I’m sure when one says Los Angeles, visions of tanned inhabitants come to mind, as well as the beaches that afford them this luxury. Of course, sunbathing is not the only activity one can have on a beach. In fact, different beaches will have different activities that it is best for. Los Angeles County has over 30 miles of beaches, so we’ll have plenty of options for whatever activity you and your family have in mind.
If you haven’t decided which activity you’d like to get involved in or if your family members want to do different things, Santa Monica State Beach would be ideal. It is the first beach you will find after the Santa Monica freeway. The beach is wide with white sand and there are large parking lots. It is a beach for socializing both in the morning and in the evening, as summer night concerts are regularly held here. It is also good for sunbathing, walking, cycling, skating but not surfing. For our needs: toilets are well maintained, there is a lifeguard, and cafeterias dotted around the area.
For an activity-oriented beach, Zuma Beach County Park and Redondo State Beach are the places to go. The white sands of Redondo are south of King Harbor. You can access it via Torrence Boulevard or the Pacific Coast Highway. This is a busy beach with tour and private boats lined up and restaurants and shops line the pier. One can choose from fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, surfing, biking, and jogging to pass the time. If you are passionate about music, you will not be left out since several jazz and rock concerts are usually scheduled during the summer. Don’t worry, there is a lifeguard throughout the year. As for Zuma beach, this is a favorite for teens who want to get that tanned complexion. It is located one mile past Kanan Dume Road on Pacific Coast Highway. If you want its facilities, you have them in abundance: lifeguards, volleyball courts, children’s games, food stalls and many bathrooms. Its activities range from beach sports to fishing, diving and children’s activities in the playground. However, one disadvantage is that the waves are rough, so you have to be alert.
Surfing has once again achieved great popularity with the help of our actors and actresses in Hollywood. The best surfing beaches in Los Angeles would be Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Surfrider Beach. These beaches right off the Malibu Pier are a surfer’s dream because they consistently produce three to five foot waves. If you are passionate about surfing, come in September because the International Surf Contest is held here.
If you love people watching like everyone else does, Venice Beach fits the bill. You will feel like you have been transported to a different dimension or, at the very least, to a carnival. There are magicians, fire eaters, different types of street performers, vendors selling a range of goods, body builders and if I’ve missed something I probably have my excuse – you just have to experience Venice Beach to understand. Have fun!
If you’re more of an introspective person, then the western end of Leo Carrillo State Beach is the quiet spot for you. This beach sits on the Ventura County border, and because it’s narrow, it’s best to explore on your own, or if it’s your first time, go with a ranger. There are campsites at the back of the beach and brave surfers have been known to visit this beach as well.
Remember that pollution in Santa Monica Bay can reach unacceptable levels after storms, so to be sure, visit http://www.watchthewater.com for more information.