Nice LA beach for swimming in July

Check out Will Rogers State Beach (directly west of Hollywood). Will Rodgers has a long parking lot so you can park right next to your sand spot (easy to carry stuff), tons of volleyball courts, facilities, great for walks, close to Santa Monica but not as packed. Try having dinner at The Hungry Cat or drinks at SHOREbar on your way home. If you like Mexican, Marix Tex Mex is right near there too.

Malibu Beach or Zuma Beach are also great, but would be farther for where you're staying. Have fun!

Hi Joanne!

First things first -- the Pacific is cold, so even on a hot July day the water will be brisk! But don't let that deter you :) Here are my recommendations:

1) Westward Beach is a gorgeous Malibu-locals' favorite. The drive up PCH to Malibu is not to be missed! End the day with happy hour at The Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar -- it's on the same stretch of sand.

2) Santa Monica Beach is crazy-crowded, but closer to where you're staying. Lots of activities like Twilight Concerts on the Santa Monica Pier (http://santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts/) and nearby restaurants/shopping.

If you can avoid the weekend, and hit the beach on a weekday, your experience will be 1000% better! You should also check out kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing if you're looking to get in the water. Enjoy!

I second Manhattan Beach. In July the weather will be perfect and the water will be pretty warm! Hermosa Beach is a good bet too.If you're in Hermosa, you can grab sandwiches from The Green Store which was just renovated into a cool deli. You could also rent bikes from Fun Bunns and cruise along The Strand (bike path). Have fun!

A very popular beach is Zuma Beach in Malibu.
It is a bit out of the way (especially if you are staying in Hollywood), but if you leave very early in the morning, you can make a nice drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy/Hwy 1 (aka PCH) and avoid the traffic.

A fun beach/dining experience is Paradise Cove Cafe,

For something a little more romantic, check out Geoffrey's Malibu or The Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar (I know you asked about beaches for swimming, but if you did make the trek out to Malibu, it could be nice to stop for dinner).

For a great social scene and excellent people watching, check out Manhattan Beach Pier. There is a nice stretch of sand, gentle water, and with activities like bike riding to shopping, there is so much to do in this great beach town. (I personally favor it over Venice Beach). I highly, highly recommend MB Post: I don't like bacon-yes I know I'm VERY weird-but I CANNOT resist their bacon biscuits with maple butter.

Another all-around great hangout is the Santa Monica Pier, very family friendly, and it is warm enough to lay out on the sand and the surf.

But if you are really looking for nice beaches and you have a day to spare, I would recommend a day trip down south to San Diego or up north to Santa Barbara. Since LA traffic can be such a nightmare, if you head south (San Diego) I would recommend doing this on a Saturday or Sunday and leave fairly early. The water is very clean (worlds better than LA) and warm (again...worlds better than LA). Great beaches down the coast in Encinitas and Carlsbad (California)

and of course La Jolla Shores in La Jolla.

If you decide to go north (Santa Barbara), traffic is not so bad, and you could easily do this early on a weekday. I would recommend Carpinteria State Beach for some of the most gentle swells and lots of expansive sand (try breakfast on the way at the Summerland Beach Cafe). If you want to venture deeper into Santa Barbara, Leadbetter Beach & Park is another place with grass, sand, water gentle enough to swim in and restaurants nearby. 

Oh and if you are on your way up to Santa Barbara, and you want something cool to sip while you bask in the sun, stop in Ventura grab a smoothie from Blenders in the Grass on Main Street (Strawberry Colada is the best!!). 

Manhattan Beach has one of the most beautiful (and clean!) beaches in southern California. From the iconic Roundhouse on the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Ballona Creek Bike Path spanning the entire south bay, you can't go wrong.

Hermosa Beach (just south of Manhattan Beach) is also a really great hangout. You're walking distance to the Hermosa Beach Pier for good eats, bars and shopping on Pier Ave. 

I would drive up to Malibu and go to Zuma Beach probably

One thing to note about beaches on the west coast... We have surf. I've had plenty of east coasters visit and they are surprised at the size and power of the waves even on what we'd call a small day. Most of the time it's not a safety issue, but it can be embarrassing, especially if you get knocked down, rolled around in the sand, and lose a bathing suit. It happens :)

Hands down Manhattan Beach! I typically tend to stay away from Beaches in Santa Monica and Venice as they tend to attract mostly tourists. In Manhattan Beach, you get a more local, friendlier vibe. Not to mention, the beaches are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. The water is fairly warm too :) Its not too bad of a drive from Hollywood depending on what day/time you go, but I guarantee it will be worth it! While you're there, check out my favorite restaurant the North End Caffe if you're feeling hungry and if its warm day, cool down at the Manhattan Beach Creamery!I hope that helps! Have an awesome trip!

Manhattan Beach is always a great place to go for a swim. The only downside was the mild Shark Attack on July 5th...other than that, it's aces! 

I do not sugest swimming in the ocean, unless you have been trained to. Ocean currents are very strong, and waves powerful.