Which Beach from LA?

[queenarmadillo]

On our visit to LA, I would like to make a day-trip to one of the beaches nearby. Currently the trip is planned without a car, but I can rent one for the day if necessary.

There are just the two of us, no kids. Any suggestions on which beach is best (mainly for general sunbathing / swimming in the sea (do people do that in LA?), although interesting pier or surfers to watch or something might be nice)). I would prefer one that is accessible by public transport, but if one is much better than the others then can just get a car for it.

 

[lap3]

That's a tough one because there are many nice beaches throughout Southern California. If you're staying near LAX, then I would probably consider Manhattan or Hermosa Beach. Those are some of the more popular places to visit. Where exactly are you staying?

 

[queenarmadillo]

We're staying pretty much in central hollywood.

 

[casaazul]

Santa Monica is probably a good bet for you. There is public bus transportation to and from Hollywood area. I found a bunch of info on the Santa Monica dot com!

There also is the train that could take you further south, clear to Oceanside! That could be fun too!

 

[tracys2cents]

From Hollywood, both Malibu and Santa Monica are accessible by bus...it is a long slow trip but with a window seat quite interesting as you ride through the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, etc. Malibu would be best if you just want to pack a lunch for the day and sunbathe/ relax. Santa Monica would be better if you want to also shop, eat in a restaurant, stay into the night and walk around etc.

There is a tourist booth at the Hollywood & Highland Renaissance Hotel with bus info, maps etc. You can also map out a route at mta.net by putting in your starting address and ending address.

Budget.com in Hollywood might have a good rate for a 24 hour car rental. (rates are better if you book ahead rather than walk-up same-day). You could see Bev Hills etc, drive out to the ocean, head north and drive the coast all the way up to Ventura Beach or even to beautiful (and well-worth the 2 hour drive) Santa Barbara. A sunset ride back to Hollywood would be lovely. Weekday is probably best because the drive is busy on summer weekends. Leave Hollywood around 10:30am and leave Santa Barbara on the return after 7pm (to avoid heavy L.A. traffic on the freeway drive back to Hollywood).