RAT Beach

As a photographer, I find Rat Beach to be a great spot for portraits. The environment is calm and scenic, and the light in the afternoon and at sunset is especially beautiful for photos.

Just wanted to clarify for anyone wishing to go to RAT Beach that this is a duplicate location and is incorrectly placed on Google Maps! Navigation to this duplicate location will direct you to a gated, residential parking lot. The stair pathway to the beach from here is NOT for public access and quite steep. Public access to RAT Beach is actually from the Malaga Cove Trail, which starts at the parking lot at Roessler Point along Paseo del Mar/Via Arroyo (access from Via Corta off of Palos Verdes Drive North). Alternatively, you can park at Torrance Beach and walk on the sand to RAT Beach from there. Google Maps won't allow me to suggest an edit to remove this duplicate, so I'm leaving this review and photo to warn everyone in advance.

I haven’t been here in years, and it was great to walk along the beach for an early spring stroll on Saturday morning. It wasn’t too crowded, and I was able to enjoy the ocean waves and watch some of the local wildlife. Saw some dolphins in the water, a great white heron, and some little birds along the shore.

Took a harder route down the cliff, you could use the walkway if ya want. The rocks are slippery but walking to your right will get you to RAT Beach. Don’t place your blankets on the damp sand there are bugs. Mostly a surfers beach it seems. Very nice view & waves were gentle.

One of the most beautiful beaches in LA, but it lacks a restroom. You can get to the beach from the parking lot above or by walking from the Torrance ramp. The beach is not groomed often, so it has a beautiful, wild feel. The Santa Monica bay at its best.