Southern California Beach Guide

500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (map)

Located just across the street from Huntington Beach, this boutique property offers a fun experience whether you're a hotel guest or not. Folks can stop by for a Mediterranean meal at Zimzala restaurant or simply hang out in the lounge or outdoor patio for a cool handcrafted cocktail.

8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (map)

Shhh ... can you keep a secret? Well, we can't. Which is why we're spilling the beans on OC's best kept coastline secret. With a three-and-a-half mile stretch of beach and 2,000 acres of undeveloped inland woods, this gem is not only popular for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and scuba diving (there's an underwater park), but the inland area is where locals and in-the-know out-of-towners enjoy hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

2705 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (map)

Who says you have to go to Italy for a fun gondola experience? This local favorite is where a romantic party of two or a celebrating group of six can charter a 32-foot gondola to cruise of the Newport waterways. Even better, the entire ride is helmed by an appropriately dressed gondolier who might even belt out a tune or two.

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

Whether sitting inside the main dining room or out on the poolside patio next to the fire pit, guests at this restaurant are treated to views of the Pacific Ocean. If you're looking for a real social scene, things pick up during the week with the after-work crowd and on weekends for brunch.

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

No one can enjoy a summer without at least one trip to Surf City. The eight-mile stretch of beach beckons adventurers to tackle its famed shore, laidback town and surfable waves. And don't forget those famous bonfire pits right on the sand, perfect for warming up after the sun goes down.

23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

This fun and casual retro-themed diner joins the Beachcomber Cafe and Malibu Pier Club at the end of the restored, historic Malibu Pier. Inside it's all chrome, Formica and shiny red booths, but the patio is the prime spot for fresh air and a spectacular vista. There's even fishing allowed outside, so bring a pail and some bait for an all-day affair.

Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

Wanna know where native Angelenos go when they want to get far from the crazy crowds and dirty water? Well, you've found it. Zuma Beach has all the amenities of other LA beaches (read: lifeguards and food), with none of the clutter (translation: tourists).

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

Sure, the big Getty is up on the hill in Brentwood, but this smaller property has got an even closer view of the ocean. (Okay, so technically it's located in the Palisades, but it feels like Malibu.) The sculptures are spectacular, the gardens breathtaking, and the cafeteria-style outdoor dining area offers some of the best views around. And the food is really good, too.

3939 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

This casual newcomer to the Malibu Lumber Yard is where locals, shopaholics taking a break and the odd beach bum stop by for a taste of Mexico with a dash of Cuba. Expect a variety of salads, quesadillas, burgers, tacos and even breakfast, as well as frozen margaritas, mojitos and ice-cold Coronas. Hey, if it's good enough for George Clooney ...

17300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (map)

This former hot mess is now on the brink of becoming a bona fide beachside dining option ... for locals! Since SBE took control in 2010, the revamped menu has become just as good as the views from the chic, casual space. Order the shrimp tempura (a la Katsuya), clam chowder and delish strawberry-dragonberry mojito and enjoy the right-on-the-beach scenery.

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

If the prices at the Ivy leave you itching for a better deal, head over to the cozy front patio deck of this cute art deco hotel for some of the best views of the Santa Monica Pier ... and the food's not so bad either.

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

You'll swear you've been washed ashore at some seaside Caribbean shack when you hit this local favorite. Just a block east of Casa Del Mar and Shutters, this island-esque joint is where to get jerk chicken enchiladas, fried plantains and the most delicious agua frescas in town (try the watermelon or cantaloupe--you won't be sorry).

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, ice cream, pizza, people-watching and oh yeah, stunning views of the Pacific.

415 Pacific Coast Hwy , Santa Monica, CA 90402 (map)

No membership is required to use this beautifully restored and historic year-round facility right on the beach. Expect volleyball and beach tennis courts, an indoor/outdoor cafe with plenty of breakfast and lunch options, free WiFi, a garden and water courtyard, and children's shaded play areas. The pool opens on June 19th and goes throughout the season.

1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

If you're looking for kid-friendly cheap eats in SM, head to the Pier. But if you're looking for a romantic, low-key meal with incredible bay window views of the beach, then you'll want to visit Catch. The menu's been updated with more affordable options and the raw bar is gone (although sushi is available.) Try the fresh catch of the day and the walnut-meringue dessert--you won't be sorry.

1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Location, location, location! Housed within the airy Loews hotel, Ocean & Vine is one of Santa Monica's best-kept secrets. Sit inside and enjoy the views looking out to the beach and SM Pier, or sit outside on the deck and enjoy that cool ocean breeze. Day or night, there's something going on. The all-you-can-eat weekend brunch ($27 per person, including juices, coffee and tea) is arguably the best in town (don't miss the made-to-order waffle station) while the new Sushi at Sunset (5pm-10pm every day) bar is great for a little after-work unwinding.

1697 Pacific Ave, Venice Beach, CA 90291 (map)

This surfy hotel is just a stone's throw from the beach. Onsite eatery Hash is great for gourmet treats but the rooftop lounge High is where you want to be--high above the Venice boardwalk, overlooking all the action alongside palm trees and ocean views. Best of all, you don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the sights--just step right up, grab a drink and soak in the sun.

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.

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

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

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

There's a reason this slightly tattered, '80s-style restaurant/bar was featured in "I Love You, Man"--it's just a few blocks from the beach and the martinis and laidback dining scene is too fun(ny) to pass up.

Torrance Blvd at Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (map)

It might not have a famous Ferris wheel--ahem, yes, we're talking about you, Santa Monica Pier--but this venerable water-hovering destination has no shortage of shopping, food, entertainment and family fun. If you'd rather eat fish than actually hunt one down with a fishing pole, be sure to check out Quality Seafood, the pier's open-air fish market with a staggering selection of fresh fish and live shellfish cooked to order.

260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (map)

Now that it's had a multimillion-dollar makeover, this marina-front property is a full-fledged destination for those staying the night and those who just want to stop by for a bite (Baleen restaurant is a real treat) or a few cocktails with friends.

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

Long before its second (and much larger) location opened up downtown at LA Live, this beachside hangout was reeling in folks with its romantic, candlelit patio, potent drinks from the towering bar and an upstairs dining area for surf-and-turf feasting. And they're still doing it.

1221 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map)

This Manhattan Beach hotel might be a quiet little beachside getaway by day, but come Saturday night, the lobby's Zinc Lounge transorms into the wildest spot in town. (Think appletini-drinking cougars, gel-coiffed dudes and a DJ who knows how to keep the party going.)