Los Angeles, the city of angels, is renowned for its sunny weather, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. If you’re flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and have some time to spare, you’re in luck. There are several beautiful beaches near LAX that you can explore. Here’s a guide to some of the best ones:
1. Dockweiler Beach
Dockweiler Beach is the closest beach to LAX, located just under 4 miles away. This beach is a long, narrow strip that stretches for about 3.75 miles. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach volleyball. The beach also has fire pits for bonfires, making it a popular spot for evening gatherings.
Dockweiler Beach is unique because it’s one of the few places in Los Angeles County where you can have a bonfire right on the sand. The beach also offers RV camping, hang gliding, and a bike path. It’s a great place to watch planes take off and land at LAX, which is just north of the beach.
Find Best Parking Near Dockweiler Beach
Dockweiler Beach offers ample parking options with several lots, including RV spaces, available for a fee. Onsite parking can be expensive due to high demand from the large crowds that frequent the beach, especially on weekends and holidays. Offsite parking lots are a convenient alternative, often providing shuttle services to the beach and more affordable rates.
| Parking Lot | Distance From Dockweiler Beach | Parking Rate |
| Hyatt Place Los Angeles LAX El Segundo | 2.81 miles | $18/ day |
| AC Hotel By Marriott Los Angeles South Bay | 2.84 miles | $15/ day |
| Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport | 3.14 miles | $13.95/ day |
2. Playa Del Rey Beach
Just south of Dockweiler Beach, you’ll find Playa Del Rey Beach. This beach is a quieter, less crowded option, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast.
Playa Del Rey Beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views. The beach is surrounded by rolling hills and upscale homes, giving it a secluded feel. It’s a great place to relax, swim, or have a picnic. The beach also has a bike path that runs along the coast, making it a popular spot for cycling and rollerblading.
Parking Near Playa Del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey Beach provides plenty of paid parking options due to its popularity, especially on weekends and holidays. Offsite lots offer cheaper rates compared to onsite parking and ensure the safety of your vehicle during your beach visit.
| Parking Lot | Distance From Playa Del Rey Beach | Parking Rate |
| Marina Del Rey Hotel | 1.95 miles | $18/ day |
| Jamaica Bay Inn Marina Del Rey | 2.19 miles | $15/ day |
3. El Segundo Beach
El Segundo Beach is a bit further south, but still within a short drive from LAX. This beach is a peaceful, uncrowded spot that’s perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
El Segundo Beach is less developed than some of the other beaches near LAX, giving it a more natural feel. The beach is backed by sand dunes and a large grassy area, making it a great place for picnics. The water is clean and clear, making it a popular spot for swimming and surfing.
Parking Near El Segundo Beach
| Parking Lot | Distance From El Segundo Beach | Parking Rate |
| The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach | 1.99 miles | $15/ day |
| Hyatt Place Los Angeles LAX El Segundo | 2.5 miles | $18/ day |
| AC Hotel By Marriott Los Angeles South Bay | 2.5 miles | $15/ day |
4. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles. It’s a bit further from LAX, but it’s worth the drive. The beach is wide and sandy, with the iconic Santa Monica Pier at its northern end.
Santa Monica Beach is a great place to spend the day. You can relax on the sand, swim in the ocean, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. The beach is also home to the original Muscle Beach, a popular outdoor gym that’s been a fixture of the Santa Monica beach scene since the 1930s.
Parking Near Santa Monica Beach
| Parking Lot | Distance From Santa Monica Beach | Parking Rate |
| Shore Hotel | 0.2 miles | $10/ day |
| JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot | 0.3 miles | $10/ day |
5. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is known for its vibrant boardwalk, where you’ll find street performers, artists, and vendors. The beach itself is wide and sandy, with plenty of space to relax.
Venice Beach is a great place to watch people. The boardwalk is always bustling with activity, and there’s always something interesting to see. You can also visit the Venice Skate Park, where you can watch skaters perform tricks, or the Venice Canals, which were designed to mimic the canals of Venice, Italy.
Parking Near Venice Beach
| Parking Lot | Distance From Venice Beach | Parking Rate |
| JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot | 1.2 miles | $10/ day |
| Jamaica Bay Inn Marina Del Rey | 1.5 miles | $10/ day |
| Shore Hotel | 1.5 miles | $10/ day |
Finding parking near Venice Beach can be tricky, especially during peak seasons when early arrival is essential. Due to Los Angeles’ car-centric culture and Venice Beach’s popularity among both locals and tourists, parking spaces are in high demand. To avoid frustration, consider reserving a spot at one of the conveniently located parking lots or garages offering affordable rates.
Distance to the Beaches from LAX Airport
| Beaches | Distance From LAX Airport |
| Dockweiler Beach | 4.7 Miles (14 Mins) |
| Playa Del Rey Beach | 7.3 Miles (23 Mins) |
| El Segundo Beach | 6.8 Miles (16 Mins) |
| Santa Monica Beach | 9.1 Miles (25 Mins) |
| Venice Beach | 7.5 Miles (23 Mins) |
Getting to the Beaches from LAX
The beaches near LAX are easily accessible by car, and there are plenty of parking options available. If you prefer not to drive, you can also take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Some beaches are also accessible by public transportation. For example, you can take the Metro Green Line from LAX to the Aviation/LAX Station, then transfer to the Metro Bus Line 232 to get to Dockweiler Beach.
While it’s not practical to walk to the beaches from LAX due to the distance and heavy traffic, once you’re at the beach, you’ll find that many of them are connected by the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, a 22-mile bike path that runs along the coast. This makes it easy to explore multiple beaches in one day.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, a spot for outdoor activities, or a beach with a lively atmosphere, you’ll find it near LAX. So why wait? Start planning your beach adventure today!