Exclusive Access: Discover the Best Beach Clubs in Malibu and Los Angeles

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning coastline, presents a unique relationship with its beaches. The coastline serves as both a picturesque backdrop and an elusive destination, with beach clubs along the Malibu and Santa Monica shorelines epitomizing this dynamic. Some of these clubs maintain waitlists that span years, while others demand membership fees comparable to a home down payment. A select few offer access to fortunate hotel guests. Each club provides an unparalleled experience: a private stretch of California coastline during summer, complemented by exceptional service.

The Private Membership Clubs

Little Beach House Malibu

Little Beach House Malibu stands out as a cultural landmark among Los Angeles beach clubs. This exclusive outpost of Soho House occupies 200 feet of oceanfront on Carbon Beach, nestled between Nobu and the Malibu Beach Inn, a location often referred to as “Billionaire’s Beach.” Admission to this club requires more than a standard Soho House membership; existing members must apply for the Malibu Plus add-on. Local Malibu residents reportedly have a significant role in the approval process, making it one of the few Soho Houses with a unique vetting system. The interior features hidden nooks, contemporary art, and a menu rich in meat and seafood, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a beach house shared by a close-knit group of friends, many of whom are prominent figures in the creative industry.

Jonathan Beach Club

Established in 1927 by architect Gene Verge Sr., Jonathan Beach Club serves as the beachfront extension of the Jonathan Club, which has its main social and athletic facilities downtown. This Santa Monica location is a standalone institution, boasting approximately 3,600 members, making it the largest private club of its kind in Los Angeles. Historically, membership was restricted to men until 1987. The two-story oceanfront clubhouse features three dining options, a penthouse terrace, and a “Sand Deck” that accommodates 300 guests directly on the beach. The initiation fee is approximately $45,000, plus monthly dues, which has helped maintain its exclusivity for nearly a century.

Bel-Air Bay Club

Spanning 14 oceanfront acres in Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air Bay Club is divided into an Upper Club, featuring a 1920s Mediterranean mansion available for events, and a Lower Club, which includes a private beachfront area with about a quarter-mile of sand reserved for members. The equity buy-in for the Lower Club is around $85,000, the highest among the beach clubs listed, along with monthly dues of approximately $500. Cabana waitlists are common among members. The club survived the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which devastated much of the surrounding area, although its full operational status should be confirmed directly with the club.

Calamigos Beach Club

Part of the Calamigos Private Members Club network, Calamigos Beach Club is located along Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Canyon. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it offers beach service and paddleboard access toward Latigo Point. This club presents a quieter alternative to Little Beach House and Jonathan Beach Club, providing a genuine members-only experience without the extensive history of celebrity culture, appealing to those who prefer a more low-key atmosphere.

The Hotel Beach Experiences

Club Casa Del Mar

Originally established as Club Casa Del Mar in 1926, this Santa Monica location has undergone significant renovations, including a $50 million update in 1999. The property will celebrate its centennial in 2026. The current membership program offers tiers for individuals, couples, and families, granting access to the oceanfront Palm Terrace Pool, spa credits, and a 24-hour gym. This structured membership program serves as a direct link to the beach club culture of 1920s Los Angeles.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

While not a traditional membership club, Nobu Ryokan Malibu offers a private beach experience that few clubs can rival. Co-owned by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, Larry Ellison, and Meir Teper, this 16-room ryokan is situated directly on Carbon Beach, with private access to the sand. Staff members assist guests with setting up chairs and umbrellas, while preferred reservations at Nobu Malibu are available. The ryokan also features beach-side fitness programming, including paddleboarding and specialized classes, making it a unique offering in the Los Angeles beach scene.

As reported by hauteliving.com, the beach club landscape in Malibu and Los Angeles encompasses a range of exclusive options, from the ultra-selective Little Beach House Malibu to historic establishments like Jonathan Beach Club.

FAQs

What is the best beach club in Los Angeles? Little Beach House Malibu is widely regarded as the most culturally significant beach club in the area.

Is Little Beach House Malibu open to all Soho House members? No, existing members must apply separately for the Malibu Plus add-on membership, with local residents having input on approvals.

What is the oldest beach club in Los Angeles? Both Jonathan Beach Club and Bel-Air Bay Club, established in 1927, are the oldest private beach clubs in the region.

Are there any beach clubs open to the public in Los Angeles? Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica is open to the public without a membership requirement, although its historic pool operates on seasonal day passes.

What is Carbon Beach known for? Carbon Beach, also known as “Billionaire’s Beach,” is home to both Little Beach House Malibu and Nobu Ryokan Malibu.

Does Nobu Ryokan Malibu have a beach club? Nobu Ryokan Malibu is a hotel rather than a formal beach club, but it provides private beach access and amenities exclusively for guests.

How much does it cost to join a private beach club in Los Angeles? Membership fees vary; for instance, Jonathan Beach Club’s initiation fee is around $50,000, while Little Beach House Malibu’s add-on membership is approximately $5,350 annually for existing Soho House members.

Is there a beach club in Marina del Rey? Currently, no genuine private beach club operates in Marina del Rey; the area offers day-rental cabana services instead.

What is the difference between a beach club and a beach hotel in Los Angeles? True beach clubs like Jonathan Beach Club and Little Beach House Malibu require membership, while properties like Nobu Ryokan Malibu and Hotel Casa del Mar provide beach-club-style amenities exclusively to hotel guests.

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Published on 2026-07-22 23:02:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk