Quick beach stop from LAX?

[NancyK]

We're WDW veterans going on a very quick trip to DL next weekend.
We're renting a car at LAX and are thinking we may stop to see the Pacific before heading to Anaheim. We're all adults - no kids. Which beach would be the easiest/nicest to visit next Saturday afternoon?
Thanks for your help.
Nancy

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

You might want to go to the Santa Monica Pier - have a bite at one of the restaurants there before heading out to Anaheim. There is also Marina Del Rey that is closer to the airport

Closer to the airport are:
Dockweiler Beach (with firepits)
El Segundo Beach (big electric plant near it, and where the Beach Boys grew up, also where handgliding originated)
Manhattan Beach
Hermosa Beach
Redondo/Torrance Beaches

All of these are near the LAX Airport.

It's probably going to be cool.

I'd recommend either Santa Monica Pier, or Redondo Beach Pier (leaning to that one), and stopping for a bite at Tony's Fishmarket.

Let me know if you'd like directions to these places.

 

[NancyK]

Redondo looks good to me, while my adult kids would like to go to Santa Monica. Do you take Highway 1 in either direction to get to these places? How long would it take to get to Santa Monica from LAX?
Thanks.

 

[mr.bungle]

LAX to Santa Monica is not far at all.
quick google map from LAX to 3rd street in Santa Monica. 3rd street has the promenade and the pier. and of course you can find beach access near there
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sad...,-95.677068&sspn=35.219929,78.75&ie=UTF8&z=13

Not sure if Huntington beach is too far out of your way but Bolsa Chica is a nice beach area
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sad...753175,-117.989044&spn=0.144439,0.307617&z=12

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

You could take Highway1 south to Redondo Beach Pier, but it goes through too much city to go to Santa Monica. I would take the 405 north to the 10 west, and that will take you right to the pier -- maybe 10-15 minutes without traffic.

 

[NancyK]

Thanks for you help. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[jlmarr]

Dockweiler Beach is right there, under the LAX takeoff lanes.