Nearest beach to Alhambra? (Santa Monica, Malibu: school, rated, best time)

[timelesschild]

My children want to know....

[CESpeed]

Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

[timelesschild]

Thanks! Any suggestions on traffic patterns (times of day)?

[timelesschild]

I'm serious. I know that the traffic can be ugly in Santa Monica, Venice, etc., and I would really like some feedback if possible regarding best times to try for the beach. It doesn't matter if it's during school or business hours. You all who know, share your knowledge! Thanks!

Originally Posted by timelesschild

Thanks! Any suggestions on traffic patterns (times of day)?

[BRinSM]

well, you'll take the 10 west all the way to the beach. BUT, you won't want to leave before 10am, probably even later than that. Assuming an hour from door to beach, you'll have about 2-3 hours in santa monica before you'll want to head home. I wouldn't leave Santa Monica any later than 2 to avoid traffic on the 10. This is during the work week of course. On the weekends, you'll want to be at the beach no later than 9 or 10 or so and head back just after lunch. you should have seen the 10 and pch yesterday, WOW!

[timelesschild]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

well, you'll take the 10 west all the way to the beach. BUT, you won't want to leave before 10am, probably even later than that. Assuming an hour from door to beach, you'll have about 2-3 hours in santa monica before you'll want to head home. I wouldn't leave Santa Monica any later than 2 to avoid traffic on the 10. This is during the work week of course. On the weekends, you'll want to be at the beach no later than 9 or 10 or so and head back just after lunch. you should have seen the 10 and pch yesterday, WOW!

OK, that sounds great. I was just now thinking, "BRinSM will know the traffic. I hope (s)he answers 'cause that will be the real scoop." Thanks so much!

[JTGJR]

First off, you do realize that Alhambra is a 25 mile drive to Santa Monica, right? With that said, it's pretty much a straight shot out the I10, but right through the heart of downtown. Only council I would give is to avoid the true rush hour times. If they leave Alhambra around 9am it should be a reasonable drive. Then they could head back 3-ish and still be OK or wait out the traffic and head back around 7pm. I don't drive the route, but they're probably looking at 45-mins to 1-hr around those times.

[the one]

why go to dirty SaMo beach when you could end up at less dirty Bolsa chica? its a lil further but the LAC beaches might be more crowded and dirtier. i love dockweiler for the memories and redondo as well but once i was grown enough to know better i opted for the OC beaches. really the only reason you will find me in OC. thats one thing that they got on us. the beaches.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by the one

thats one thing that they got on us. the beaches.

i couldn't agree more. and i guess seal beach isnt that much farther from the alhambra area than santa monica.

[CESpeed]

The OP asked for closest beach. Otherwise I would have recommended Malibu. (still up the 10 just keep going until it turn into PCH) On the weekends there is no such thing as the best time. It's a concentrated flow the whole way. If you don't mind driving through the city, you can take the 10 to the 101 and drive up Santa Monica Blvd. Obviously, the street will take a little longer, but it's a great way to sight see.