Santa Monica and the Beaches

L.A.’s beaches are an iconic and integral part of Southern California, and getting some sand on the floor of your car is a rite of passage. Hugging the Santa Monica Bay in an arch, the desirable communities of Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice move from ultrarich to ultracasual to bohemian. Continuing south to L.A.’s three beach cities, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, and Redondo, the scene shifts from posh to working class, but the sand remains the center of the action.