Quick beach/ocean destination
 

I'll be arriving at LAX and renting a car to drive to the valley on Monday. Since I'm arriving at 2:00 PM and don't have to be anywhere until about 8:00, I'd like to see the Pacific Ocean (haven't ever seen it). Where would be a good location to drive from LAX where I could a) be safe, b) park my car and c) be able to stand near the water for some good pictures?

There is a public beach at the west end of LAX (Dockweiler), if all you want is a short glance.

Santa Monica Pier. There's ample parking around the Pier, 1550 Beach Lot is immediately North of the Pier and there is a parking lot on the Pier itself. Can get some great photographs from Palisades Park with the sun setting.

Since you have the time, I'd recommend driving to the Valley by way of PCH and Topanga Canyon.

From the airport start take Lincoln Blvd (it starts near the In-N-Out) north to Venice Beach. Continue to Santa Monica and then on PCH to Malibu and Topanga Canyon which will take you to Woodland Hills in the west San Fernando Valley.

What valley are you referring to - San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, San Joaquin Valley? I guess I am not up on my Valley Talk. :)

For a uniquely SoCal experience, drop by Venice Beach. Santa Monica has an interesting pier you can walk out on and enjoy the view.

Thanks! This is awesome. Are there places along the way I can stop for pictures?

Haha sorry. San Fernando :)

Ahh, I see it now. Santa Monica pier. Parking looks great. Thanks all for the help!!

There are lots of options for picture taking along the way.

There are Ocean Front Walk in Venice, Palisades Park in Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier, Will Rogers Beach and Gladstones Restaurant in Pacific Palisades and Getty Villa in Malibu.

Gladstones at sunset:

I'd give a big second to the notion of taking PCH and Topanga Canyon if your destination in the San Fernando Valley is in the Western half...

On the other hand, if you need to eventually get to Burbank, Mission Hills, or Sylmar or other locations on the East end; you probably want to hit Venice or Santa Monica and then plan to cross over to the Valley via the I-405 and/or routes East of there.

And as always, remember to check www.sigalert.com or AM radio 1070 for current traffic conditions, because any of these passes to the Valley can get terribly plugged up w/ traffic between 3:30 and 7:00 pm.

Thanks for the info! I'm actually headed to Woodland Hills, so the previous poster's directions are perfect.

I third this route. Clearly the best option.