🌊☀️ Beach Vibes: One Perfect Day on the Coast in Los Angeles

From the moment the sun peeks over the palm trees to the last golden glimmer on the Pacific, Los Angeles delivers endless summer energy. This one-day itinerary is your guide to soaking up the best of LA’s laid-back coastal lifestyle—surf, sand, bites, and boutique stays included. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an LA regular, this “Beach Vibes” day will have you living the California dream from sunrise to sunset.

🌅 Morning: Start with Sunrise and Smoothies in Santa Monica

Wake up near the water at Shutters on the Beach, a luxury beachfront hotel with classic coastal charm, or the chic and modern Hotel Casa del Mar, both just steps from the sand.

Kick off your day with a sunrise stroll along the Santa Monica Pier—watch early surfers carve waves and joggers hit the path. For breakfast, head to Urth Caffé on Main Street for organic coffee and an acai bowl, or opt for Bluestone Lane, which brings Aussie café culture to LA’s coast with bright interiors, friendly service, and fresh, wholesome breakfast options. Think avocado smash on multigrain toast, breakfast burritos, cold-pressed juices, and expertly crafted flat whites.

Local tip: Rent a cruiser bike and ride The Strand bike path, which stretches for miles along the ocean.

🏖️ Late Morning: Beach Bliss in Venice

After breakfast, pedal or Uber south to Venice Beach, where street performers, skaters, and surfers create the perfect LA energy mix.

Head to Venice Breakwater if you want to catch some waves or sunbathe by the action. Stroll Abbot Kinney Boulevard for shopping—don’t miss local favorites like Burro and Marine Layer for beachy fashion and home goods.

🌮 Lunch: Elevated Tacos by the Ocean

Fuel up at Great White, a laid-back, design-forward café across from Venice Beach serving crispy fish tacos, grain bowls, and fresh juices. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk over to Gjusta in Venice’s Rose District for a more eclectic, deli-style spread with smoked fish, seasonal veggies, and house-baked sourdough.

Pro tip: Grab a to-go coffee from Menotti’s for the next leg of your adventure.

🌴 Afternoon: Malibu Magic

Hop in the car and take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway north to Malibu—one of LA’s most iconic coastal drives. Stop at El Matador Beach for jaw-dropping sea cliffs, caves, and the perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

Spend some quiet time sunbathing or tide pooling, or if you prefer a luxe scene, book a daybed at Malibu Beach Inn or lunch at Nobu Malibu if you skipped earlier eats—both offer oceanfront elegance with serious star-spotting potential.

🌇 Sunset: Golden Hour at Palisades Bluff or The Getty Villa

As golden hour hits, head back south to Palisades Park in Santa Monica for panoramic ocean views framed by swaying palms and cliffs. If you have time, detour to The Getty Villa for Mediterranean art and architecture set against the sea.

🍽️ Dinner: Seaside Dining & LA Flavor

For dinner, make your way to Élephante in Santa Monica, where you can dine on coastal Italian dishes like whipped eggplant and wood-fired pizzas while overlooking the Pacific. The vibe is chic, the cocktails are crisp, and the rooftop terrace is unbeatable.

Other top dinner picks:

• Water Grill – Seafood-forward fine dining in a beautiful beachside setting
• The Lobster – A Santa Monica staple known for—you guessed it—lobster and sunset views
• Scopa Italian Roots – A little farther inland in Venice, this buzzing spot delivers bold Italian-American flavors with neighborhood energy

🍸 Evening: Nightcap With Ocean Breezes

Wrap up your perfect beach day with a nightcap at Bungalow Santa Monica—a cozy, coastal-inspired lounge with string lights, fireplaces, and vintage surf decor. The crowd is lively, and the drinks are strong with a salty-sweet finish.

Or, head to Venice Whaler, a chill beach bar with rooftop views and a casual crowd—ideal if you want to keep it low-key but fun.

🛏️ Where to Stay by the Beach

• Shutters on the Beach – Elegant, oceanfront, and just the right amount of nostalgic
• Hotel Casa del Mar – Sophisticated luxury with prime sunset views
• The Proper Hotel Santa Monica – Stylish and modern, just a short walk from the beach
• The Venice V Hotel – Boutique, artistic, and perfectly situated for Venice adventures

🧭 Quick Tips for Beach Day Success

• Bring layers—mornings and evenings cool down near the water.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you plan to swim or surf.
• Parking in Venice and Malibu can fill up quickly—plan ahead or rideshare.
• Want to extend the vibes? Book a surf lesson, stand-up paddle rental, or outdoor yoga class by the beach.

☀️ With a beach towel in hand and salty breeze in your hair, LA’s coastline invites you to slow down, soak it in, and stay awhile. One day in Los Angeles isn’t nearly enough—but it’s a start to falling for the rhythm of Southern California’s shore.

🌅 Make every moment count in this coastal haven with Sunrise to Sunset in Laguna Beach: Art, Ocean, and Sunset Splendor. From early-morning ocean views to golden-hour gallery strolls, discover how to soak up the best of Laguna in one perfect day.