This is where to combine two summer joys: the beach and the barbecue.

One of the few fire-friendly beaches in LA, Dockweiler Beach unites man, sand and fire. The beach opens at 7am; on a holiday weekend, you'll want to stake claim to a fire pit very early. Despite the ugly smokestacks across the street and the planes flying overhead from LAX, Dockweiler is quite popular for its BBQ-ing bonus. Beachgoers can get physical, by bike or by rollerblade, on the South Bay Bicycle Trail—or by reenacting the Top Gun volleyball scene on the courts. You know the one, Iceman. —Mai Dinh