Dockweiler State Beach

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dockweiler State Beach is a popular destination situated in Los Angeles County, California.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a great spot for people looking to enjoy the beach and watch airplanes take off and land at nearby LAX. The beach attracts visitors with its wide stretch of sand, world-famous sunsets, and beautiful views of Santa Monica Bay. Additionally, the beach is known for its well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

One of the main attractions at Dockweiler State Beach is the fire pits that are available for bonfires, making it a great spot for family gatherings and outdoor parties. Visitors can also enjoy bike paths, walking trails, and a beach volleyball court. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, and surfing, and there is even a designated area for RV camping.

Interesting facts about Dockweiler State Beach include that it was named after a prominent Los Angeles attorney, Isidore Dockweiler, who was a prominent advocate for public access to the beach. Additionally, the beach was used as a location for filming the television show "Baywatch."

The best time of year to visit Dockweiler State Beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and there is a lot of sunlight. However, visitors can still enjoy the beach throughout the year, as the area is known for having mild weather. It is important to note that the beach can be crowded during peak tourist season, so visitors should plan accordingly.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References