California’s coastline is renowned for its public accessibility, protected under the Coastal Act and overseen by the California Coastal Commission, ensuring that the beaches remain open to all despite surrounding private development. In an effort to experience this publicly shared natural resource in a new way, a writer embarked on a 75-mile journey along the Los Angeles County shoreline, tracing the path from the mouth of the San Gabriel River northward to the Ventura County line.

The trek was divided into 10 separate excursions conducted between late November 2025 and mid-January 2026, with progress dictated largely by tide schedules and weather conditions. The walker approached the challenge on foot, navigating a constantly shifting landscape where erosion, tide levels, and physical barriers often interrupted the shoreline, requiring detours onto roads and residential streets.

Starting at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach near the San Gabriel River at 10 a.m. on a Sunday, the journey began with a flat, accessible boardwalk. Along this initial segment, stops included the Long Beach Museum of Art and its outdoor café, as well as the marina area near the Los Angeles River. The route briefly encircled the river mouths but did not venture onto the Queen Mary pier, instead turning back before reaching it.

Further north, early morning departures from Cabrillo Beach revealed a mix of oceanfront paths and residential neighborhoods, particularly through San Pedro’s Coastal community. Here, the walker encountered a blend of tidy, multi-million-dollar homes and rugged natural features like the rocky beaches near Point Fermin Park and its historic lighthouse. The coastal soundscape featured strong undertows between rocks, contrasting with the more typical ocean ambiance.

The journey illuminated several practical considerations for those interested in similar excursions. Public transit options are limited in certain stretches, making ride-sharing or car swaps valuable for point-to-point travel. Carrying ample water, sunscreen, and snacks is essential, especially as much of the path lacks shade or services. For those looking for shorter trips, the stretch from Malibu Pier to Escondido Beach, covering 5.7 miles, was recommended as scenic and manageable, with convenient transportation and dining options.

Throughout the walk, the writer noted that public access points and local residents often proved welcoming, offering water and encouragement. The experience highlighted the complexity of California’s coastline as a physical and social environment, where public right of way intersects with natural obstacles and private property, underscoring the ongoing challenge of preserving open shoreline access amid growing coastal development.