5 laidback beach cafes

Located at the tip of Los Angeles County, this local landmark might be the world’s most perfect seafood shack, offering fresh catch, great views, and a mix of surfers, bikers, and tourists. Open since 1956, Neptune’s Net captures the SoCal vibe so well it’s no surprise the spot is a frequent film location.

Another historic and unpretentious beach cafe serving seafood and American fare. The food here is second to the atmosphere – patrons at the cafe gain access to a gorgeous private beach, so plan to make an afternoon out of it. There are beds and lounges for rent, ideal for siesta or watching the sunset.

Opened in 1979, this iconic Venice cafe is so beloved that when it closed for a brief time, the entire city bemoaned the loss. Now it’s back with market-driven SoCal cuisine – breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails, and pastries—that can be enjoyed indoors or out.

Built on the site of the former Marion Davies estate, the Annenberg Community Beach House spans five acres of beachfront and offers parking reservations, a beautiful beach, and a pool. The best part of the cafe is that you don’t have to leave to eat; simply enjoy seasonal cuisine with your feet in the sand.

Family-owned and -operated since 1952, Old Tony’s, as it’s called, is named after its founder, a former fisherman and local legend. You can’t get closer to the water than this, and along with the great history and ambiance the restaurant has a second-story bar with a view from Palos Verdes to Santa Monica.