Los Angeles Beach Guide

28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

This Malibu bar attracts thong-n-sarong natives and local celebs.

27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (map)

20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

Don't bust a Mel (Gibson, that is) at this popular waterfront eatery serving up Asian-tinged seafood.

18661 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

3101 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (map)

21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

California wines and contemporary cuisine served on the poolside ocean-view patio with live piano. Champagne brunch on Sundays.

3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (map)

21700 to 22500 blocks of PCH, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

Surf City's eight-mile stretch of beach beckons adventurers to tackle its famed shore, funky town and surfable waves.

401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)

1 Pico Blvd , Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

The casual yet upscale Cal-Med dishes might be a little pricey, but the poshy beach scene and ocean views are priceless.

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Walk on water (or at least above it) at this family favorite that offers everything from roller coasters and carnival games to corn dogs, pizza, people-watching and oh yeh, stunning views of the Pacific.

111 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Now Angelenos can find out what all the fuss is about: New Yorkers swear by this no-nonsense pizza joint where the walls are spare, the service quick and the pizza to live for.

1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

The cozy front patio deck of this art deco hotel provides some of the best views of the Santa Monica Pier ... and the food's not so bad either.

1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Pink, mint green and Polynesian prints abound at this plush tropical paradise of $30 salads, $8 pineapple juice and lots of elbow-rubbing with the Westside's rich and hungry.

1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

You'll swear you've been washed ashore at some funky Caribbean shack--this local favorite dishes spicy fare like jerk chicken enchiladas and fried plantains.

256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

You'll have to walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier to get here, but tourists (and a few locals) can't get enough of this upbeat beach-bum eatery.

124 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)

1272 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

25 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

One block from the beach, this South Bay charmer is a casual brunch destination.

116 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)

1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Just a few blocks from the beach, this spacious '80s-style spot is where folks go for vodka martinis and a laidback dining scene.

2-10 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292 (map)

Stiff drinks, beers on tap and killer views are the main attractions at this breakfast-to-dinner local-heavy hangout.

205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

No, it has nothing to do with the Marlon Brando film. This Venice boardwalk eatery is all about Swiss food, German beer and good times.

4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

Sure, it's inside the Ritz, but this upscale Asian fusion find has a distinctly Marina sensibility--don't be surprised if the visiting suits and local boaters loosen their ties after a few cocktails and tasty starters.

13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

Located on the waterfront of Marina Del Rey, this boardwalk might be a bit beat up, but the handful of restaurants and dozens of cruise, kayak and boat rental options keep waterbound patrons coming back.

4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

It's business and pleasure at this posh seafood favorite for gorgeous waterfront views, a lively bar scene, cozy fireplace and super fresh fish.

4724 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

It's not on the beach, but this chic Marina Del Rey bistro is where folks can enjoy French-Euro cuisine and a friendly, breezy atmosphere.