Dockweiler State Beach

Never mind the occasional plane (and noise) looming overhead as you take in sun, surf and sand. Great for families and road trippers—there’s a RV parking lot—this South Bay beach is outfitted with paid on-site parking, restrooms and showers. To boot, picnic areas and fire rings (one of the few sites in L.A. that permits bonfires) make for fun all-day outings at the beach. The wide, sandy beach is good for spreading out on beach towels and water sports from swimming to surfing, while volleyball courts and a beachfront bike path are good for landlubbers.