Los Angeles Official Visitor Guide 2008 - (Page 46) BeAches The Shore Thing to Do: 1. The surf spot: Malibu’s surfrider Beach When it’s time to get out the surfboard, apply a new coat of wax and zip on the wetsuit, there’s no better place to be than Malibu. As the waves roll in and then curl near the shore, surfers paddle out to catch a ride that’s pure ocean bliss. You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to appreciate the sport, the cool vibe at the beach or the toned bodies of the locals. In fact, sometimes it’s better to just be a spectator and take it all in. But if you decide you’re ready to brave the waves, just follow the locals. LA’s Eight Great Beaches the spot to see the rubber-snake wrangler; the metal-ball-rolling, Speedo-wearing bodybuilder; the chainsaw juggler; and a full roster of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters. Once you’ve had your fill of the boardwalk scene, head out to the sandy shoreline and relax for a bit while the waves roll in and the sun melts away all your cares. Afterwards, have lunch at a restaurant on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. beach, just strap on some in-line skates or hop on a cruiser bike for a tour of the coast. 4. TV star: Manhattan Beach At Manhattan Beach, it’s all about beautiful people, shiny cars, big sunglasses and little lap dogs. But that’s in the town next to the shore, where scenes from many television shows have been filmed. Boutiques and high-end fashion stores line the streets of this sleepy little surfing village, giving visitors plenty of places to shop while they enjoy the scene. On the sand, you’ll find beach volleyball at courts that seem to go on for miles and bodysurfing near the pier. Check out the aquarium at the end of the pier with its interesting sea creatures and touch pool. When it comes to getting in the water, surfing is limited to the south side of the pier and boogie boarding is confined to the water north of the pier. Swimming is prohibited in the areas immediately adjacent to the pier. 3. The classic stretch of sand: santa Monica state Beach Located just north of the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach is one of LA’s most popular beaches. At two miles long, it seems to go on forever and offers plenty of space to set up for a game of volleyball or go for a bike ride. Bring the sunscreen, a little cash for parking and a beach towel or blanket. Let the sun, sand and surf do the rest. During the summer months, this is one of LA’s most popular beaches; so if you’re into people watching, this might be the place for you. If you want to get some exercise while you enjoy the 2. The People Watcher: Venice Beach If there’s a beach in LA where it’s as much about the people watching as it is about the surf or the sand, Venice would be it. In fact, the eclectic Venice Ocean Front Walk almost upstages the scene on the sand. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep your eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also 46
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