Running 75 miles from the wave‑carved bluffs of Malibu to the urban harbor lights of Long Beach, Los Angeles County’s shoreline is a quilt of beach towns, each with its own personality. Hop on the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and use this guide to sample the best of the coast in one sun‑kissed sweep.
Malibu: Rugged Bluffs & Celebrity Hideaways
Rise early for sunrise photos at El Matador’s sea caves, then watch locals glide across perfect peelers at Surfrider Beach by the historic Malibu Pier. Afterward, grab fish tacos at Malibu Seafood and tour the Getty Villa’s antique gardens for a dose of culture before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Santa Monica: Classic Pier & Eco‑Friendly Vibes
Just 25 minutes south, Santa Monica mixes nostalgic fun with green living. Ride the solar‑powered Pacific Wheel, rent a cruiser bike for a breezy run along The Strand, and refuel at the Third Street Promenade’s farm‑to‑table eateries. Sunset from Palisades Park—palm silhouettes against cotton‑candy skies—is compulsory.
Venice Beach: Bohemian Boardwalk & Drum Circle Beats
Two miles down the bike path the mood flips to eccentric. Ocean Front Walk brims with tattoo artists, bodybuilders, muralists, and fortune‑tellers. Sneak inland to the tranquil Venice Canals for postcard shots, then wander Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s boutiques before rejoining the sunset drum circle on the sand.
South Bay Trio: Manhattan, Hermosa & Redondo
Continue south and the coastline mellows into a sporty, hometown rhythm. Manhattan Beach’s palm‑lined pier and endless volleyball nets set the scene; neighboring Hermosa dishes live music after dark, while Redondo’s horseshoe harbor is the place for a bucket of butter‑drenched crab and sea‑lion spotting.
Long Beach: Olympic‑Ready & Aquarium Adventures
Anchoring the county’s southern edge, Long Beach balances city energy and laid‑back surf style. Tour the massive Aquarium of the Pacific, stroll Shoreline Village’s colorful boardwalk, or step aboard the Art Deco Queen Mary for maritime history—and rumored ghost stories—under twinkling skyline views.
Catalina Day Trip: Island Escape
From Long Beach, catamarans zip to Catalina Island in just over an hour. Spend the day snorkeling the clear coves of Avalon, renting a golf cart for hillside vistas, or spotting bison on an eco tour before cruising home at golden hour.
Quick Coastal Drive Itinerary
Morning: Malibu sunrise → brunch in Santa Monica
Mid‑day: Venice murals & skatepark → South Bay beach volleyball
Evening: Seafood at Redondo Pier → Nightcap on the Queen Mary or return ferry from Catalina.
Wrap‑Up
Whether you crave wave‑riding thrills, eco‑chic shopping, or pier‑side seafood boils, L.A.’s coastline delivers a choose‑your‑own‑paradise reality. Pack sunscreen, cue your road‑trip playlist, and follow the PCH—the Pacific is calling.
