Beach Season in Los Angeles 2025
The Pacific Ocean is cold, with huge waves, but the beaches are excellent for sunbathing and entertainment
Best time: late May–September
The Pacific Ocean is very cold in the Los Angeles area, even in the summer and the waves are huge. Nevertheless, during the summer heat, a lot of tourists still swim in the cool water whereas locals are engaged mostly in surfing or diving. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, and other resort delights on local beaches, but some include plenty of entertainment. Among the most popular sunbathing spots is Santa Monica Beach. With beach volleyball, swimming, surfing, and even chess, Santa Monica Beach is a refuge for those who are looking for outdoor activities. Just take sunscreen and money for parking (it is not cheap here).
Venice Beach is recognized as the best beach in all ratings. It's not just a place where you can lie on the snow-white sand, getting a bronze tan. Venice Beach is an interesting place in itself! It is never boring, there is a constant cool vibe, events, and parties are going on non-stop. Another famous thing is the Muscle Beach sports park. It has separate areas for acrobatics and gymnastics and hosts lots of bodybuilders. Venice Ocean Front Walk is four kilometres long. It has a developed infrastructure with shops, restaurants, and cafes. A concrete area for skaters and roller skaters is located nearby. On the beach promenade, there are always some mini-concerts of small amateur music groups or stray musicians.
Malibu is another unique location. Along the beach, there are many sports grounds, showers, as well as various restaurants and cafes. Here you can also hire a boat to see the whales and dolphins in the Pacific Ocean. Check out the real open ocean which should be visited by all guests of Los Angeles!
The best time for a beach holiday in Los Angeles is summer season starting from late May to September (and sometimes October). The hottest months are July to September. At the same time, if you don't crave for swimming, you may come anytime.
Practical info
Where are the best places to surf in Los Angeles?
Surfing in Los Angeles is popular at Malibu Beach and Manhattan Beach. At Malibu Beach, visitors can enjoy a range of facilities, including sports grounds, showers and on-beach food outlets. Manhattan Beach is particularly good for beginners as it offers surfing lessons and rentals. Venice Beach is also a great place for surfing, making it the perfect destination for watersport enthusiasts of all levels.
When is the best time to visit the Malibu beach for boating tours?
If you're planning to visit Malibu Beach for boating tours, it's best to go during the summer months, between late May and October. This is the peak season for whale and dolphin watching. Visitors can expect to see plenty of marine life, and the conditions at this time of year are perfect for boating tours, as the Pacific Ocean is calmer and warmer than at other times of the year.
What are the water activities available along Venice Ocean Front Walk?
The Venice Ocean Front Walk provides visitors with plenty of water-based activities to enjoy. In addition to surfing, the beach is also a great spot for boogie boarding, bodyboarding, swimming, skimboarding, and paddleboarding. Rental outlets along the beach provide affordable rental rates for surfboards, boogie boards, and paddleboards. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities and are sure to find something to suit their tastes on the Venice Ocean Front Walk.
Where can tourists find beach entertainment outside of swimming and sunbathing in Santa Monica Beach?
Santa Monica Beach is not just a sunbathing destination; it offers a range of entertainment options for visitors. Beach volleyball, surfing, kite surfing, and chess are popular beach activities, as are bicycle rentals for those who want to enjoy a leisurely beach cruise. Pacific Park is an amusement park located on Santa Monica Beach, featuring numerous attractions, including the historic Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and other modern rides that are sure to appeal to adults and children alike.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles if not for swimming?
Los Angeles is a great destination for tourists, even if swimming is not on the agenda. Visitors can enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, including museums, galleries, and Hollywood Studios, throughout the year. The best time to visit is between April and May when the weather is mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It's best to avoid the city from June to August when the weather is sweltering, and tourists are at their peak, making it challenging to enjoy the city's attractions fully.
