Los Angeles coastline has many beautiful beaches just waiting for your next family adventure. With sun-kissed sands, gentle waves, and a variety of nearby attractions, LA’s beaches are the perfect setting for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you prefer to spend the day chilling in some coastal pursuits or having fun at the beachside eateries, plenty will keep you occupied.
Here’s your complete guide to the best family-friendly beaches in Los Angeles, filled with insider tips and essential know-before-you-go info to help you plan the ultimate beach day.
How to Enjoy Beach Days in Los Angeles
Los Angeles beaches are more than stretches of sand — they are bustling communities brimming with beach culture, history, and activities for all ages. With miles of coast, there are beaches suitable for toddlers, busy piers, calm waters, and loads of family-friendly attractions.
Each beach is different and provides ways to relax and explore with ready access to food, parking, and clean restrooms.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is the gem of Los Angeles’ shoreline. With 3.5 miles of palm-lined, lifeguard-stationed sands, this is a popular local and tourist beach. The Santa Monica Pier, a landmark of the city’s beach culture, attracts families from near and far.
Its famous Ferris wheel, carousel, and Pacific Park amusement area add some old-fashioned flair to the pier, built in 1909.
Kids will love the arcade and Heal the Bay Aquarium beneath the pier. Active families can stroll or bike along the nearby Strand walking and biking trail to soak up the atmosphere. So the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles offer you it.
Santa Monica, also be sure of ministry accessibility: convenient parking lots, ramps — all necessary infrastructure for strollers and wheelchairs.
Family Beach Activities: Riding the Ferris wheel, visiting the aquarium, biking along the Strand, building sandcastles at the shore available for visitor of the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Nearby Attractions: The family-friendly restaurants and shops at Third Street Promenade, as well as the Annenberg Community Beach House, which features a playground, splash pad and art exhibits.
BEACH SAFETY TIP: Stay within reach of lifeguard stations and watch out for posted flags, which signal that waves are stronger at times.
Mother’s Beach (Marina Del Rey)
Shaded, sheltered, and safe, Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey is among the most snooze-worthy getaways for families. Unlike ocean beaches, this inlet has wave-free swimming areas, perfect for toddlers and young children if you search the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Shallow waters, sedate picnic areas and lifeguards in the busy hours make a visit relaxing for parents for the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Pack a picnic or visit one of the nearby cafes for snacks and casual meals. If your family enjoys adventure, adding paddleboards or kayaks to your day is a great way to explore the marina.
Family Beach Activities: Paddle & Explore the Shallow End + Swim in Shady Playground + Snack Under Trees.
Nearby Attractions: Boat rentals and scenic tours from Marina Harbor; or sunset views of the marina from the nearby Burton Chace Park.
Ideal For: Families with little swimmers or non-swimmers for the people who engage in the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Manhattan Beach
One of the best family-friendly beaches in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach epitomizes sophistication and relaxation. Famed for its immaculate sands and relaxed but chic scene, Manhattan Beach is a family-favorite destination. At the end of the pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium is an ideal place to explore local marine archaeology with children.
Beyond its beaches, there are plenty of dining options in Manhattan Beach, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants that are family-friendly. After spending the morning at the beach, walk downtown to reward the kids with handcrafted ice cream at Manhattan Beach Creamery or sit down for a bite.
Active families will enjoy biking or walking along the Strand, with volleyball courts bringing a layer of fun for older kids and parents, too.
Marine Life at the Aquarium – Sandcastles – Volleyball – Beachcombing
Nearby Attractions: The expansive grounds of Polliwog Park have duck ponds and playgrounds and make for a good post-beach excursion.
Ideal For: Families looking for an active fun / relaxation balance, with excellent dining those are interested in the best Family-Friendly beaches in Los Angeles.
Zuma Beach
Head to Zuma Beach for Malibu’s beautiful coastline and relaxed vibe. Known for its long beachfront, clean facilities and quiet waters, Zuma is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Los Angeles spots in Southern California.
