{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2103,"slug":"will-rogers-state-beach-pacific-palisades","name":"Will Rogers State Beach","country":"USA","state":"California","city":"Pacific Palisades","coords":{"lat":34.0379,"lng":-118.5492},"beachType":null,"tags":["family","urban","scenic"],"article":{"hero":"Will Rogers State Beach unfurls along the Pacific Palisades coastline like a wide bolt of tan canvas, bordered on one side by the Pacific Coast Highway and on the other by dependable summer surf that folds rather than crashes. Named for the humorist and polo player whose ranch once overlooked this stretch, the beach draws families hauling coolers, cyclists pedaling the beachfront path, and sunbathers who claim their square of sand by 10 a.m. on weekends. The shore is broad enough that you can lay your towel thirty yards from the tide line and still feel the ocean's pull.\n\nThe water here stays swimmable year-round, though June through September brings the warmest temperatures and the steadiest afternoon breezes that shake out beach umbrellas. Lifeguard towers punctuate the sand at regular intervals, and the gradual slope into the bay makes this a forgiving place to learn bodysurfing or let children wade without constant vigilance. Volleyball poles sink deep into the compacted sand near the parking lot, and by midday the thwack of serves echoes above the gulls.\n\nYou won't find tide pools or dramatic rock formations—this beach trades spectacle for simplicity. What it offers instead is space: elbow room to throw a frisbee, enough distance between blankets to host a portable speaker without becoming a nuisance, and sightlines that stretch from Malibu's headlands down to the Santa Monica Pier's Ferris wheel, all bathed in that particular slant of Southern California light that turns golden an hour before dusk.","teaser":"You'll smell eucalyptus drifting from the canyon before your feet touch the warm sand. This is where Angelenos who live inland spread blankets wide, where volleyball nets stand taut against onshore wind, and where the San Gabriel Mountains frame the northern horizon beyond gentle shorebreak.","uniqueAngle":"This is LA's widest uninterrupted stretch of sand where mountain views and urban energy coexist without either apologizing for the other.","accessType":"Drive-up with paid parking","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"sun","title":"Stake Your Territory","subtitle":"Wide sand accommodates big groups"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Gradual Entry Wading","subtitle":"Gentle slope, safe for beginners"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Beginner Wave Practice","subtitle":"Soft breaks, consistent summer swell"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Bike the Strand","subtitle":"Paved path connects Santa Monica"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The break here favors soft-tops and learners—summer swells from the south and west deliver waist-high rollers that reform gently across the sandbar. Winter brings more power but closes out quickly on the shallow bottom. Arrive early; the lineup swells with surf schools by late morning, and the longboard crowd dominates the peak near tower 16. Northwest winds groom morning sessions before the onshore chop arrives after noon. Pack warm wax; the water hovers around 58°F even in August.","couples":"Claim a spot north of lifeguard tower 18 where the bluffs shield you from PCH traffic noise and the sand stays less trampled. As the sun descends behind the Palisades, the sky ignites in salmon and violet—bring a blanket thick enough for two and a thermos of something warm. Afterward, drive five minutes up Sunset Boulevard to find wine bars with ocean-view patios in the Palisades Village, or continue south to Santa Monica for wood-fired pizza at Milo & Olive. The Palihouse Santa Monica offers beachy-chic rooms within walking distance of the shore.","backpacker":"Parking devours your budget at $3 per hour or $14 all-day, so ride the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica, then catch Big Blue Bus 9 northbound—total cost under $4. Beach access is free once you arrive. Grab pre-noon tacos at Tacomiendo on Sunset for $3 each, or assemble provisions at Ralphs supermarket. No official camping exists nearby, but hostels in Santa Monica like HI Los Angeles Santa Monica run around $45 per night in dorms. Rinse salt off at the outdoor shower before your bus ride back.","local":"Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. offer the beach at its most serene—before the valley families caravan over the hill. The northernmost stretch past tower 20 stays quieter even on Saturdays; most visitors cluster near the central lot. In autumn, when June Gloom lingers past its name, you'll have whole sections to yourself under high clouds. Park for free along Temescal Canyon Road's residential streets if you don't mind a ten-minute walk, and bring a windbreak—afternoon gusts here can sandblast your lunch.