
- Tide pooling
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Horseback riding
- Camping
Conclusion
As we wrap up our coastal expedition near Los Angeles, it’s evident that the city’s coastal wonders offer an array of experiences for every type of traveler. From the surf-ready waves of Huntington Beach to the artistic vibe of Venice Beach and the tranquility of Catalina Island, these beach getaways provide a refreshing escape from the urban sprawl. Whether you seek thrilling water sports, relaxing beach strolls, or the charm of coastal towns, the diverse itineraries outlined in this blog showcase the beauty and versatility of Southern California’s coastline. So, pack your bags, soak in the sun, and savor the moments—Los Angeles‘ coastal retreats await your exploration.
Viswanath Alikonda (Viswa) is a techie, passionate traveler, writer, and adventurer who believes that life is best experienced through the exploration of new places and cultures. With a deep love for adventure and a curiosity that knows no bounds, Viswa has embarked on journeys to various corners of the globe, from the New York to Bay Area.
His travel experiences have not only broadened his horizons but have also given him the opportunity to share stories, insights, and travel tips with a global audience. Viswa’s travel blogs aim to inspire fellow wanderers, offering a glimpse into the beauty of our world and providing practical advice for planning unforgettable adventures.