Dockweiler State Beach
El Segundo, CA
Dockweiler runs for miles along El Segundo and Playa del Rey with more than 2,000 fee parking spaces, making it one of the easiest big LA beaches to actually get into on a crowded day. Fire pits line the sand for evening bonfires, an RV park sits at the north end, and jets landing at LAX pass low overhead the whole way down, close enough that plane-spotting is basically part of the experience.
The parking capacity alone makes it a reliable choice when other LA beaches are slammed, even if the LAX flight path isn't for everyone.
How we score beachesThe fire pits are first-come, first-served and go fast on weekend evenings, get there before sunset if a bonfire is the plan.
Multiple fee lots along the length of the beach, with far more capacity than most LA beaches.
Paved paths and ramps connect the lots to the sand.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Dockweiler State Beach, with pet access limited to the adjacent RV park.
Consistent onshore wind in the afternoons keeps this stretch breezier than beaches further south, worth knowing if wind bothers you.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.