As a slow-traveling cat with a penchant for getting my paws in the sand, I could not help but take some time to explore the beaches near the Los Angeles airport. All cats know that the beaches of Los Angeles are great spots for people-watching, exploring nature, and lounging in the sun. In other words, it’s a cat’s dream come true! From famous Santa Monica to the lesser-known beaches of Playa Del Rey and Dockweiler, let’s explore the best beaches near LAX.
Beaches North of the Airport
If you are lucky enough to find yourself north of LAX, then you are in for a treat. This area is quintessential Los Angeles. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica pier and Muscle Beach Venice. This area tends to be high energy and offers a ton of opportunities to engage in local culture.
Santa Monica Beach
Another iconic beach in Southern California, Santa Monica State Beach offers a great mix of fun activities and laid-back vibes. Located 12 miles north of the Los Angeles Airport, you can expect a 30-45 minute drive to this sandy paradise. The beach is 3.5 miles in length. We suggest setting your GPS to the Santa Monica Pier as a good, central location.
The city of Santa Monica has several public garages near and around the beach. The beach parking lots, located closest to the sand, tend to have a flat fee of $15-17. The city garages, located on Ocean Ave, one block from the beach, charge by the hour, starting at $1.25 per hour.
Now that you’ve finally made it, you can indulge in the unique aspects of Santa Monica Beach. One of its best-known landmarks, the Santa Monica Pier offers a lively atmosphere. Filled with amusement park rides, an iconic Ferris wheel, yummy restaurants, and boardwalk games, this is a lovely way to blow off some steam after a day of travel.
Santa Monica is also home to the “Orginal Muscle Beach”, which is an outdoor gymantsics training facility. This is a great place to people-watch and take in a uniquely California experience.
Finally, make sure to save some time for laying on the sand and enjoying the perfect weather. Santa Monica Beach is famous for a reason – it’s a great mix of entertainment and picturesque sand and surf.
Venice Beach
One of the best-known beaches in the Los Angeles area, Venice Beach is a popular destination for a layover in LA. Located 7.5 miles north of the Los Angeles Airport, you can expect anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour travel time, depending on traffic.
The beach runs for 3 miles alongside the town of Venice, California. A good mid-point to aim for is the Venice Beach Skatepark. If you are driving you’ll likely need to use a private lot located along the beach, Unfortunately, these can be pricey, up to $30 during peak times. Street parking is available but is typically full most of the day.
This area is most famous for its lively boardwalk. Filled with an eclectic mix of street performers, vendors, and artists, the sights and sounds easily captivate the most jaded travelers.
Here, you’ll also find “Muscle Beach Venice”, a popular tourist attraction. This is where the strongest Angelenos practice lifting barbells with a view. It’s common for tourists and locals alike, to stop and admire these feats of strength.
Aside from a flurry of activities alongside the boardwalk, the beach itself is a great place for dipping your toes in the ocean and relaxing in the sun. Venice Beach is a great mix of vibrant culture and stunning scenery that is a must-see for visitors to the Los Angeles area.
Marina del Rey
If you are looking to stay north of the airport, your last choice is Marina Del Rey. Located 7.2 miles north of LAX, you can expect 30 minutes of travel time. Mostly known as a high-end marina with great restaurants and fancy yachts, this little gem offers a tiny beach called ”Mother’s Beach”. To access it, navigate to Jamaica Bay Inn.
Unfortunately, there is no public parking in this neighborhood, however, the area is so small and unknown, that there are always spots in the public lot across the street. You can expect to $6 per day for a space.
The real joy of Mother’s Beach is the ability to lay out in the sun and swim in an area that is completely blocked from the wind. The water, protected by the surrounding marina is nearly perfectly calm.
If you have time, make sure to grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or a cold beverage from the walk-up bar at Jamaica Bay Inn. While visiting a beach in a marina is a less traditional option, you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and a truly unique experience.
Beaches South of the Airport
If you are looking for beaches just south of the Los Angeles airport, then you are in luck! This area is best known for its picturesque charm and family-friendly activities. Here you’ll find unique shops, upscale restaurants, and plenty of water activities like paddle boarding, swimming, and kayaking.
Manhattan Beach
Our next beach near the Los Angeles airport is located just 5.5 miles south. Heading south from the airport you’ll find a calmer atmosphere paired with fantastic food and upscale shopping. If this sounds like your vibe, head to beautiful Manhattan Beach.
To get here from LAX, you should expect a 20-30 minute drive. A full 2 miles in length, the best point of interest to aim for is the Manhattan Beach Pier. Here, you’ll find two parking lots (upper pier and lower pier) for a reasonable rate of $2.50 per hour.
As you step onto the sandy shores of Manhattan Beach, you may feel all of your travel worries melt away. More serene than the beaches north of the airport, Manhattan Beach’s real charm is its expansive sandy beach. This is a great place for sunbathing or a quick dip in the ocean.
