Relaxing 9-Day Beach Itinerary

  • Day 1: Venice Beach
    20 minutes (7 miles) from LAX

    Start your vacation off with a relaxing day at the world-famous Venice Beach. Stroll down the boardwalk, people watch, and grab some snacks from the food vendors. Make sure to catch a sunset over the Pacific!

  • Day 2: Santa Monica Beach
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Venice Beach

    Take a short trip to Santa Monica Beach to enjoy the stunning views and seashore activities. Be sure to rent a bike and cycle along the bike path. Also, Muscle Beach, which is located just south of the pier.

  • Day 3: The Getty Villa
    30 minutes (16 miles) from Santa Monica Beach

    Visit the beautiful Getty Villa to see a vast collection of ancient art and extensive gardens. With its architectural details and decorated rooms, it will be a remarkable destination for visitors who are interested in art.

  • Day 4: Malibu Coastal Drive
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Getty Villa

    Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to explore the beautiful 27-mile long Malibu Coastal Drive. You'll see famous beaches and public access points, including Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Topanga State Park.

  • Day 5: Catalina Island
    1 hour (22 miles) from Long Beach Ferry Port

    Take a day trip to Catalina Island to relax with breathtaking views of the ocean. The port town of Avalon is full of shops selling souvenirs, restaurants serving seafood, and bars to enjoy a tropical cocktail.

  • Day 6: El Matador Beach
    1 hour (29 miles) from Catalina Island Ferry Port

    Located just 10miles north of Malibu, El Matador Beach is a hidden gem with serene natural beauty. The secluded beach is inaccessible for the disabled and offers picturesque views and dramatic rock formations.

  • Day 7: Abbot Kinney Boulevard
    20 minutes (7 miles) from El Matador Beach

    Explore this bustling shopping district, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is known for designer clothing, independent restaurants and trendy galleries. It's a fantastic spot for trendy fashion and fashion accessories that exemplify the enduring boho-luxe LA aesthetics.

  • Day 8: Manhattan Beach
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Abbot Kinney Boulevard

    Manhattan Beach is known for its moderate weather and upscale residents. It is the perfect spot to spend the day relaxing, swimming and sunbathing. Bring a bathing suit, a good book, and relax in the sand.

  • Day 9: Hermosa Beach Pier
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Manhattan Beach

    Walk the Hermosa Beach Pier, grab some coffee, and watch the surfers catch some waves. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, perfect place to look back at the trip and relax.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Catalina Island Ferry (1 day, $75)
  • Bike rental (1 day, $15)
  • Muscle Beach Gym (1 day, $10)
  • Malibu Coastal Drive (1 day, $20 in gas)
  • Getty Villa (1 day, free admission, $20 for onsite parking)
  • El Matador Beach (1 day, free, $15 parking)
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard (1 day, amount at your discretion)
  • Hermosa Beach Pier (1 day, amount at your discretion)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $155

Transportation

The best way to get around each destination is by car. Public transportation is available with the use of a TAP card, which can be purchased online or at any metro bus or rail station. The estimated cost per ride is $1.75, or buy a daily pass for $7.

Useful Tips

Consider taking waterproof sunscreen and a hat for sunny days spent exploring the beaches. Plan to make dinner reservations in advance, places fill up fast. Lastly, try to double-check for holiday schedule closures before making your travel arrangements.

Airports

When headed to the beaches of Los Angeles, the most common airport to fly into (LAX) is about 16 miles from Santa Monica Beach. Other options include Long Beach (LGB), which is only 5 miles from the beach city of Long Beach.

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