The flowers are starting to bloom here in Los Angeles and that can only mean one thing: beach season is here and it's time to get outside, clad in your bikinis and board shorts, and head for the waves. Fortunately, you won’t be relegated to a day of fun-less sunbathing or never ending bouts of beach volleyball because there are plenty of beachside bars to keep your mind and body stimulated. You can’t drink on the sand, but these places are close enough.

With strategically placed windows along the western side, giving patrons a lovely view of the Manhattan Beach strand and gorgeous sunsets, The Shellback Tavern is one of those dive-y beach bars that never disappoints. There is tons of goofy beach memorabilia on the walls, a diverse crowd, cheap pitchers of beer, and typical pub food available. This is the perfect spot to end your long beach day with neverending beer, burgers, and murals of Ernest Hemmingway.

101 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website

With strategically placed windows along the western side, giving patrons a lovely view of the Manhattan Beach strand and gorgeous sunsets, The Shellback Tavern is one of those dive-y beach bars that never disappoints. There is tons of goofy beach memorabilia on the walls, a diverse crowd, cheap pitchers of beer, and typical pub food available. This is the perfect spot to end your long beach day with neverending beer, burgers, and murals of Ernest Hemmingway.

116 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website

Located on the rooftop of Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach, High Lounge provides the best views of not only the boardwalk, but a 360 degree perspective of Los Angeles. You can see downtown, the west side, the south bay, and even the Malibu coastline. High Lounge serves excellent food and drinks, has a classy outdoor lounge vibe, and live DJ sets on some weekends and nights. If possible, make a reservation on the weekends because this place gets packed quickly.

1697 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Website

Perched atop a jutting piece of California coastline in Malibu, Moonshadows has one of the most coveted decks in Los Angeles. This place is always lined with luxury vehicles, a waiting list, and multiple celebrity sightings in one visit. But, don’t let this detract you from a visit. The view alone will get you hooked and the food is pretty good as well. And, as always, there is plenty of premium alcohol to choose from.

20356 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Website

A revamp of Dry Bar (which opened on May 25th), Code Venice maintains the gastropub vibe with artisan beers, wine and hand-crafted cocktails. While the management has shifted, Code retains Chef Jorge Valines and now offers an updated menu of truffle butternut squash risotto and coconut curry mussels - along with classic American grub like their 1/2 pound burger and short ribs. Flatscreen TVs and drafts like Delerium and Ranger IPA ensure rowdy game days, while a full DJ station will spice up the area nightlife.

80 Windward Ave.,
Venice, CA 90291
Website

Another Venice Beach staple, James Beach is always popping any day of the week. Settle down into the covered outdoor patio, which is decorated as if you were Mexico, or take a seat somewhere in the dining room. Either way, you’re going to find an exhaustive beer and spirits menu, Mexican fare, and a very short walk to Venice Beach. Try the fish tacos at James Beach – they’re highly buzzed about.

60 N Venice Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Website

The recently reopened Shangri La Hotel is an art deco paradise, lavishly adorned with a great pool and rooftop lounge. The classic décor, intimate setting and stellar views provide a great backdrop to take in some Santa Monica beach weather, deliciously crafted cocktails, and devour oysters on the half shell. You might fall so in love with this pool that you won’t even make it to the beach.

1301 Ocean Ave, Ste 700
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website

Not only is SHOREbar right next to the ocean, but the decor inside will make you feel like you're on a boat, with nautical decor and plenty of seafood when you get hungry. When it comes time to drink, check out the mixology-inspired menu of craft cocktails like the Mesa Mule. SHOREbar is as close to Nantucket as you'll get in SoCal.

112 W Channel Rd
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Website

The entrance to Side Door is somewhat hidden, blending in with a battered wooden exterior – adding to the allure that is Side Door. Once inside however, this bar is spruced up with plush couches and no pretentiousness. It’s pretty dark inside, but it is the perfect place to hide from the sun while recharging your batteries – with cocktails and small bites, of course!

900 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website

Literally located on the sand (well, not literally, but the sand is just steps away), Big Dean’s has a perfect outdoor patio designed for people watching, pitcher drinking, and whatever else you need for a day of drinking at the beach. Order food from their grill and wash down your worries with a cold brew.

1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website

Although Figtree is technically a restaurant, that doesn’t mean you have to order food. Simply get a table at this Venice boardwalk hotspot and hunker down with a cocktail, glass of wine, or tall beer. In case you do want to sop some of that alcohol up with food, you’ll have the option to order some New American fare from Figtree. Also, great people watching on the outdoor patio!

429 Oceanfront Walk
Venice, CA 90291
Website