Los Angeles hides a surprising coastal variety beyond its beaches: quiet coves, working harbors and rocky inlets that shape local marine life and day trips alike. Whether you’re planning a short visit or cataloging shorelines, the bays tell you a lot about access, habitats and nearby services.
There are 12 Bays in Los Angeles, ranging from Abalone Cove to Two Harbors; details are organized by Coordinates (lat, lon), Location, Size (km), which you’ll find below.
How do I get to these bays and is parking or access usually available?
Access varies: some bays sit next to parks with parking and marked trails, others are reachable only by smaller roads, trails or boat. Check city or county park pages for directions, hours and parking restrictions, and expect limited public transit to more remote spots.
Which bays are best for tidepooling, wildlife viewing or snorkeling?
Rocky coves and sheltered inlets tend to offer the best tidepools and snorkeling; areas like Abalone Cove and protected harbors host diverse intertidal life, while offshore islands near Two Harbors have clearer water and richer marine species. Always check tide charts, local regulations and safety advisories before entering the water.
Bays in Los Angeles
| Name | Coordinates (lat, lon) | Location | Size (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Bay | 34.01,-118.49 | Santa Monica / Malibu / Palos Verdes | 40 |
| San Pedro Bay | 33.74,-118.27 | San Pedro / Long Beach | 25 |
| Los Angeles Harbor | 33.73,-118.27 | San Pedro | 3 |
| Marina del Rey | 33.98,-118.45 | Marina del Rey | 1 |
| King Harbor | 33.84,-118.39 | Redondo Beach | 1 |
| Alamitos Bay | 33.77,-118.15 | Long Beach (Naples) | 2 |
| Malibu Lagoon | 34.03,-118.69 | Malibu | 1 |
| Topanga Lagoon | 34.04,-118.58 | Topanga / Pacific Palisades | 1 |
| Abalone Cove | 33.74,-118.36 | Rancho Palos Verdes | 1 |
| Avalon Bay | 33.35,-118.33 | Avalon, Santa Catalina Island | 1 |
| Two Harbors | 33.44,-118.49 | Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island | 2 |
| Ballona Lagoon | 33.98,-118.45 | Playa del Rey / Marina del Rey | 1 |
Images and Descriptions
Santa Monica Bay
Large curved bay stretching from Malibu to Palos Verdes; includes popular beaches in Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach. Great for surfing, beachgoing, and whale watching; subject to urban runoff and active conservation efforts to improve water quality and marine habitat.
San Pedro Bay
Deep bay near San Pedro and Long Beach hosting the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; major shipping and industrial activity. Offers waterfront parks, fishing piers, and ferries, but also air and water pollution concerns and ongoing habitat restoration projects.
Los Angeles Harbor
Major working harbor at San Pedro with cargo terminals, LA Waterfront attractions, and Cabrillo Beach. Restricted industrial areas but public boat tours and museums nearby; extensive environmental remediation and shoreline access improvements continue.
Marina del Rey
Large, man-made small-boat harbor in Marina del Rey offering boating, paddleboarding, and waterfront dining. Popular recreational marina with public beaches nearby; management balances recreation with sensitive coastal wetlands and water quality programs.
King Harbor
Redondo Beach’s protected harbor with marinas, charter boats, restaurants, and seasonal events. Good for boating and fishing; local efforts focus on pollution control and maintaining public access along the waterfront.
Alamitos Bay
Sheltered bay at Long Beach and Naples with marinas, parks, and the Naples Island canals. Popular for sailing, kayaking, and birdwatching; water quality and coastal habitat preservation projects are ongoing.
Malibu Lagoon
Tidal estuary at Malibu Pier where Malibu Creek meets the ocean; attracts birdwatchers, surfers, and walkers. Protected within a state beach; lagoon restoration efforts focus on restoring tidal flow and native habitats.
Topanga Lagoon
Small coastal lagoon at Topanga State Beach fed by Topanga Creek, offering tidepooling, surf access, and birding. Managed for habitat conservation and occasional seasonal closures to protect nesting birds and eelgrass.
Abalone Cove
Scenic cove and shoreline park in Rancho Palos Verdes with tide pools, trails, and dramatic cliffs. Popular for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing; protected coastal habitat and interpretive programs emphasize conservation.
Avalon Bay
Natural harbor and resort town Avalon on Santa Catalina Island with ferry service from the mainland. Offers snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours; island marine reserve protections and visitor limits help preserve kelp forests and marine life.
Two Harbors
Small harbor at the Isthmus of Catalina Island, known as Two Harbors, with camping, boating, and diving access. Remote-feeling community inside the Channel Islands National Park/Monument area with strong conservation protections.
Ballona Lagoon
Small tidal lagoon at Playa del Rey/Burton Chace area near Marina del Rey, offering a restored pocket of wetlands with walking paths and birdwatching. Urban runoff and restoration efforts are central conservation concerns.
