Paradise Cove - "PRIVATE BEACH" Malibu

This is a private BEACH in MALIBU with a restaurant on it.
During the week it's pretty mellow but weekends it's PACKED with people.
It's really fun to go around 4ish when it's still sunny out (warm months of course). Since it's a "Private Beach," you can bring a nice bottle of wine and or alcohol and drink it right there on your picnic blanket.
The last time I was there, you can park for 4 hours for $3 with a purchase from the restaurant for $20 (We usually get a dessert) or...parking is $25. **Check the website or call to confirm rates.
We usually pack a dinner/bottle of wine picnic and watch the sun set while the kids run around.

Annenberg Community Beach House Santa Monica CA

This is such a great place to take the kids and family or for really anyone who wants to relax by the pool or beach.
THEY ARE CLOSING M-F AS OF EARLY SEPTEMBER BUT WILL STILL BE OPEN WEEKENDS.(check the website for exact dates) THEY WILL RE-OPEN IN JUNE. BUT WILL BE OPEN ON WEEKENDS.

Admission : Adult $8 Kids $4
Parking: 1 hour $4 / All Day $8

MONDAY'S SPECIAL: Everyone $1

• Kids can not wear floaties or life vests (you have to wear their vests).
• Pool opens at 10:00am
• Get there a little early, people fight over chairs :)
• They have a family room and women & men's locker rooms with WARM showers for the kids to rinse off in
• Back on the Beach Cafe is next door and has good kid's meals. Kids can play right in front of you on the sand. (very convenient)
• All in all, fun day but can get a little pricey if you have to leave in 2 hours for nap time.
• http://beachhouse.smgov.net/plan-your-day/

Will Rogers State Park - Good FREE fun for toddlers

This park is super fun on weekdays to go with a group and let the kids run around. We park on the last street in the adjacent neighborhood to avoid the $12 parking. There is a HUGE grassy field, a sand pit, picnic tables, and bathrooms close by. We do not do the hike but just hang out on the field. Sometimes horses go by which is fun for the kids because the Polo Fields are right there as well.
You can also bring your dog. :) Weekends I'm sure are much more crowded.
For more info, I posted the link to the right.