Malibu is a wealthy community nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, and several of its beaches are Tinsel Town favorites. Malibu Lagoon State Beach (commonly called Surfrider Beach) provided the setting for "Back to the Beach," "Big Wednesday" and several "Gidget" movies, and Frommer's claims it has L.A.'s best waves. Leo Carillo State Beach is another popular film location ("Grease," "The Karate Kid," "Point Break"), and it offers windsurfing, sea caves and reefs. Zuma is widely considered Malibu's most visited beach, and it leads all beaches in "Time" magazine's "Los Angeles: 10 Things to Do." El Matador is another notable beach with dramatic rocky outcrops reminiscent of Europe's Adriatic coast.
Jim Morrison, the Z-Boys, Muscle Beach gym and the television series "Californication" all add to the allure of Venice Beach, Southern California's most iconic hippie neighborhood. About 12 miles from West Hollywood, Venice has a carefree, party-friendly vibe with some of the highest rates of never-married men and women in the county (per the "Los Angeles Times"). Venice Beach is usually a big hit with music lovers, rollerbladers and 420 fans, but families and solitude seekers should look elsewhere. The Travel Channel website calls Venice a "three-ring urban street circus"; it's like no other beach in the world.
A straight shot down Santa Monica Boulevard takes sun lovers from West Hollywood to the lively shores of Santa Monica Beach. Activities along the 3.5-mile beach include bicycle trails, surfing, volleyball, "beach butlers" and a century-old pier featuring a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and fishing. Concessions, rentals and other needs are readily available on the beach, and the extensive Third Street Promenade is only a few blocks away, with shops, restaurants and street performers. Fodor's calls Santa Monica the best all-around beach in Los Angeles.
Nestled between the Topanga and Santa Monica State Beaches in Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Beach provides nearly two miles of southwest-facing sand. The beach is named after actor Will Rogers, who bought the land in the 1920s, and it was the primarily beach location for the television series "Baywatch." West Hollywood is considered the most gay-friendly city in Los Angeles Country, and Will Rogers is the most gay-friendly beach. Recreational facilities include volleyball courts, playground equipment and a bike path. Will Rogers State Beach is also the western starting point for Sunset Boulevard, though Santa Monica Boulevard is an easier route from West Hollywood.
