I have heard that you can see dolphins at Zuma beach, I wouldn’t think there would be whale sightings though…

Point Dume

Laguna Beach is the answer to your questions. I have seen whales and dolphins dozens of times and I wasn’t even looking. Morning breakfast on the deck at Hotel Laguna is where I have spotted the most.
Laguna has been used for many many years by hollywood for movie and commercial backgrounds. As far back as Errol Flynn in Captain blood and to recent days with TV sitcoms the OC and Laguna Beach.

Always great tide pools and lots of coves to explore, I think that this is what you are looking for.

But… As far as going and being able to spot whales and dolphins on order so to speak, Doubt-full.

umm, beach combing is not so hot in L.A., just too many people….no treasures there !!!!! I have taken beach pictures of (gee I can’t think of any I haven’t taken pictures of—lol ) a lot of beaches, My favorites are of Santa Monica from on top of the wheel…(you know—-the wheel on the pier)……..plenty of great spots here….

I almost always see dolphins when I go up to Carpinteria. It’s unusual when I DON’T see some.

They also have decent beach combing. There are some EXCELLENT tide pools on the southern part of Carpinteria State Beach.