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Will Rogers State Beach is generally considered safe for swimming during calm conditions, with lifeguards on duty during summer months and weekends. However, water quality can vary, especially after rainfall when urban runoff affects the ocean. Check the LA County Beach Report online before visiting for current water quality ratings and any advisories. Waves are typically moderate, making it suitable for families, though always swim near lifeguard towers and be aware of rip currents. Red flags indicate dangerous conditions when swimming is not recommended.","q":"Is Will Rogers State Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Will Rogers State Beach is enjoyable year-round thanks to Southern California's mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. Summer (June-August) offers warmest water and sunniest days but brings larger crowds. Spring and fall provide excellent conditions with fewer visitors and pleasant weather. Winter months are quieter and still offer sunny days, though ocean water is cooler (55-60°F). For the best experience, visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds and secure parking easily. May through October typically sees less morning fog.","q":"What is the best time to visit Will Rogers State Beach?"},{"a":"Will Rogers State Beach offers a large paid parking lot along Pacific Coast Highway with approximately 1,750 spaces, operating from dawn to dusk. Parking fees vary seasonally, typically $3-15 per day depending on the season and day of week, with payment via cash or card at automated kiosks. The lot rarely fills except on peak summer weekends. Free street parking is extremely limited on nearby residential streets. The beach is also accessible via Metro Bus Line 534, which runs along PCH, making public transit a viable option.","q":"Where can I park at Will Rogers State Beach?"},{"a":"Will Rogers State Beach has basic facilities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and volleyball courts, but no on-site restaurants or concession stands. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or visit nearby establishments along Pacific Coast Highway within a short drive, including casual cafes and restaurants in Pacific Palisades Village about two miles inland. The beach has picnic areas, making it ideal for bringing your own meals. Beach equipment rentals are sometimes available seasonally from vendors near the parking lot.","q":"Are there restaurants and facilities at Will Rogers State Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, Will Rogers State Beach is part of the iconic Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also called The Strand), a paved 22-mile coastal path connecting Pacific Palisades to Torrance. The bike path runs directly along the beach, making it extremely popular with cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers. This section offers spectacular ocean views and connects to other famous LA beaches. Bike rentals are available at nearby Santa Monica, about three miles south. The flat, well-maintained path is suitable for all skill levels and families.","q":"Can you ride bikes on Will Rogers State Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Will Rogers State Beach: Pacific Palisades Surf & Sand Guide","description":"Golden sand unfurls for nearly two miles beneath the Pacific Palisades bluffs. Gentle waves, volleyball nets, and sunset bike paths make this LA County shoreline a local favorite.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/71/215151711_5ba088c5da_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"512907","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4473/37917809071_d0bffdcbe3_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4473/37917809071_d0bffdcbe3.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512909","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4498/37886752862_f3ecb95f73_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4498/37886752862_f3ecb95f73.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512910","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4492/26141243869_6ae782ed6a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4492/26141243869_6ae782ed6a.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512911","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4514/37886851462_115a4ef928_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4514/37886851462_115a4ef928.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512912","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4470/26141709439_1c22d22f95_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4470/26141709439_1c22d22f95.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512913","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4444/37917730831_93801bf405_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4444/37917730831_93801bf405.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512914","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4511/37917583421_555846fa37_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4511/37917583421_555846fa37.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512915","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4503/26141703739_f66d366523_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4503/26141703739_f66d366523.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512916","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4500/24066031478_194e4d8753_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4500/24066031478_194e4d8753.jpg","alt":"Pacific Palisades"},{"id":"512917","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8264/8669509549_244f5256ff_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8264/8669509549_244f5256ff.jpg","alt":"Tsunami Hazard Zone"},{"id":"512918","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5461/10092467215_85a9b7549e_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5461/10092467215_85a9b7549e.jpg","alt":"Santa Monica Beach"}]}}