Probably the most overlooked beach in LA is Playa Del Rey; most people that travel to LA go to Santa Monica or Venice when they want to experience beach life. But if you're in search of a real California vibe that isn't pretentious and feels like an old school beach vibe check out Playa.
I rode my bike from Venice to Playa Del Rey along the LA River, which isn't really a river as much as a giant man made ditch. The ride from mid-city LA to the beach is roughly 12 miles one way. I packed a backpack with some snacks and my trusty 5DSR loaded with a 50mm 1.2 lens; the fifty is my go to lens that can do everything.
I snapped off images that help paint a picture of the vibe...I didn't include beach photographs because you already know what the beach looks like. It's obviously epic, but I wanted the viewer to get a feel for what's off the beach...the little street right off the boardwalk called Culver Blvd.
The main drag in Playa Del Rey is really only about 3 blocks long. 5-6 dive bars, a few old restaurants and some coffee shops...sprinkled with the usually beach shops. It's local! You really won't find tourists junking up the neighborhood
Local girls walk down Culver Blvd more than likely to grab a cocktail...
Maybe you want some 1950's style Italian?
To get around the locals take a beach bike, parking is always a challenge...but not when you're on two wheels.
Nice bald head.
Houses overlook the Pacific on the 150 ft bluff that was built by sand dunes over the years.
I would venture to say most Angelenos don't know about Playa Del Rey. So if you're a local jump on your bike and visit Playa. If you're coming from inland google the Balloona Bike Path.
I say goodbye for now and will let the images tell the rest of the story
Michael Thompson
LA Based Photographer that is available for hire
