We all feel grateful that our beautiful Southern California weather allows us to comfortably enjoy the outdoors even in the winter. There will be a few showers here and there in the winter months and maybe some gloomy days mixed in, but still plenty of sunshine and warm enough to go to the beach and take in some fresh seaside air on most winter days.
So you might not be getting in the water but don’t let the cooler weather (by our standards) stop you from hitting up the beach. Get your winter jacket or hoodie on and enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset at one of our amazing beaches.
We have so many to choose from but here are some of our favorite beaches in Southern California to visit in the winter months.
1 – Santa Monica Beach
Description:
Santa Monica is one of the most famous and favorite beaches for both tourists and locals alike because of its lively atmosphere, its combo of upscale and modest eats, and of course those stunning ocean views.
And while many of the annual big-time winter celebrations have been scaled back or canceled in 2020 and early 2021 you can still stroll around near the famous boardwalk, promenade and Ocean avenue, of course, always following all current distancing and safety guidelines.
At the end of your walk by the beach, continue your stroll or take the drive around the third street promenade and look for the holiday cheer art installations.
Santa Monica makes our list of best Winter beach visits because of how much it has to offer and how much there is to do.
Location:200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Pic Credit:@santamonicapier
2 – Hermosa Beach
Description:
Hermosa beach has something fun for everyone, with a laid back mild beach vibe but also full of good, lively energy.
Hermosa offers plenty of space for bike riding, skating, jogging and other social distance friendly activities on its long paths that connect it to Manhattan on one side and Redondo on the other.
Head to the Pier which has a strip leading up to it packed with amazing bars and restaurants on either side. From the Pier, you will get great views, cool fresh air, and great entertainment from the surfers doing their thing on either side of you.
While Hermosa is packed with well-known summer events also be sure to check out some of their annual winter ones like the sand snowman competition.
Location: 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
PIC Credit:@spirittravir
3 – Baby Beach, Dana Point Harbor
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Ok, so Dana Point is a bit of a drive for those who live in Los Angeles but if you love Christmas lights close to the beach then it’s a must!
Baby Beach is a tiny little family beach right next to the more famous Dana Point Harbor. A walk on the beach is always on our list but right after make sure you go right next door to the Harbor. There you will find some of the most instagrammable Holiday art installations and lights of any beach town.
The most famous place here to take a cool selfie is under the ‘Merry Kiss Me’ sign but there are many fun holiday decorations including “Surf Santa” and these giant lit-up Whales you can walk into.
There is also lots of holiday cheer around the village with lights everywhere and you can come to enjoy some good food and a nice stroll. Baby Beach and Dana Harbor would be great to visit anytime during the winter but come at night in December so you can appreciate all the bright lights, candy canes, and other fun decorations.
Location: 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point
PIC Credit:@rachelaadams
4 – Venice Beach
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Venice Beach is such an enigma and can represent a microcosm of two very different sides of Los Angeles in one place. From multimillionaires to homeless you will see every walk of life here and that does not change in the wintertime.
Venice makes our list of the best beaches to visit in the winter because good and bad there is always something interesting to see here. But besides its usual natural entertainment, Venice typically offers many fun activities in the winter months including sand sliding and Christmas lights including special holiday lighting for the famous Venice sign on Winward ave.
If you aren’t into the holiday lights you can always walk the famous boardwalk and take in the strange characters on one side and the beautiful beach on the other.
Some other fun things to do in Venice include free s’mores, and live music at the Waterfront Venice on Tuesdays. Or visit James’ Beach restaurant for brunch on Saturday or Sunday and get mimosas or Bloody Mary’s for $5.
Location: 60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
PIC Credit:@boss_babe_bella
5 – Manhattan Beach
Description:
One of the most iconic images for LA beaches in the winter is the Manhattan Pier all lit up with Christmas lights. 2020 is of course all about safety and Manhattan Beach is a good place for that because even though it’s popular there is plenty of room to distance from others.
You can plan your winter day at the beach by wearing some extra layers and having a picnic outdoors, practicing some outdoor yoga, or just taking a stroll around the beach and breathing in the cool breeze.
If you are in the mood for a good Farmers Market Manhattan Beach has a good one and it does not stop in the winter months. A short walk from the famous pier takes you to Downtown Manhattan Beach where every Tuesday from 11 am until 3:00 pm you can find the Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh produce as well as a variety of prepared delicious bites from some of the amazing local vendors.
Location:2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
PIC Credit:@patrickc_la
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!