Best Beaches Near LAX Airport (Los Angeles)

Are you visiting Los Angeles but are time-constrained? Maybe you are visiting on a long layover or on a short business trip.  If so, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the best beaches near LAX (international airport)!

I do not think there is a human being on this earth that does not know about the excellent weather we have in Los Angeles.

I mean, it is winter here and the temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  We have had warmer days during the season.

With such good weather, spending time on the beach is second nature to us.  And, every other out of towner wants the beach to be part of his/her visit or vacation.

If you do not count with a lot of time, I will show you what places to hit, near the airport, if you are in need of some sunlight and saltwater.

Here are my top recommendations on beaches close to LAX.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

What to Take into Consideration

Before we get to the fun part of the article, let’s define what the word “near” means.  Yes, that is vital.

Well, in this article I am going to take into consideration beaches located about 8 miles north or south of the airport. When traffic is light, it should take a maximum of 20 minutes to get to a place.  In heavy traffic, expect the driving time to double.

Now, this is Los Angeles.  I do not know if you have heard but we have a serious traffic problem.  Like in “worst traffic in the world” problem (for real).

I recommend constantly checking on your phone how long it takes to drive back to the airport to make sure you make it in time.  Factors such as rush hour, accidents, road closures, and rain (yes, people in LA have driving problems when it rains) can have a huge impact on driving times.

Also, remember that once you are out of the airport you will need to clear security to go to your departing gate.  This process may take up to an hour. To be honest, I have never been an hour in line in LAX. 

For short layovers, you may want to visit one of the closest beaches to the LAX airport.  I would not attempt to go outside the airport for a layover of fewer than 5 hours. 

The water temperature in the Los Angeles area is considered cold (under 70 degrees Fahrenheit).  This can be quite shocking to some people. You may need a wetsuit if you want to surf.

Also, the waves are relatively strong.  Exercise caution if you are traveling with kids.

If beaches are not your thing, I have an article dedicated to Things to Do Near LAX.  That article is full of ideas on what to do during a layover or short visit.

Beach Gear

As I spend a lot of time on the beach, I have my gear packed and ready to throw in the car.  Here is an idea of what I take to the beach.

• Easy Set Up Beach Tent –  This is essential since most beaches in California do not have shaded areas.  >Check out this great tent option here
• Big Portable Umbrella –  Sometimes, we prefer to use an umbrella since we want to sit on a chair verse lying on the floor.  Plus, I find it easier to adjust/move the umbrella to block the sun.  >Buy a beach umbrella

• Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  My go-to brands are Clarks, Tevas, and Sketchers. 
• Flip Flops – Flip flops are a must on any beach trip.  I am partial to the Tevas brand.  >>Take a look at these beautiful flip flops
• Water Sandals – If you want a more polished look, check out these leather-made salt water sandals.
• Sweatshirt – A sweatshirt is a must to keep me warm during chilly mornings and nights. >Click to see this California appropriate option here
• Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock.  I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
• Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck.  The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function.  >Buy this amazing hat here
• Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun.  A polarized, sporty pair works better outdoors. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
• Towels –  This is the accessory I always forget about.  WETCAT’s Turkish Towels take minimum space and dry fast.  >Buy a Turkish towel here
• Foldable Chairs – Portable chairs allow you to set camp at the beach, park, winery, and even a parking lot. A classic Coleman portable chair is a solid choice. >>Buy portable camping chair
• Beach Blanket – For laying on the sand, a beach blanket is necessary.  Good ones are waterproof, sandproof, and light.  The blankets manufactured by Wekapo fit several adults and are durable.  >Buy this nice beach blanket here
• Soft Cooler Bag – A soft cooler bag with enough capacity is great for having drinks and some food items at hand.  I love my CleverMade collapsible cooler bag.  >Take a look at my cooler here
• Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle.  >Check out the insane options here
• THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours.  >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
• Dry Bag – Keep your valuables (and electronics) protected by bringing a dry bag.  >These dry bag is awesome
• Beach Bag or Large Tote – Carry all your gear on an amazing beach bag.  Get one with tons of pockets (I love pockets).  >>>Check out my beach bag top pick
• Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone.  I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000.  It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here
• Tripod – A compact tripod to take your photos and videos to a different level. >>Check out this popular option here
• Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged on beach trips.  Having a power bank is a lifesaver.  The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here

Closest Beach to LAX: Dockweiler Beach

Dockweiler State Beach is located a stone thrown away from LAX. As a matter of fact, you are going to see the planes taking off if you spend time there.