If you feel like stretching your legs, a walk to the end of Manhattan Beach Pier is a great way to catch stunning views of the ocean. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with Roundhouse, a quaint, little aquarium that offers free admission.
For a little more activity, try taking a bike ride along the coast or joining in a beach volleyball game. Manhattan Beach is also known for fantastic, upscale shopping in its nearby downtown area.
Finally, for a touch of surf culture, venture to El Porto Beach on the northern side of Manhattan Beach. This enclave draws skilled surfers, showcasing their prowess amidst the crashing waves.
Manhattan Beach is a great destination for those looking for beautiful sandy beaches with an upscale feel.
Redondo Beach
Continuing south from the Los Angeles airport, Redondo Beach is a laid-back area with a large harbor, vibrant pier, and plenty of space to lay on the sand. This beach, located 8.4 miles from LAX requires 30 minutes to 1 hour of travel time.
The entire beach is 1.5 miles long. When navigating here, the Redondo Beach Pier is a great place to aim for and is a main point of interest. Here you’ll find plenty of parking for just $2 per hour.
Now that you’ve arrived at beautiful Redondo Beach, it’s time to start exploring! Starting at Redondo Beach Pier, there is plenty to see. A particularly active pier, here you’ll find 30 eateries to satisfy your tastebuds, lots of shops, and a handful of outdoor activity outfitters. One popular activity is renting a bike and taking a ride down “The Strand”, a famous bike path that runs alongside the beach.
Next, make sure to check out King Harbor, a series of marinas on the North side of Redondo Beach. This area is more focused on waterfront hotels, however, you’ll still find 9 delicious restaurants and a plethora of outdoor activities like bike, kayak, and paddle board rentals. There is also a small waterpark called the Seaside Lagoon, offering a great outdoor pool area, which is perfect for family fun.
Finally, Redondo Beach is a great place to simply relax on the sand. Of all the beaches near the Los Angeles airport, Redondo is the most geared towards tourism and is an ideal place for travelers with families.
The 2 Closest Beaches to LAX
Only have a short amount of time to see a beach in LA? Look no further than Dockwieler State Beach and Playa Del Rey. Both are located within 5 miles of the airport. A short, easy drive will land you at these quaint, no-frill beach destinations.
Dockweiler State Beach
Located just 3.8 miles from the airport, Dockweiler Beach is the closest beach access to the Los Angeles Airport. To drive to this beach, simply set your GPS to Dockwieler State Beach. You can expect a drive time of approximately 15 minutes.
On the way there you’ll typically find plenty of free street parking, however, there is also a parking lot available for $7-13, depending on the season.
Once parked and ready to explore, Dockweiler Beach provides a variety of activities to enjoy. One of the distinctive features of this beach is its proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport, providing a unique opportunity to watch airplanes taking off over the Pacific Ocean.
For those seeking a cozy and communal setting, Dockweiler is known for its bonfire pits. Its 40 firepits are open all day on a first-come, first-served basis. Just make sure to bring your own firewood, fuel, and firestarter. Enjoying a bonfire on the beach is a great way to experience the unique beach life of Southern California.
Finally, Dockwieler is a good place to lay on the sand and dip your toes in the water. Located close to the airport and further from residential areas than most beaches, the vibe here tends to be lower key than some of the better-known beaches. Specifically, you’ll find fewer families at Dockwieler along with fewer activities. However, if convenience is your top priority or you are looking for a bonfire experience, then Dockwieler is your perfect place!
Playa del Rey Beach
The next closest beach to the Los Angeles Airport is Playa del Rey. Located just 4.7 miles away, a short drive will land you at this quaint little beach. You can expect a drive time of just 15-20 minutes.
For easy access to this beach, aim to park near Playa Provisions, a delicious cafe on the coast. Sometimes you can find free street parking in the town of Playa del Rey. If you can not find street parking, the city hosts several garages that run from $7-18 per day.
This little beach flies under the radar within Los Angeles. As a result, you’ll run into fewer crowds and can enjoy a nice walk on the beach among locals. This is a good option for travelers looking for a quick jaunt onto the sand.
With almost no activities present, aside from a few volleyball courts, you should visit Playa Del Rey if you are looking to simply get outdoors and see the ocean. This is a also great place to grab a bite to eat, offering plenty of high-quality restaurants within walking distance of the sand.
Conclusion on the Beaches Near Los Angeles Airport
When choosing from the beautiful beaches near the Los Angeles airport you have many options. Depending on what direction you’d like to travel and the amount of time you have, this area has several great experiences. Whether you are looking for a quick peak at the ocean from Dockwieler State Beach, some upscale charm at Manhattan Beach, or the lively atmosphere of the Venice boardwalk, the beaches of Los Angeles have it all.
It’s time to drop your bags and get your toes in the sand. The west coast beaches of Los Angeles are waiting for your arrival.
Slow Traveling Cat 