Traveling to LA area with teens - one very interested in marine life. Any suggestions for best beach to view? and for places to take teens?

Pamela, don't know in what part of LA you are staying, but there's a really great aquarium in Long Beach, featuring sea life of the Pacific. Other than that, can't say I've spied much sea life on the beaches of LA.

Camp Pendelton, sarge?

I'd second Susan's recommendation for Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Check out their website (search on "Long Beach Aquarium" and it will pop up) - they give details on the aquarium itself as well as behind-the-scenes tours and their ocean encounter boat tour. Also, if you have the time to go to Catalina Island, you can go snorkelling over there and also generally see dolphins from the boat on the ride over. Have a great time!

There isn't much marine life on the beaches in the developed areas. Try heading north to Malibu - often there are dolphins close offshore, and lots of pelicans. Ditto Catalina - clear water, they have a little submarine ride where you see lots of kelp and bright orange Garibaldis. Teens may enjoy checking out the surfing beaches, there's lots of people watching around Hermosa and Manhattan.