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Santa Monica State Beach

©Liang Zou/Shutterstock

Santa Monica Beach

There are endless ways to enjoy this 3.5-mile stretch of sand, running from Venice Beach in the south to Will Rogers State Beach in the north. Sunbathing and swimming are obvious options, but you can also reserve time on a beach volleyball court or, for more cerebral pursuits, settle in at a first-come first-served chess table at International Chess Park, just south of the Santa Monica Pier.

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