Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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MALIBU LAGOON STATE BEACH
Not just a pr etty white-sand beach, but an
estuary and wetlands area as well, Malibu Lagoon is the historic home of the Chumash
Indians. The entrance is on the P acific Coast H ighway (Calif. 1) south of C ross Creek
Road, and ther e's a small admission charge. M arine life and shor ebirds teem wher e the
creek empties into the sea, and the waves are always mild. The historic
Adamson House
is here, a showplace of Malibu tile now operating as a museum.
SURFRIDER BEACH
Without a doubt, L.A.'s best waves roll ashore here. One of the
city's most popular sur fing spots, this beach is located betw een the Malibu Pier and the
lagoon. In surf lingo, few “locals-only” wave wars are ever fought here—surfing is not as
territorial her e as it can be in other ar eas, wher e out-of-to wners can be made to feel
unwelcome. Surfrider is surrounded by all of Malibu's hustle and bustle; don't come here
for peace and quiet as the sur f is always crowded.
TOPANGA STATE BEACH
Highway noise prevents solitude at this short, narrow strip
of sand located wher e Topanga Canyon Boulevard emerges fr om the mountains. Why
go? Ask the surfers who wait in line to catchTopanga's excellent right point breaks. There
are r estrooms and lifeguar d ser vices her e, and acr oss the str eet y ou'll find one of the
best fr esh fish r estaurants ar ound, the
Reel I nn,
18661 P acific Coast Hwy ., M alibu
(
&
310/456-8221
).
WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH
Three miles along the P acific Coast Highway (Calif.
1), between Sunset Boulevard and the Santa Monica border, are named for the American
humorist whose ranch-turned-state-historic-par k (see “L.A. P arks, G ardens, Views &
Zoos,” p. 187) is nestled abo ve the palisades that pr ovide the backdrop for this popular
beach. A pay par king lot extends the entir e length of the beach, and facilities include
restrooms, lifeguards, and a snack hut in season. While the sur fing is not the best, the
waves are friendly for swimmers, and there are always competitive volleyball games to be
found.
SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH
The family-friendly beaches on either side of the
Santa Monica Pier (see “Oceanside Delights,” p. 156) are popular for their white sands
and accessibility. There ar e big par king lots, cafes, and w ell-maintained r estrooms. A
paved path r uns along the beach, allo wing y ou to walk, bike, or skate to Venice and
points south. Colorado Boulev ard leads to the pier; turn nor th on the P acific Coast
Highway (Calif. 1) belo w the coastline's bluffs, or south along O cean Avenue; you can
find parking in both directions.
VENICE BEACH
Moving south from the city of Santa Monica, the paved pedes-
trian P romenade becomes O cean F ront Walk and gets pr ogressively w eirder until it
reaches an apex at Washington Boulevard and the Venice fishing pier. Although there are
people who swim and sunbathe, Venice Beach's character is defined by the sea of human-
ity on the O cean Front Walk, plus the bevy of boar dwalk v endors and old-fashioned
pedestrian str eets a block away (see “O ceanside D elights,” p . 156). P ark on the side
streets or in the plentiful lots w est of Pacific Avenue.
MANHATTAN STATE BEACH
The Beach Boys used to hang out at this wide, friendly
beach backed b y beautiful oceanvie w homes. P lenty of par king on 36 blocks of side
streets (btw. Rosecrans Ave. and the Hermosa Beach border) draws weekend crowds from
the L.A. area. Manhattan has some of the best sur fing around as well as restrooms, life-
guards, and volleyball courts. Manhattan Beach Boulevard leads west to the fishing pier
and adjacent seafood restaurants.
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