This 3-mile long beach offers a wide strip of sand and plenty of amenities.  Because of its length, you will be able to claim a piece of sand away from the crowds.

If you want to be active, you can walk north or south as long as you want.  There are nice views of the Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Malibu.

Distance from LAX: 3 miles

Amenities: Bike path, beach area, picnic sites, restrooms, outdoor showers, potable water, fire rings, RV park, market, food concessionaire (in season)

Parking: Big parking lots are accessed through Marine Avenue (connect to it by driving to the terminus of Imperial Highway)

Where to Eat: There is a food concessionaire selling simple fare (hot dogs, French fries, etc.) during high season.  The closest real place to eat is Downtown El Segundo.  

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks: There is a 7-Eleven off Imperial Highway (100 W Imperial), a Ralphs Grocery Store at Pacific Coast Highway and a 99 Cents Only Store in Downtown El Segundo.

Beaches Near LAX Airport: Playa del Rey Beach

Technically, Playa del Rey Beach is part of Dockweiler State Beach.  This the strand of sand located in the northernmost part of the state beach.  Some people may call it Toes Beach.

I am giving this beach its own entry in the article because it is an excellent option for those who want to combine beach time with good food.

Near the terminus of Culver Boulevard, you will encounter a cluster of very good restaurants such as Playa Provisions, The Shack, Bacari PDR, The Tripel, and ASAP Phorage. All of these are within walking distance from the beach.

In addition, you can walk around the Playa del Rey Lagoon or next to the Ballona Creek.

Distance from LAX: 4 miles (north)

Amenities: Restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, park, playgrounds, bike path

Parking: Park on the street or at the 6600 Pacific Avenue lot

Where to Eat: Any of the restaurants mentioned above

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks: Sandune Liquor Store is located nearby.

Beaches Close to LAX: Marina Beach

Also known as Mother’s Beach, this is the perfect place to take the kids since there is no wave motion.  The water is still since this is a lagoon (manmade to create the entire marina area).

There are plenty of activities to keep everybody in your party busy (or relaxed).  Small kids can enjoy the water safely, run in the park or let it loose on the playgrounds. 

During summer, you can take a water taxi to other parts of Marina del Rey (like the Fisherman’s Village).

Distance from LAX: 6 miles (north)

Amenities: Playgrounds, showers, park, restrooms, picnic tables, ADA ramp, coal-powered BBQs, volleyball courts, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, diving, nearby convenience store

Parking: The closest place to park is Lot 10.  If full, lots 9 and 11 are viable options.

Where to Eat: Restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, Beachside, Cafe Buna, Sampa’s Pizza Cafe, and Taqueria Chihuahua are located within walking distance of the beach.  On Saturdays, a decently-sized farmers markets is assembled in one of the parking lots.

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks: The Marina Liquor Mart is located on one side of the beach.

Read More: Things to Do in Marina del Rey

Beaches Near LAX: Venice Beach

If you are looking for a beach thriving with activity, then Venice Beach is the place for you.

This the most unique, crazy and hipster beach in the Los Angeles area.  It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Therefore, get ready for the crowds.

If you want to enjoy the beach, you have about 2 miles to claim a spot.  

Most people go to Venice Beach, to observe the scene in The Boardwalk, a paved walkway that runs parallel to the ocean.  In there, you will find people biking, skating, rollerblading, dancing, exercising, sleeping, giving shows, selling goods, and doing other stuff.  

If you are into shopping and eating, you should definitely head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard or Rose Avenue.  Those thoroughfares have some of the best restaurants and shops in Los Angeles.

Murals and street art are big here too.  Have your camera ready since you are going to bump into many colorful pieces.

Distance from LAX: 6 miles (north)

Amenities: Fishing pier (no license requires to fish from the pier), showers, restrooms, potable water, low fountains for dogs, boardwalk, bike path, gym, basketball court, volleyball courts, handball court, paddle tennis court, skate park, playgrounds

Parking: Because of its popularity, there are plenty of public parking lots in Venice Beach.  You can follow the signs pointing to the different lots. The most coveted lot is located at 2100 Ocean Front.  Metered parking can be found on the streets but there are time restrictions (max of two hours which is not a lot).

Where to Eat:  On or close to The Boardwalk, you can eat at James’ Beach, El Huarique, Eggslut, or Venice Ale House.  On Abbot Kinney, I recommend Kreation Organic Cafe, The Butcher’s Daughter, Gjelina and Greenleaf.

