What are the 6 cleanest beaches in LA County?

© Sarah Reingewirtz/Los Angeles Daily News/TNS People play in Santa Monica beach surf on Monday, June 20, 2022. Heal the Bay annual Beach Report is expanding to the Los Angeles River.

Only about 500 California beaches were tested frequently enough last year to qualify for Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card, so not every popular beach in the state, clean or otherwise, is listed.

Of those, 10% (51 beaches) made the organization’s “Honor Roll” because they graded out as relatively free of sewage-related pollutants all year long, during dry periods and after storms.

Six of those are in Los Angeles County:

Venice City Beach at Brooks Ave. storm drain (The three-mile stretch of Venice Beach has graded out better in recent years, though health experts still recommend waiting at least three days after storm before going in to the water near the storm drain at Brooks Ave.)

Las Tunas at Pena Creek (The southernmost beach in Malibu; narrow beach is rocky in some spots. Water tested clean in 2021.)

Nicholas Beach at San Nicholas Canyon Creek (Well-regarded surf spot near Wishtoyo Chumash Village. Water tested clean in 2021.)

Rancho Palos Verdes, Long Point (Below the Long Point military station that closed in 1944; water has tested clean in recent years)

Royal Palms State Beach (Royal Palms recreation center is gone, but the beach remains popular for tide pools, swimming.)

Palos Verdes Estates, Malaga Cove (At north tip of Palos Verdes Estates, the sandy strip extends to Redondo Beach and Torrance Beach. Water is clean; diving and swimming are popular.)

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