Dockweiler Beach — Attraction in Los Angeles

This is one of my top go-to beaches in Los Angeles County for several reasons. I love Venice and Santa Monica, but sometimes traffic is just more than I can deal with, and parking can be almost impossible on busy weekends or holidays. I've never had that problem at Dockweiler. It will get a little busy and if you're using the paid parking you may have to wait awhile but compared to other places in Los Angeles County it's just not as bad.

There's a park on Vista del Mar overlooking dyockweiler and Playa del Rey and there is no cost for parking there. You'll want to get there well before sunset though because those free spots will fill up pretty quickly. The same goes for the neighborhood down the street off of Waterview. If you've seen very many Los Angeles beach pictures on social media there's a real good chance you've seen some taken from this neighborhood and for very good reason.

All of this area is great for shutterbugs like me. It still gets pretty busy, however relatively speaking traffic and parking are much easier to deal with in general at Dockweiler and the aforementioned spots off of Vista del Mar. There are a number of other reasons why you can get some great pictures in this part of the bay. Some of the other hassles you might run into in the more crowded beaches are far less pronounced here... I mean it's L.A. so some things just go with the territory, but if you haven't been living in a complete vacuum you should be just fine here.

You can see all the way to the Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Mountains so if you have the right lens you might save yourself some of the common hassles most tourists will deal with.

There's a great deal of paid parking right down on the beach. I've never seen it jump up in price as crazy as it does in the more famous beaches, although, like all of the beach parking in the area, prices do vary from day to day.

One of the greatest things about Dockweiler Beach is that they have pits specifically for fires. I've seen plenty of people bringing RVs and grills and cooking out on the beach, or in the parking lot, on more than one occasion. It is one of the only, if not the only beach in Los Angeles County that you can have a fire. Keep in mind that is contingent on environmental conditions and sometimes, due to dry conditions, fires temporarily will not be permitted.

Along with the fire pits, and easy access, there's so much more space available... So it's not uncommon to find fun stuff going on here after dark. In a previous job I rented members of a famous band a generator and ended up getting invited to a private birthday party where they performed that night down on Dockweiler. That sort of thing is pretty common at this beach.

Between the overlooking park (with playground), easy access from above with footpaths, lots of relatively affordable parking, plenty of bathrooms, great views, bike paths fire pits and lots of fun activity after dark, Dockweiler really has something to offer everyone. Be safe...

This is by far my LEAST favorite beach in LA County. I try to avoid it like the plague. But, my kid & niblings are in a group that held an event at this beach, so this time it was unavoidable. & as I expected there was unnecessary drama.

The police here ride their quads too fast & the clean up crew drive too close to large groups, considering the number of kids around. It would be ok if either used lights &/sirens to warn of their approach. I know it's the parents/guardians responsibility to look after the kids, but let's face it kids are kids & anytime anyone is operating a vehicle in a space with lots of kids running around they too have a responsibility to be a little more cautious.

Out of all the beaches I've been to, this one seems to prohibit buses. You can schedule events, there are signs that say no box trucks & events over 50ppl require a permit. I'm not sure how we were permitted to host our event but wasn't told we couldn't arrive in a bus.

But Deanna was not having it. After showing paperwork & making several phone calls, the bus was allowed to drop us off. However, Deanna made it her mission to not allow it to pick us up 6 hrs later. After shuttling the kids, elderly & our equipment, the able bodied adults walked the mile (approx) carrying our last items, pulling wagons & coolers. Upon our arrival a life guard finally secured permission for the bus to pick up anyone left down there, but we were all up at the parking gate. I mentioned we're fortunate not to have had a heat stroke, some of us were clearly out of breath & gasping for air. The life guard was sympathetic & apologetic. Deanna was in a tizzy, dolling out the biggest attitude, yelling & repeating "stop talking to me." Unfortunately, she's a supervisor & exactly who we're supposed to complain to. Plus, she was there when we arrived 6hrs early & knew our bus had permission to enter the lot.

Another supervisor approached me, we calmly discussed it, he apologized, our group was finally allowed to finish loading & board the bus so we could leave. Upon hearing that we were going to follow-up with Deanna's supervisor, she started crying, tears.

If you choose to visit a LA County beach, please pick a different one. There are plenty with street parking (if needed) & friendlier staff, better views &...

What a great time for someone from Toronto like myself. Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles is a hidden gem along the Southern California coastline, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. What sets this beach apart is its well-maintained fire pits, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach even after the sun dips below the horizon. The campfire spots at Dockweiler Beach are an absolute highlight, providing a cozy setting for friends and family to gather around, roast marshmallows, share stories, and experience the true magic of a beachside bonfire.

The beach is blessed with breathtaking sunsets, making the campfire experience even more enchanting. As the sun sets in a blaze of hues, the flames from the fire pits dance in harmony with the twilight sky, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The warm, golden tones reflecting off the waves and sand add a touch of romance and tranquility to the overall ambiance. The sunsets at Dockweiler Beach are a photographer's dream, capturing the transition from day to night in the most spectacular fashion.

Dockweiler Beach also offers ample space for various outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for beachgoers seeking adventure and relaxation. Whether it's volleyball matches, picnics by the shore, or simply soaking up the sun's rays, the beach provides a perfect backdrop. Families and friends can engage in beach games, cycling along the bike path, or even flying kites, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean.

The beach is well-maintained, with clean facilities and ample parking, making it accessible and convenient for visitors. The availability of firewood vendors nearby ensures that the campfire experience is hassle-free and enjoyable. The friendly beach staff further add to the pleasant experience, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.

In conclusion, Dockweiler Beach is a treasure trove for those seeking an idyllic coastal escape. The campfire spots and stunning sunsets are a match made in heaven, providing a magical setting for cherished moments with loved ones. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to LA, Dockweiler Beach offers a beach-going experience that is unforgettable and uniquely...