Don't Miss These Local LA & Ventura Beaches

Growing up, my all-time favorite beach to go to was Leo Carrillo Beach and State Park. This beach is a wonderland of tide pools, caves and rock formations to explore. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset, as well as grab a bite to eat at Local Neptune's Net, cameoed in the first Fast and Furious, Losin’ It, Point Break and People Like Us. Neptune's Net has the all-time best Clam Chowder and their fish and chips are delicious as well.

Another great beach is Sycamore Cove at Point Mugu. If you are into mountain biking, or just biking in general, you can start at the trailhead in Newbury Park and follow it down to the state park, where right across the road is beautiful Sycamore Cove. If not, make your way down the PCH and stop here for not only a great all-around beach, but Sycamore Cove has grills and firepits for local use and a campground right across the way.

An iconic spot I grew up going to is locally known as “The Sand Hill”. Featured in One Direction's “What Makes You Beautiful” music video, this spot is so much fun to go and climb up. The climb is steep and about ¼ of a mile straight up. The view is beautiful and there is a perfect little strip of sand across the street to take a dip before or after the climb. You’ll find the sandhill shortly after you pass Sycamore Cove.

Famous for a multitude of reasons, is Zuma Beach. Zuma is usually packed but is a long strip of sandy beach. You’ll find camping, volleyball courts and a great atmosphere here at Zuma. Coming down the canyon into Malibu and right before you hit the entrance to Zuma, there will be a turn off to your left. If you go down this way, you will find what the locals call “free Zuma” where there is limited, but free parking right on the beach. Many prefer to go here as there are cliffs to explore as well as it can be less crowded than the actual Zuma beach.

A local, more obscure and great for experienced surfers beach to go and see is Port Hueneme Beach. Port Hueneme is a quaint little beach town that is fun to explore, but its accompanying beach and pier is superb. Watch surfers, or take a try yourself. During the summer months, you may see kids in lifeguard training, which I did myself here at Hueneme.

Everyone knows about Santa Monica Pier, and I cannot not mention it. After a day of shopping at 3rd and Promenade, head down to the beach or the pier for a beautiful evening. If you're up for it, walk down the strip to Venice and Muscle Beach, or rent a bike. If you are truly daring, bring or rent some skates and pull a Barbie and Ken, which many locals may be doing themselves. You can start at either Santa Monica Pier or Venice, as the strip connects them together.

If you are just looking for a good spot to surf, the swells are typically easier and good at Inside C Point, more commonly known as C Street or Inside Point. This is a great place for any surfer and a great beach as well.

Lastly, a great beach for kids, boogie boarders and a more family-friendly vibe is Silverstrand Beach a bit further north. This beach always has great waves and is a large beach that doesn’t get too crowded. Silverstrand is the best beach for playing a game of beach football, spike ball or whatever you love yourself.

• Neptunes Net: Clam Chowder and Fish n Chips.

• Blue Table: Ellen Special

• Nobu: Sushi with a view if you are feeling extra fancy.

• SugarFish: The freshest fish flown in from Japan DAILY; expensive but also absolutely exquisite.

• The Old Place: This is a must see. Great food and such a fun environment.

• Malibu Cafe: An absolute gem of an experience. This restaurant has so much personality and is so much fun for all ages.

• Replicated Original In N Out

• Original Mcdonalds

• Toppers Pizza: Their pizza and ranch is so so so so good.