Avoid PCH (Rt 1) and instead go West along Imperial from the airport until it dead ends at Dockweiler beach, then take a left (south) and go through Manhattan Beach & Hermosa Beach down to PV. These are more your typical SoCal beaches (1/4mi+ wide, flat or small dunes, many areas with volleyball courts).
Or continue south thru Redondo and PV to Abalone, which is great for a hike along a pretty deserted beach. Stick to the coast and you'll find many scenic locations like Korean Friendship Bell for a cool vista
https://goo.gl/maps/k1hDuRZz2a12 on the way to LB.
Alternative to HB is Bolsa Chica:
https://goo.gl/maps/CvdHnLWdDmG2
Enjoy!