admin

Los Angeles can be an expensive vacation if you choose to indulge in upscale dining and shopping, but it doesn’t have to break your bank. Cheap Los Angeles holidays are possible, particularly if you spend your time enjoying the great outdoors. California has long been a surfing mecca, and there are at least five good spots to catch a wave in the LA area. Combined with budget accommodations, surfing makes a good addition to cheap Los Angeles holidays.

Venice Beach

This spot is good for surfers who are just beginning, but seasoned surfers are also welcome. The waves are less aggressive than in other parts of the county, so expect a relatively mellow ride here. Once your surfing is finished, there is plenty to do at Venice Beach. From people watching in the notoriously quirky crowd, to walking or biking up and down the long boardwalk, you can kill an entire day at this beach. The Venice Beach pier is also well worth checking out, especially if you have kids with you.

Zuma Beach

This north Malibu spot is also good for beginners, but there are some significant waves, so at times it might be a better place for advanced surfers. Zuma Beach spreads out for about two miles, and is largely occupied by locals, especially when compared to tourist hot spots like Santa Monica and Venice Beaches. With 14 lifeguard towers, this beach is well protected by the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s lifeguard unit.

Malibu Beach

Also called Surfrider beach, the name of this beach says it all. Malibu is where the LA surf culture began, and Surfrider is where you should head if you want to prove yourself. This spot is good for seasoned surfers who can handle long, lazy breaks. Located just off PCH in Malibu, the water here is blue and the sand white. You’ll share the waters with swimmers and other water sports, but there’s plenty of ocean for everyone.

Manhattan Beach

This LA beach is is located in a suburb of the same name, and is another ideal place for experienced surfers to hit the water. The beach is also known as a good place for riding waves in the winter months; Manhattan Beach is replete with both large waves and fast wave closeouts all year round. Along the more than two miles of beach front, you’ll find surf lessons taking place daily for people who are just starting out.

Hermosa Beach

This is among the southern most of good LA surfing beaches, located a few miles to the south of Manhattan Beach. The beach is sometimes considered to be one of the hippest beaches in the area. Here you’ll find the best breaks during a low tide in the fall and winter seasons. Be aware, however, that the waters off Hermosa Beach tend to be colder than you might expect from Los Angeles area beaches. For this reason, bringing a wetsuit to a surf trip at Hermosa Beach is a good idea.