LOS ANGELES — Southern California is heading into a busy September weekend, with cooler temperatures arriving along the coast, several community events taking place in Venice and surf continuing from Malibu through the South Bay.
For people deciding whether to spend the weekend at the beach, explore Venice or head elsewhere in Los Angeles, here is a look at what to expect Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13.
Do you own a local Los Angeles business? Have your business mentioned in our weekly local weekend article! Shoot us an email or a message on Instagram @PresenceNewspaper
Cooler Beach Weather Arrives in Venice
After a stretch of intense heat across Southern California, conditions along the Los Angeles coast are expected to become considerably more comfortable this weekend.
Venice is forecast to see areas of low clouds early Saturday before becoming mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s. Sunday should follow a similar pattern, with morning clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s.
Farther north, the National Weather Service forecasts morning low clouds and fog along the Malibu coast Saturday before sunshine develops. Coastal highs are expected to range from the mid-70s into the lower 80s. Sunday should again begin with low clouds and fog before turning sunny, with highs generally in the mid- to upper 70s.
The change should provide some relief from the extreme heat that affected parts of the Los Angeles region earlier in the week.
For beachgoers, the combination of morning marine clouds and afternoon sunshine could make Saturday and Sunday good days to spend along the coast, particularly compared with the much hotter conditions farther inland.
Los Angeles Surf Report: Malibu, Venice and the South Bay
Surfers should find rideable waves at several Los Angeles County breaks this weekend, although conditions are not expected to be particularly large.
Malibu and Topanga
Malibu is forecast to see surf generally around 2 to 3 feet Saturday, with light winds early in the day. Sunday is also expected to remain around 2 to 3 feet, with the cleanest conditions likely during the morning before winds increase later.
Topanga is forecast around 2 to 3-plus feet Saturday morning, with a southwest swell and relatively light easterly winds early. Sunday morning should again offer waves around 2 to 3 feet with light winds before conditions become less favorable later in the day.
Early morning will generally be the safest bet for surfers looking for cleaner conditions.
Zuma Beach
Zuma could be one of the larger options along the Malibu coastline Saturday.
Forecasts call for approximately 3 to 4 feet Saturday, with the better window expected during the morning. The southwest swell is forecast around 15 seconds.
Wave heights are expected to ease to roughly 2 to 3 feet Sunday, with another favorable early-morning window.
County Line
County Line near Leo Carrillo is expected to run approximately 2 to 3 feet Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s more favorable conditions could develop later in the afternoon, while Sunday’s better opportunity is forecast during the early morning.
Venice Breakwater
Closer to Los Angeles, the Venice Breakwater is forecast around 3 to 4 feet Saturday, making it another spot worth watching.
The better window is expected roughly during the morning before winds become more influential. By Sunday, surf is forecast to drop into the 2- to 3-foot range.
The Breakwater remains one of the best-known surfing locations in Venice and can become crowded when conditions improve.
El Porto and Manhattan Beach
El Porto, at the north end of Manhattan Beach, is expected to see approximately 2 to 3 feet Saturday, with light offshore winds creating potentially favorable early-morning conditions.
Sunday should remain around 2 to 3 feet, although conditions may not be quite as clean.
Because El Porto can pick up swell more effectively than some neighboring beaches inside Santa Monica Bay, it remains one of the more consistent options for Los Angeles-area surfers.
Overall, Saturday morning appears to be one of the better windows of the weekend, particularly at Zuma, Venice and El Porto. Surf forecasts can change quickly with swell, wind and tide, so surfers should check current conditions before entering the water.
Venice Street Fair Returns Sunday
One of Venice’s neighborhood events this weekend is the Second Sunday Venice Street Fair, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13.
The free community event is scheduled from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 3rd Avenue, near Rose Avenue.
Visitors can expect local artists and makers, handmade goods, food and live music. The event is also advertised as dog-friendly.
The street fair gives visitors another reason to explore Venice away from the sand and Ocean Front Walk while supporting local vendors and artists.
Classic Cars Come to Venice Beach Saturday
Saturday will also bring automotive culture to the neighborhood with the Westside Classic Car Club’s Venice Beach Car Show.
The event is scheduled for Sept. 12 and adds another attraction for people spending the day around Venice Beach.
Between the car show, boardwalk, skatepark, restaurants, beach and expected afternoon sunshine, Saturday could be one of the busier days around Venice this weekend.
Venice Beach’s Weekend Traditions Continue
Even without a ticketed event, Venice offers several regular weekend attractions.
The informal Venice Beach Drum Circle typically gathers on the sand during weekend afternoons and into the evening, drawing drummers, dancers and spectators.
On Sunday, the Venice Electric Light Parade is another local tradition. Cyclists decorate their bikes with LED lights and gather around the Venice Boardwalk before riding around the Venice and Santa Monica area near sunset.
Visitors should remember that these community-led activities can vary depending on weather, participation and other conditions.
UCLA Football Returns to the Rose Bowl
For a larger Los Angeles-area event, college football returns to Pasadena on Saturday when the UCLA Bruins host the San Diego State Aztecs at the Rose Bowl.
The Sept. 12 matchup is UCLA’s home opener and is among several major sporting and entertainment events taking place across Los Angeles this weekend.
Elsewhere around the region, the LA Galaxy host the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, while the Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
Entertainment options include Goodfellas at Hollywood Forever on Saturday and Lucy Dacus performing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on Sunday.
A Weekend for the Coast
For people looking to escape the inland heat, the Los Angeles coastline may be one of the better places to spend the weekend.
Morning clouds are likely around Venice and Malibu, but sunshine should emerge later in the day, with coastal temperatures staying considerably more comfortable than the heat experienced across the region earlier in the week.
Surfers will have several options from Malibu to Manhattan Beach, while Venice will offer its usual mix of beach culture along with a car show Saturday and street fair Sunday.
Whether the plan is catching an early session at Zuma, walking the Venice Boardwalk, browsing the street fair or heading inland for football, Los Angeles has a full weekend ahead.
Surf and weather forecasts are subject to change. Beachgoers and surfers should check current National Weather Service, ocean and local safety conditions before entering the water.
