Top Beaches to Film in Southern California
From iconic sunsets to dramatic cliffs, these SoCal beaches do more than look good on camera—they tell stories.
Why Southern California Beaches Are Filmmaker Favorites
Southern California is home to some of the most visually rich and film-friendly beaches in the world. With hundreds of miles of coastline ranging from rocky cliffs to wide-open sands, these beaches offer unmatched diversity for cinematic storytelling.
Here’s why filmmakers keep coming back:
✅ Diverse visuals – cliffs, caves, boardwalks, lifeguard towers, tide pools & more
☀️ Golden light – year-round sun and epic “magic hour” lighting
🎥 Production-ready – Close proximity to LA crews, gear, and permitting offices
🧠 Symbolic potential – Beaches can evoke freedom, loss, hope, isolation, rebirth, and more
Best Beaches to Film in Southern California
Explore our curated list of the most visually stunning and production-practical beaches, complete with location insights, storytelling value, and filming tips.
1. 🌊 Leo Carrillo State Beach (Malibu)
Visuals: Caves, tide pools, cliffs, arches, surf
Best for: Fantasy, adventure, escape, moody solitude
Why Film Here:
Used in Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Grease, Leo Carrillo offers a dramatic, rugged landscape that suits both blockbusters and indie narratives. The rock formations create natural framing for visually dynamic shots.
Filming Tips:
Requires California State Parks permit
Steer clear of weekends (high foot traffic)
Tide conditions matter for cave access
2. 📸 El Matador Beach (Malibu)
Visuals: Sandstone arches, sea caves, golden bluffs
Best for: Romantic, nostalgic, dreamy, fashion shoots
Why Film Here:
Perfect during sunset (“magic hour”), El Matador is a favorite for music videos and dramatic scenes. Its remote look adds ethereal vibes without the need to leave LA County.
Filming Tips:
Access involves a steep stair climb
Great for small crews or stylized setups
State Park permits required
3. 🎭 Venice Beach (Los Angeles)
Visuals: Boardwalk, street art, skate park, Muscle Beach
Best for: Youth culture, urban energy, social commentary
Why Film Here:
Venice is iconic, chaotic, colorful, and culturally rich. Perfect for scenes with movement, crowds, rebellion, or character-driven energy.
Filming Tips:
Early morning = fewer crowds
Expect noise—ADR may be needed
Multiple permits: City of LA, LAPD, and possibly County
4. 🌅 Manhattan Beach Pier
Visuals: Symmetrical pier, volleyball courts, surf scenes
Best for: Slice-of-life, Americana, nostalgic drama
Why Film Here:
This beach has a clean, polished look perfect for family films, lifestyle ads, and romantic sequences. Its classic pier structure is cinematic from every angle.
Filming Tips:
Popular but more controlled than Venice
Check for local sports/volleyball events
Permits via City of Manhattan Beach
5. ⚓ Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)
Visuals: Rocky shore, lighthouse, industrial harbor
Best for: Moody dramas, maritime stories, thriller settings
Why Film Here:
With a mix of natural and industrial features, Cabrillo gives off a blue-collar, windswept vibe that suits darker or more grounded stories.
Filming Tips:
May involve Port of LA and City permits
Great location for foggy or overcast visuals
Use drone footage to capture harbor scale
6. 🏄 Bolsa Chica State Beach (Orange County)
Visuals: Wide open sand, minimal obstructions, campfire rings
Best for: Daytime scenes, beach sports, drone shots
Why Film Here:
Flat and expansive, Bolsa Chica is ideal for scenes requiring movement—running, driving on the beach, or drone work. Less dramatic than Malibu, but highly versatile.
Filming Tips:
Ample parking and access
Best for big setups or extras-heavy shoots
Requires State Parks permit
7. 🌊 La Jolla Cove (San Diego)
Visuals: Rocky cliffs, tide pools, turquoise water, sea lions
Best for: Underwater scenes, upscale vibe, environmental storytelling
Why Film Here:
La Jolla Cove feels like it belongs on another continent. Clear water and marine life make it a great option for emotional or underwater shoots.
Filming Tips:
Highly regulated—permits via City of San Diego
Ideal for drone or GoPro work
Plan around tourist activity and wildlife
How to Choose the Right Beach for Your Film
When location scouting, think beyond the visuals. Ask yourself:
Does the location reflect your character’s mindset or arc?
Is the beach a backdrop—or a force within the story?
Can it symbolically reinforce your themes (freedom, danger, rebirth, etc.)?
How will tides, lighting, and sound affect your production schedule?
Beach Filming Permits – What You Need to Know
Filming on public beaches requires planning. Here’s what to keep in mind:
🎫 Permits via:
California Film Commission (CFC) for State Parks
FilmLA for LA County beaches
Local city offices (e.g., Manhattan Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica)
🕒 Allow 4–10 business days for approvals
📋 Additional needs: Insurance, parking plans, drone waivers, special effects clearance
Final Thoughts: Let the Beach Be Your Co-Writer
In great visual storytelling, a beach is never just a pretty background. It can represent freedom, rebirth, danger, loneliness, hope, or home. The best filmmakers use locations not just as settings, but as characters.
Whether you’re capturing the grit of Venice or the elegance of La Jolla, let Southern California’s beaches help bring your vision to life—one wave, one sunset, one story at a time.
Ready to Scout Your Perfect Beach?
Need help choosing the right beach for your shoot? Drop your questions in the comments or contact us!