Lifeguards patrol for safety, and there are four parking lots for easy access.
Kids will have fun splashing in the mild surf and looking out for wildlife — dolphins are often seen from the shore, and the pelicans fly overhead. Snack bars are on hand nearby to keep the energy up for a full day of fun in the sun.
Beach activities with family: Swimming, beach games, picnics, and dolphin watching.
Nearby Attractions: For a brief hike with sweeping views of Malibu, explore Point Dume Nature Preserve or stop for fresh fare at one of the coast’s many spots like Malibu Farm Cafe.
Perfect For: Families looking for a scenic getaway within Los Angeles County if they want the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach has energy and variety perfect for active families. This fun and friendly beach is an ideal mix of sports, strolling, and exploration. With a flat shoreline and the inviting promenade “The Strand,” it’s stroller or bike friendly in case of the best family-friendly beaches in Los Angeles.
The beach is great for kids who enjoy beach volleyball courts or large open areas where they can play fun games like kite flying and frisbee. The nearby downtown area offers a mix of casual restaurants, boutique shopping, and ice cream shops to complete the day.
Family Beach Fun: Walking or biking The Strand, playing beach volleyball, live entertainment during Hermosa Beach’s summer events.
Nearby Attractions: Visit the Hermosa Historical Museum for some fun stories from the area’s past, or head to nearby Redondo Beach for more family fun.
Ideal for: Families who like a mix of activity and relaxation, with lots of amenities nearby.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is a family favorite for adventurous outings. Situated in Malibu, the beach has tide pools, sea caves and rocky reefs ripe for exploration. It’s an interactive, educational location where children can discover starfish, crabs and types of marine plants.
In addition to its natural beauty, the beach offers picnic tables, lifeguards, and a serene ambiance, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. For those who crave more than a day at the beach, the nearby Leo Carrillo Campgrounds welcomes overnight visitors with coastal access, hiking trails and campfire storytelling.
Family Beach Activities: Marine exploration, hiking, snorkeling.
Nearby Attractions: The Malibu Country Mart has excellent family-friendly dining and shopping nearby.
Best for: Nature lovers who want an adventurous beach day.
Dockweiler State Beach
Known for its bonfire pits, Dockweiler State Beach is a multipurpose destination with activities from sunrise to sunset. Families can swim and kite and bike by day, then move into relaxing evenings where Juan and Emily roast marshmallows over the fire.
With RV camping facilities behind the beach and sprawling parking, the beach is welcoming for day trips or overnight stays. Dockweiler’s proximity to LAX also gives it a unique spot for plane enthusiasts — the kids love to watch planes fly overhead.
Family Beach Fun: Flying kites, bonfire gatherings and swimming with lifeguards on duty.
Nearby Attractions: El Segundo’s parks and recreation facilities offer more activities for families staying in the area.
Best For: Families looking to combine an active day on the beach with an unforgettable evening next to the fire.
How to Enjoy Los Angeles Best Family-Friendly Beaches
Budget for parking: Lots at several beaches charge a fee, but they fill up quickly. Come early for best access to enjoy the best Family-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles.
Pack for Comfort: Bring along sunscreen, beach towels, umbrellas, lots of water, and snacks to keep the entire family content during a day on the beach.
Stay Close to Lifeguard Posts: Los Angeles’ beaches are extensively patrolled, but remaining in areas supervised by lifeguards adds a bit of extra safety for young swimmers.
Choose the Right Beach: Think about what your family needs — calm waters for little ones, perhaps, or other amenities like playgrounds and dining options for a full day by the water.
Make a Trip out of It: Most beaches are near a host of attractions, from walking trails and museums to an aquarium or two — ideal for maximizing your visit.
conclusion
Los Angeles’ coastline offers everything from raucous piers to tranquil inlets, perfect for families searching for sun, fun and adventure.
With this guide to the best family -friendly beaches in Los Angeles, you’re all set to make some unforgettable memories with laughter, exploration, and relaxation.
Pack your gear, make your way to the coast and experience the magic of LA’s shores!
