Free tool
LA Beach Parking Guide
Pick a beach, the season and how long you'll stay. We'll estimate the parking fee and tell you where people park for less.
Beach parking in LA costs about $10–$15 a day at most county and state lots, $20–$25 at Santa Monica and Venice on summer weekends, and $2–$3 an hour at the metered South Bay and Long Beach beaches (our estimates). Arrive before 10am in summer, or take the Metro E Line to Santa Monica for $1.75.
Beach parking at a glance
| Beach | Typical cost (est.) | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica (beach lots by the pier) | ~$12–$20/day | City beach lots fill by late morning on summer weekends; the E Line stops at Downtown Santa Monica, a short walk away. |
| Venice Beach (lots off Ocean Front Walk) | ~$15–$25/day | Private and city lots near the boardwalk; meters on side streets. Watch street-cleaning signs. |
| Will Rogers State Beach (Pacific Palisades) | ~$10–$15/day | LA County lots along PCH; quieter than Santa Monica. |
| Zuma Beach (Malibu) | ~$10–$15/day | Big LA County lot; free parking on PCH if you find a legal spot and walk. |
| El Matador State Beach (Malibu) | ~$8/day | Small self-pay lot that fills early; arrive before 10am. |
| Leo Carrillo State Park (Malibu) | ~$12–$15/day | State park day-use fee covers the lot; free roadside parking on PCH. |
| Manhattan Beach (pier area) | ~$3/hour | Metered lots and street parking near the pier; free residential parking farther up the hill. |
| Hermosa Beach (pier area) | ~$3/hour | Meters and pay lots near Pier Plaza; time limits apply. |
| Redondo Beach (pier) | ~$10–$15/day | Pier parking structures with day rates; validation from some restaurants. |
| Dockweiler State Beach (Playa del Rey) | ~$10–$12/day | LA County lots near LAX; good for bonfire pits. |
| Long Beach (Belmont Shore / Alamitos) | ~$2/hour | Beach lots and meters by the hour; generally cheaper than the Westside. |
Frequently asked questions
How much is beach parking in Los Angeles?
Our estimate is about $10–$15 a day at most county and state beach lots, $20–$25 at Santa Monica and Venice on summer weekends, and $2–$3 an hour at the metered South Bay and Long Beach beaches.
Is there free parking at LA beaches?
Sometimes: along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, and on residential streets a few blocks back in the South Bay. Read every sign; tickets are expensive and towing is common.
Can I get to the beach in LA without a car?
Yes. The Metro E Line runs from Downtown to Santa Monica for $1.75, and bus lines serve Venice and the South Bay. Malibu's beaches really need a car.
When do LA beach lots fill up?
On summer weekends and holidays, popular lots in Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu can fill by late morning. Arrive before 10am or come in the late afternoon.
How accurate are these prices?
They're our estimates from rates posted at the lots and reported by visitors, rounded. Rates change with the season and events, so check the sign or app at the lot.
Sources and how current this is
Fares, rates and norms come from the official sources below unless marked as an estimate, and were checked in November 2026. Operators change prices, so check the source before you rely on a number.
- LA Metro — Fares — $1.75 fare to Santa Monica on the E Line
Best estimates (not official)
Where no official figure was available, we use our best estimate from published reports, operator sites, reviews and traveler reports. These are marked "est." in the tools above; treat them as a guide, not a quote.
- Lot and meter rates — rates posted at city, county and state beach lots and reported by visitors, rounded; they change by season and event
Related guides
- The 10 Best Beaches in Los Angeles
- The 8 Best Beaches in Malibu & Pacific Palisades
- The 9 Best Attractions in Santa Monica
- The 8 Best Attractions in Venice & Marina del Rey
- The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Los Angeles
- The 6 Best Restaurants in South Bay
- The 8 Best Restaurants in Malibu & Pacific Palisades
- The 12 Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
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