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks:  There are plenty of places on The Boardwalk selling food and drinks.  There is a Ralphs Supermarket, Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Market on Lincoln Boulevard.

Read More: Things to Do in Venice Beach

Venice Beach Graffiti, Murals and Street Art

Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Restaurants and Shops

Beaches Close to LAX: El Segundo Beach

This is a quiet beach due to the fact that the sand is located in front of a refinery.  As you can imagine, this is not the prettiest background. Nevertheless, this is a clean beach that should be taken into consideration if all you want to do is to take a dip in the ocean or do a quick walk.

Distance from LAX: 5 miles (south)

Amenities: Volleyball courts, bike path, restrooms, showers

Parking: The main lot is located at 30225 W Grand Avenue

Where to Eat: The closest place to eat is Downtown El Segundo.  Or, you can take Vista del Mar south and find a place to eat in Manhattan Beach.

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks: There is a 7-Eleven off Imperial Highway (100 W Imperial), a Ralphs Grocery Store at Pacific Coast Highway and a 99 Cents Only Store in Downtown El Segundo.

Read More: Things to Do in El Segundo

Beaches Near LAX Aiport: Manhattan Beach 

Manhattan Beach is my top recommendation for beaches to visit close to LAX airport.

The Downtown area is full of top-notch restaurants, shops, and cafes.  You can wine taste, drink artisan beer or visit an independent book shop.

Also, I do not think you can beat the beautiful pier with a roundhouse on the tip.  Plus, there is an aquarium inside the roundhouse.

From the pier, you can walk to Hermosa Beach (2 miles each way) or to the northern part of the city.

And, talking about the northern part of the city, the beach in there is called El Porto and it has more of a surfing vibe.  There is plenty to eat and drink in that area too.

If the beach is not your thing, you can visit the Manhattan Beach Village, an indoor shopping and dining complex.

Once again, this is one of the best places to spend a couple of hours.

Distance from LAX: 5 miles (south)

Amenities: Pier, aquarium, volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, potable water, low fountains for dogs, bike path, park, small outdoor gym, food stand (El Porto), surfing-related rentals (El Porto).

Parking: There are plenty of parking lots in Downtown, El Porto and along the beach.  Follow the signs pointing to the public lots and garages. Parking on the street is metered but time restrictions apply.

Where to Eat: Some of Los Angeles’ best chefs have restaurants in Downtown Manhattan Beach.  If you want to get fancy, you need to check out the Manhattan Beach Post, The Strand House (this place has amazing views), The Arthur J and Fishing with Dynamite.  More budget-friendly options include Simmzy’s, BREWCO, and Pitfire Artisan Pizza. In the Manhattan Beach Village, Tin Roof Bistro is a delicious option.

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks: There are plenty of places to buy food and drinks along the beach.  There is a Vons Supermarket in Downtown Manhattan Beach.

Read More: Things to Do in Manhattan Beach

Beaches Close to LAX Airport: Hermosa Beach

I love Hermosa Beach and cannot recommend the city enough.  I may be impartial since I spend a lot of time here.

This is yet another city with a nice pier, tons of things to do, a Downtown full of shops and a lot of activity.  Residents and visitors congregate in the Pier Plaza, an open space surrounded by palm trees and all sorts of businesses.

From here, you can walk to Manhattan Beach (north) or Redondo Beach (south).  You can do the same route in a bike (there is a bike rental shop in Downtown).

The area comes to life at night since there are several restaurants, cafes, and bars close to the pier.  You will find good food and drink deals from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (weekdays).

Distance from LAX: 7 miles (south)

Amenities: Pier, pier plaza, restrooms, showers, park, bike path, bike rentals

Parking: There are plenty of parking lots in Downtown and along the beach.  Follow the signs pointing to the public lots and garages. The main municipal parking structure is located on 13th Street.

Where to Eat: My favorite places to eat include Tower 12, Greenbelt, The Standing Room and Dia de Campo.

Where to Buy Groceries/Snacks:  There are plenty of places to buy food and drinks near the pier.  There is a liquor store (Roberts) in the Pier Plaza and a Vons Supermarket at Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.

Read More: Hermosa Beach Restaurants

Hermosa Beach: Things to Do, See and Eat

As you can see, there is a substantial number of options when it comes to beaches located near LAX.  Visit one or a many as you want!

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