Beach Casual

Where flip-flops and board shorts are standard attire:

* The Malibu Inn Restaurant. Where it feels like old Malibu on the inside and out. 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 456-6106. 21 and older. Cover varies. Full menu.

* The Mermaid. Call it the brontosaurus of beach bars. Open more than 50 years, the Mermaid’s an institution in Hermosa. 11 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 374-9344. All ages; 21 at the bar. No cover. Full menu.

* The Poop Deck. A longtime next-door neighbor of the Mermaid and equally laid-back hangout. 1271 The Strand, Hermosa Beach. (310) 376-3223. 21 and older. No cover. No food.

* Gladstones. Where the ultimate California beach experience meets food and drink. 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. (310) 454-3474. All ages. No cover.

* The Shack. This no-frills hang has a sister bar in Hawaii. Need we say more? 185 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey. (310) 823-6222. No minors after 10 p.m. No cover. Full menu.

* Rusty’s Surf Ranch. A pier-top bar and restaurant that serves up live music five nights a week and karaoke the other two. 256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. (310) 393-7437. All ages. Cover varies.

* Baja Sharkeez. For the hipster who hates making the drive to Rosarito Beach. 3801 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach. (310) 545-6563. 21 and older after 9 p.m. No cover. Full menu.

* The Sidewalk Cafe. Where Venice Beach lives after dark. 1401 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. (310) 399-5547. All ages; 21 and older at the bar. No cover. Full menu.--TRACY JOHNSON