Surf’s Out: A Guide To Four Iconic L.A. Beaches

Los Angeles has some of best surf, sand, and sun to be had. Here are four of our favorite spots for seaside fun.

Will Rogers in the Pacific Palisades

Sometimes lovingly referred to as "Ginger Rogers" by native Angelinos, Will Rogers is the city's unofficial gay beach. This is a great destination for swimming, finding a pickup volleyball game, or cruising bangin' beach bodies in barely-there swim trunks. More information here.

Venice Beach in Venice
Venice beach is less about swimming in the ocean and more about people watching. From the battalion of street performers to the sidewalk psychics, the eccentrically outfitted to the pumped up bodybuilders of Muscle Beach, expect to find some pretty quirky characters. More information here.

El Matador State Beach in Malibu
This pocket beach's isolated location and rocky Northern California-like shore provides a little escape from its more-crowded SoCal cousins. If you and your significant other are looking for a secluded and stunning place to stroll the shore and dip your toes in the water, this is it.More information here.

Sanata Monica Pier in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier and surrounding beach are instantly recognizable from countless movies and TV shows. The beach itself can easily crowd with families during the weekends, but Santa Monica is still our pick because of its date-friendly activities. Enjoy an after dinner walk along the shore, a ride on the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel or, if you want to try something really daring, trapeze lessons for a swing above the pier.More information here.