Los Angeles County is a massive area home to over 10 million people and offers 76 miles of shoreline. This unique Pacific Oceanfront setting is a huge part of the city of angels’ enduring appeal. With picturesque beaches and some of the best surfing and waterfront real estate in the nation, there is nowhere in the world quite like LA.
Part of what makes LA so unique is how each area feels so distinct from one another. Many LA neighborhoods may only be miles apart, but they can feel like different worlds. Let’s look at five unique LA beachfront communities, each with distinct vibes, offering residents incredible California lifestyles.
Malibu
Malibu is located in Los Angeles’ west, a beach city famed for its wealthy celebrity residents. Malibu has some of the most luxurious waterfront real estate in the United States, with homes here costing a small fortune. It is only fitting that it is one of the most beautiful locations in Southern California.
Malibu has incredible hiking trails that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding city and ocean. The Santa Monica Mountains are a weekend hotspot, but the city’s beaches are its standout feature. Zuma Beach is a large beach popular amongst surfers and boaters, and Surfrider Beach is known for having the best waves around. Malibu is a quieter beach community with luxury homes and incredible views.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the premier tourist destinations in the Los Angeles area, a city on the water with abundant entertainment options. Santa Monica is one of the city’s primary dining and nightlife destinations, with trendy restaurants and bars throughout. Its waterfront is an appealing but crowded area, highlighted by Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic LA landmark, with the Pacific Park Amusement Park, and the area is filled with different well-known hotspots. Muscle Beach is where many bodybuilders have gotten their start, and the area has a premier art scene with top-notch galleries and museums. It is one of the most visited areas of LA and has stunning waterfront homes.
Venice
Venice is situated alongside Santa Monica and has a very distinct feel from the rest of the city. Venice is decidedly more grounded, with a chic urban feel and an anything-goes culture. Venice has a much artier vibe while still being filled with luxury shops and residences. There are skate parks, street art, street performers, and hipster coffee shops. The people that congregate in Venice tend to be free-spirit and stylish young Angelenos.
Venice Beach is a palm tree-dotted beach near Marina Del Rey, where many incredible boats are held. It is a picturesque beach where you can always expect to see buskers and an interesting crowd of individuals that embody the area’s spirit.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is removed from the large crowds and tourism of Venice and Santa Monica. It has a distinct feel that is removed from the bright lights and noise of the big city. It is a family-friendly place to live with classic California homes, including some stunning modern beachfront properties that need to be seen to be believed. It has numerous boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and public parks.
The beach itself is a large sprawl of picturesque coastline with great surfing. The Strand, a beachfront biking trail, is lined with some of the most stunning properties in Los Angeles, each with picture-perfect beach views. It is a quiet but beautiful LA destination.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is situated only a short distance from Manhattan in the South Bay region of LA County. Redondo is a beach city known for its incredible aquatic life, great surfing, and calm atmosphere. Redondo has incredible parks along the water, including Miramar Park, and a quiet suburban feel that makes it great for families. Commuting to the city isn’t hard, but Redondo feels separate and quiet.
There are few better places in LA County to ride waves or catch a sunrise, and this area has been called one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems. Homes are slightly more affordable here than in places like Manhattan, Malibu, and Santa Monica, but just as picturesque.
