Beach day from Hollywood Hills

Question

You're staying off of Mulholland and want a beach day. Where do you go?

We're thinking Santa Monica, and will definitely be going there at some point anyway for non-beach reasons, but are there better options for a beach day?

Answer

If you’re staying in the Hollywood Hills and want a dedicated beach day, Santa Monica is a classic choice, but it’s not the only option. Your decision will depend on what kind of beach vibe you want, whether you’re looking for crowds and activities, or something more relaxed and scenic.

1. Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach is iconic, with a wide sandy shore, easy access from the city, and plenty of amenities. The pier offers rides, games, and restaurants, and the nearby Third Street Promenade is great for shopping and dining. The beach itself is relatively flat and family-friendly, and it’s good for swimming and sunbathing. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends.

Parking is available but can be expensive or limited; early arrival helps.
Beach rentals (chairs, umbrellas) and lifeguards are present.
Nearby cafes and restaurants are abundant.

2. Venice Beach

Just south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach has a more eclectic, bohemian vibe. The boardwalk is famous for street performers, Muscle Beach, skate parks, and local shops. The sand area is wide but can be crowded; it’s popular with tourists.

Good for people-watching and soaking up LA culture.
Not as calm for swimming due to crowds and surfers near the shore.
Parking can be tight; consider public lots or street parking.

3. Malibu Beaches

If you want a more scenic and less crowded beach experience, Malibu offers beautiful coastline with dramatic cliffs and calmer stretches. Popular Malibu beaches for a day trip include:

Zuma Beach: Wide, sandy, and ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and walking. Large parking lot makes it convenient, and it’s less crowded than Santa Monica.
El Matador State Beach: Famous for sea caves and rock formations. The beach is smaller, requires descending stairs, but is incredibly scenic and perfect for photos or a romantic vibe. Swimming is possible but the waves can be strong.
Point Dume State Beach: Expansive sand and bluff trails; quieter than Zuma. Great for strolling, exploring, and spotting marine life.

4. Manhattan Beach / Hermosa Beach / Redondo Beach (South Bay)

If you prefer a traditional Southern California beach town with a laid-back feel, these South Bay beaches are excellent choices. They offer good sand, volleyball courts, walking paths, and a more local vibe.

Manhattan Beach: Trendy, clean, upscale feel, good restaurants nearby.
Hermosa Beach: Youthful, energetic, with a lively pier and boardwalk.
Redondo Beach: Family-friendly, calm, and has a marina area for dining and activities.

Travel and Timing Considerations

From Mulholland, Santa Monica is typically 25–40 minutes drive without heavy traffic. Malibu beaches can take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded for popular beaches.
Parking can be a challenge at all popular beaches; plan ahead and consider paid lots if available.
For a more relaxed, scenic day, Malibu or South Bay beaches are better than Santa Monica or Venice, which are more touristy.

Summary Recommendations:

If you want iconic, convenient, and lively: Santa Monica or Venice Beach.
If you want scenic, quieter, and more photogenic: Malibu beaches (Zuma, El Matador, Point Dume).
If you want a classic beach town feel: Manhattan, Hermosa, or Redondo Beach.

In short, Santa Monica is great for a full-day beach and city experience, but for a true “beach day escape,” Malibu or the South Bay beaches provide a more relaxed, scenic alternative while still being accessible from the Hollywood Hills.

Beach day from Hollywood Hills

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