Los Angeles Beach Guide
Updated: March 12, 2009
In SoCal, it's easy to have fun in the sun. From Malibu to the South Bay, plan your ocean excursion with our recommendations for the best L.A. beaches and activities, waterfront bars, restaurants and hotels.
On this page:Malibu, O.C., Santa Monica, South Bay, Venice/Marina Del Rey.
Malibu
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Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Read Reviews28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)
This Malibu bar attracts thong-n-sarong natives and local celebs.
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Geoffrey's Malibu
Read Reviews27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)
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J. Paul Getty Villa
Read Reviews17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (map)
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Moonshadows
Read Reviews20356 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.
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Reel Inn Fresh Fish Restaurant
Read Reviews18661 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)
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Duke's Malibu
Read Reviews21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)
O.C.
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Gondola Cruises Of Newport
Read Reviews3101 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (map)
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Shades Restaurant at Hilton Waterfront
Write a review21100 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.
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Jo Malone South Coast Plaza
Read Reviews3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (map)
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Huntington Beach
Read Reviews21700 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.
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Fashion Island
Read Reviews401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)
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Back Bay Cafe
Read Reviews1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (map)
Kick back on Newport's ultimate waterfront patio sipping a signature bloody mary and snickering at first-time seamen.
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Crystal Cove St Park
Read Reviews8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)
Santa Monica
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One Pico
Read Reviews1 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.
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Santa Monica Pier Carousel
Read Reviews200 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.
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Joe's Pizza
Read Reviews111 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.
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Georgian Hotel
Read Reviews1415 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.
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Ivy At The Shore
Read Reviews1535 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.
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Cha Cha Chicken
Read Reviews1906 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.
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Rusty's Surf Ranch
Read Reviews256 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.
South Bay
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Manhattan Beach Brewing Company
Read Reviews124 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
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Poop Deck
Read Reviews1272 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)
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Martha's 22nd Street Grill
Read Reviews25 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)
One block from the beach, this South Bay charmer is a casual brunch destination.
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Hermosa Beach Pier
Read Reviews1 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)
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Shellback Tavern
Read Reviews116 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)
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Beach House Inn At Hermosa
Read Reviews1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)
Venice/Marina Del Rey
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James Beach Restaurant
Read Reviews60 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.
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Venice Whaler Bar & Grill
Read Reviews2-10 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.
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On The Waterfront Cafe
Read Reviews205 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.
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Jerne Restaurant
Read Reviews4375 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.
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Fisherman's Village
Read Reviews13755 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.
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Cafe Del Rey
Read Reviews4451 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.
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Le Marmiton
Read Reviews4724 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.


























