If there was one thing about Los Angeles that would keep me coming back, it would be the beaches. Now I know the beaches aren’t as nice as Hawaii or as serene as Costa Rica but they have a different vibe that just gets me excited – from the street music and performers to the little Mexican fruit carts to the cool ocean breeze. Santa Monica Beach and Pier Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade is by far one of my favorite beaches in Los Angeles. Sometimes it feels like I’m taking a stroll with Dr. Addison Montgomery ( Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice) while grabbing some coffee. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, water activities and even roller coasters to enjoy. The Palisades Park has a nice walking trail that leads straight to the Santa Monica Pier and beach area. Here are some great food options to check out: Sidecar Donuts Tocaya Blue Daisy The Misfit Barney’s Beanery Santa Monica Bodega Wine Bar Venice Beach and Boardwalk Venice Beach is usually less busy than Santa Monica and the best place to sit on the beach and soak up the ocean breeze. The Venice Boardwalk is full of street performers, skateboarding daredevils, food stalls and corner shops. Another place to visit in the area is Abbot Kinney, a one-of-a-kind street with restaurants, shops and galleries. You can either walk there or take a Lime scooter. A popular destination near the Boardwalk is the Venice Canals, a residential neighborhood built like the city it was named for. This area is perfect for a nice stroll and to check out the cute and colorful homes. Here are some restaurants to check out: Dudley Market The Rose Venice The Tasting Kitchen Plant Food + Wine Cafe Gratitude Redondo Beach Redondo Beach is a quiet beach away from the typical LA crowds. This beach is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the city and enjoy the panoramic ocean views, water activities, oceanfront dining and entertainment. I happened to visit during the 4th of July and highly recommend watching their fireworks show. Here are some places to check out: Long Beach Long Beach is the 7th largest city in California and a port in Southern California. The RMS Queen Mary Steamship is permanently docked at the port and is a popular hotel and historical landmark. I recommend taking a tour; supposedly the ship is haunted. You can get there on an Aquabus that leaves from the Shoreline Village for $1. The Shoreline Village is a colorful boardwalk of shops and has some great scenic harbor views. Other great activities include taking a whale watching cruise, check out The Pike, a waterfront entertainment and shopping area and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Here are some places to grab a bite: Gu’s World Famous Fried Chicken Roe Seafood Tequila Jack’s Restaurant and Cantina Gladstone’s Long Beach Malibu Beach Malibu is a well-known surfing destination, salty sea air and boutique shops. If you head inland, you’ll find hiking trails that lead to canyons and waterfalls in the Santa Monica Mountains. You will also find wine tasting including the famous Malibu Wine Safaris where you can meet Stanley the giraffe. In the evening I suggest having dinner at Nobu Malibu, the famous Japanese restaurant that has a relaxed, beachfront atmosphere and will probably set you back $50-$70 per person (totally worth the experience).