Spring has sprung and sometimes Sunset Rec isn’t enough to fulfill the need to soak up some rays. For those Bruins who would rather hit the beach, Los Angeles has plenty to choose from. Each beach in LA offers different perks so you might want to switch it up depending on your mood.
For those days when you can’t decide what to do, head to the Santa Monica Pier. Not only is it easily accessible by Big Blue Bus, it is also surrounded by shopping, dining and amusement park rides. When you tire of roller-coasters and the new Santa Monica Place mall, head to the beach, where there is sure to be plenty of space for you and your friends to spread out.
Venice Beach also offers plenty to do if laying out is not a top priority. Meet plenty of interesting and unique people as you check out the hundreds of vendors and performers that line the beach. Make sure to visit the graffiti wall and see what local artists have been up to lately.
For a more exclusive beach day, round up a couple close friends and head to Paradise Cove in Malibu. There is a per person entrance fee of $5 for those who walk down to the beach or a $25 per car parking fee. Not only will the crowds be less of an issue but you’ll be able to see where surfers battled paparazzi who were following Matthew McConaughey in 2008 and where shows such as The OC were filmed.
If you’re looking for a free day in Malibu make your way to El Matador Beach. Not only is it great for laying out, but it also has beautiful sea caves for exploring. Since there is nowhere nearby to grab lunch, pack some food and plenty of sunscreen. Zuma Beach is also a cheap option for Malibu, as the only cost is parking. This beach is the best if you and your crew plan on swimming as it consistently has clean water. If the name sounds familiar its probably because Gwen Stefani named her youngest son after this beach, which she can sometimes be spotted at.
If you want to head further south both Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are less than a half an hour away without traffic or an hour with it. Both will most likely require you to pay for parking unless you luck out on an unmetered spot so bring dollars and quarters for your visit. These are both best for those days when you want to get out and be active, as both have volleyball nets, swimming and bike paths.
When it comes to choosing a beach in Los Angeles you can’t go wrong, so ditch Westwood for the day and take advantage of all of the sand that this city has to offer!
Pictures:
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http://www.bugbog.com/images/beaches/best-america-beaches/california-venice-beach-boat.jpg
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http://www.cherylhummel.com/images/manbeach.jpg