1. Venice Beach: For Art, Energy, and People-Watching
If you want a beach day that’s never boring, Venice Beach is your go-to. In good traffic it’s just 15 minutes from Culver City. This world-famous stretch of sand offers more than ocean views. The Venice Boardwalk is a full sensory experience. It’s filled with street performers, mural-covered walls, quirky shops, and local vendors. There are also paddle tennis and basketball courts.
You’ll also find a few legendary sites. There’s the Muscle Beach gym. Bodybuilders like Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane trained here. It’s open 7 days a week (except for some holidays).
You can also check out the Venice Skate Park. The Venice Beach Skatepark is also called the Dennis “Polar Bear” Agnew Memorial Skatepark. It honors the famous original Dogtown skater, Dennis Agnew. This concrete course spans 16,000 square feet with bowls, ramps, and rails.
Why is Venice Beach the best beach near Culver City?
Venice Beach is perfect for walking, biking, or simply soaking in LA’s most eclectic beach scene. It’s a great place to rent a bike and cruise along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, people-watch from a bench, or just take in the urban beach culture that’s made this area famous. The vibe is urban, artistic, and always buzzing with activity.
2. Santa Monica State Beach: Classic California Fun
Santa Monica Beach is a little farther up the coast. 15 minutes to reach the picture-perfect SoCal experience. The wide sandy stretch, iconic pier, and palm-lined pathways are what many imagine when they think about the “California beach life.” The Marvin Braude Bike Trail continues here too, giving you an easy route for biking or skating along the ocean.
What makes this beach stand out? First, there’s the amusement park. The Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a beachside amusement park. Up from the park you can find the Playland Arcade and Heal the Bay Aquarium.
Why is Santa Monica State Beach the best beach near Culver City?
It’s ideal for families, dates, and out-of-town guests. Plus, the sunsets here are unforgettable. You also have great activity options nearby. Just above the beach, Palisades Park offers shaded paths, palm trees, and postcard-worthy ocean views. Downtown Santa Monica is within walking distance. You can always find shopping, dining, and people-watching opportunities. With a friendly and energetic vibe, this beach is great for families, visitors, and anyone chasing a classic Southern California beach day.
3. Playa Del Rey Beach: A Quiet Local Favorite
About 15 minutes southwest of Culver City, Playa Del Rey offers a slower pace and fewer crowds. This beach is a favorite among locals who want easy parking, calm vibes, and peaceful ocean views.
One especially peaceful stretch is Toes Beach. It’s a mellow spot that’s perfect for a quiet stroll or just sitting with a coffee from a nearby café as the waves roll in. Playa Del Rey is also a great spot for catching both sunrises and sunsets, thanks to its wide open views and smaller crowds. This beach has a chill, residential feel. It’s ideal when you want to escape the weekend madness of Venice or Santa Monica.
Why is Playa Del Rey Beach the best beach near Culver City?
It’s the perfect place to skip the crowds, but still enjoy the ocean. You can watch the sunrise or sunset in peace. The vibe is laid-back and the beach is usually uncrowded.
4. Marina Beach (“Mother’s Beach”): Great for Families with Young Kids
Located in Marina del Rey, Mother’s Beach is a man-made beach along the marina. It isn’t on the ocean, but that’s what makes it special. Since it’s a man-made beach with it has more gentle waters. It’s perfect for young children who might not be ready for ocean waves.
There’s a small playground, clean restrooms, volleyball courts, and shaded picnic areas. It’s a go-to for families planning a full day outdoors. The area is also monitored by lifeguards and parking is fairly straightforward. The mood here is mellow and practical. Parents can relax while kids build sandcastles without worry.
Why is Marina Beach the best beach near Culver City?
It’s safe and stress-free for families. With on duty lifeguards and gentle waters, mothers find it to be the perfect place to give young children a place to swim. It’s family-oriented, relaxed, and only about 20 minutes away from Culver City.
5. Dockweiler State Beach: Bonfires, Planes, and Wide-Open Sand
Want something a bit different? Dockweiler Beach is known for its long shoreline and one rare treat: beach bonfire rings. It’s one of the only places in LA County where you can legally build a fire on the sand. You can make perfect s’mores at sunset.
The beach stretches over three miles and has plenty of space for swimming, picnicking, and playing. It’s also a popular spot for flying kites or watching hang gliders take off from the nearby launch area. Dockweiler sits directly beneath the LAX flight path, so you’ll see planes taking off right above you. Some visitors find the roar of jet engines exciting, while others bring earplugs and enjoy the show.
Why is Dockweiler State Beach the best beach near Culver City?
The vibe is adventurous and active. It’s perfect for groups, teens, or anyone looking for a beach that’s a little more unconventional. If you’re craving a vibe that’s adventurous and a little wild, this is the beach for you. Driving here from Culver City will take about 20 minutes.
6. Manhattan Beach: Worth the Extra Drive for a Scenic, Sporty Day
A little farther south of Culver City, Manhattan Beach is one of the prettiest coastal spots in the region. It features a beautiful stretch of sand. It’s actually known for its clean sand. There’s a scenic pier perfect for photos and consistent waves that attract surfers year-round.
Volleyball is big here. You’ll find plenty of courts in the sand and tournaments or friendly games in action. The beach’s well-maintained paths make it great for jogging, biking, or just taking in the view. This is a great destination for active beachgoers who want a day that mixes sun, sport, and style.
Just inland from the beach, the downtown area is full of boutique shops, coffee spots, and popular restaurants. The neighborhood has a polished, upscale feel.
Why is Manhattan Beach the best beach near Culver City?
It’s great for active beachgoers who also enjoy a polished atmosphere. The vibe is scenic, sporty, and slightly upscale. Surfers can catch waves just beyond the pier, the coastal path is perfect for jogging or biking, and the charming downtown area is closeby.
Final Thoughts: Pick Your Perfect Beach Day
Culver City might not have a beach of its own, but it’s surrounded by some of the best in Los Angeles. Whether you’re into bonfires and biking or relaxing in calm waters, there’s a perfect beach less than 30 minutes away.
Want urban energy? Head to Venice. Craving family fun? Try Santa Monica or Mother’s Beach. Need to unplug? You’ll love Playa Del Rey or Dockweiler. And if you’re up for a scenic detour, Manhattan Beach never disappoints.