Just north of the LA mess is Malibu. Just north of Malibu are Zuma Beach and Westward Beach. Both are lovely beaches, parking close by (Westward Beach charges $7 or similar for the privilege of parking, but the beach is RIGHT THERE with little walking). The neat thing about Westward/Zuma -- it's been a movie set on a few occasions. The beach scene in SPACEBALLS is one of them.
Donna