Will Rogers State Beach

Will Rogers State Beach is a mile-long sandy beach at 17000 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, about 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown Los Angeles. The sand is wide, soft and light, with the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Palisades bluffs rising directly behind the highway. The Pacific is typically blue-green with moderate clarity, and the long, open shoreline has regular surf with several lifeguard towers along the beach. The beach is popular with families, volleyball players and cyclists, and it has a relaxed, local character that is calmer than the boardwalk beaches to the south. Amenities include lifeguards through the day in the warm season, restrooms, a playground, volleyball courts and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which runs along the sand and connects to Santa Monica to the south. Parking is in paid lots along Pacific Coast Highway, and some lots remained closed after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, so visitors should check county and state notices for current availability before driving. Access is by car or rideshare, and local bus service runs along Pacific Coast Highway, though visitors should check current routes. Food options on site are limited, so visitors often bring picnics or stop at cafes in Santa Monica or Malibu. The beach is a good place for walking, bike rides and relaxed swimming near the towers, and it has long been a favorite for volleyball games. Surf conditions vary with the swell, and rip currents can occur, so swimmers should stay close to lifeguards. The surrounding hillsides were affected by the 2025 fire, and some nearby access and services may differ from earlier years, so checking official notices before a visit is advisable.