Four a family of 4 w/ 2 teenagers, if you had to prioritize what is the beast beach to go to Venice, Santa Monica or Malibu? Thank you.

in my opinion, definitely go to both Venice and Santa Monica. You can park the car in the lots at Santa Monica on the beach and go to the pier, and then walk all the way down the beachfront promenade all the way to Venice Beach, have fun w/the culture and shopping on the beachfront there and good resturants on and close to the beach. And the beaches are good and wide in both areas. Water is cold though everywhere on that part of the coast. There is a lot more to do and a lot more fun for a teen on those beaches than in Malibu.

Venice and Santa Monica both, no need to choose between the two as they are so close.

just to visit? Or are you looking for a place to STAY?

If it's just to visit, why can't you see them all? With teenagers, I'd definitely at least take a ride up the Pacific Coast Highway...gotta see Malibu!

Yes, go to Santa Monica Beach. I've been dining, shopping, walking, watching the surfers, etc. the last 3-4 days in Manhattan Beach. It's too crowded here!

Nobody suggested Hermosa Beach ?

Right in-between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. www.seaspritemotel.com

But do you want to go to a beach to be ON the beach, or the surroundings NEAR the beach ?

Malibu is too expensive for me, when I stay on the beach, I stay at the place above - ON the beach, not a block away.

Thank you everyone. Yes we are just going to visit the beach one day. Venice and Santa Monica sound great!