Zuma Beach

This is definitely the beach to go to, if you're just looking for a chill beach day. It gets pretty crowded on summer weekends, but what separates it from beaches further south is that Zuma stays super clean and offers decent beginning surfing especially further down the stretch. The swell can actually get pretty decent especially later in to the year. There is really absolutely nothing wrong with this beach, and I've never had a bad experience. Just go early on weekends or plan on struggling to find a place to park. Other than that, it's definitely a great beach to go to. more

June Gloom (also May Gray) is a California term for a weather pattern that results in overcast skies with mild temperatures during the late spring and early summer.When the marine layer becomes more common and pervades farther inland during the months of May and June, it is called May Gray or June Gloom. Early mornings during this period are typically foggy, with an occasional drizzle. The fog turns to low clouds by late morning and early afternoon. Finally, by late afternoon, solar heating is sufficient to evaporate the clouds. Often the overcast will be evaporated (""burned off"") quickly in land, but will linger along the immediate coast.\r One of the most popular and largest beaches in the State of California, Zuma Beach is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf conditions.Zuma has its share of the sea wave phenomenon known as the rip current. Visitors are encouraged to not swim or surf in front of the Lifeguard Headquarters (between Towers 8 and 9), as the rip currents are particularly numerous and strong there, with its excellent surf conditions, is host to several surfing events where world premiere surfers compete. With optimum wind conditions nearly daily in the late afternoon, Zuma draws many to kite surfing on the northern end of Zuma Beach. Pros: Zuma Beach is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf conditions. Cons: Rip Currents are particularly numerous and strong there at Zuma more

It's got to be the best beach in Southern California. The drive alone is just beautiful. The water is clear, and it's actually warm a lot. Pros: beautiful, cheap, clean Cons: bad restroom facility more

Zuma has alot of memories for me. WHen i was a little girl this was the beach of choice for my family and relatives. WHat i remeber most was that it was huge and pretty clean for a beach... Now that im older i still agree thats it clean and huge! It is a great place to bring a family and chill out for the day. The sand is super soft and groomed well and i have found some amazing sea shells on that beach. YOu will have a wonderful day here i can promise you that! more

The mountains, miles of clean beach and plentitude of lifeguard towers (and rescue boats and helicopters) make this popular beach an ideal weekend family retreat. Get there early for free parking on the PCH. Expect fog and marine layer early in the day that typically clears off after Noon. The north LA county locale means clean water (expect a little kelp) and marine life (dolphins and seals). An unprotected beach break is good for swimming but head up to Countyline or Leo Carillo for bodyboarding or surfing. Head over to nearby Hows Trancas Market and Starbucks for possible celebrity sitings. Pros: Scenic, Clean Cons: Crowded on weekends more

When I used to date a boy from No. Ho, he used to always take me to Zuma. Lovely, out-of-L.A., feel with clean beaches and clean couples. more

A great beach in scenic Malibu. Always a good idea to get a weather report before you make the drive though... that pesky marine layer sometimes sticks around until 1pm or never leaves at all. more

Welcome to LA's cleanest sparkly beach ... great getaway from LA. Love going here in the spring & early summer. Seriously the best water & waves in the area. Not sure I agree with the crowd-free bit tho--summertime draws just as many tourists as any other beach. And parking? Once summer's here, arrive early or ... just arrive early. more