STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I'm picking up my hubby at LAX in May for a two week break from his tour in Korea, and we wanted to do a few days at a beach.  I'm thinking I just want to check in somewhere, park the car and (somewhat) forget about it for 2 days.  We grew up near LA, so sight seeing isn't important to either of us, just some fun beach time and shopping with our two little girls.  I'm thinking I'd like to stay somewhere between Santa Monica and Redondo.  I haven't been to the beaches in a few years, but my husband and I had fun last time we were in the Manhattan/Redondo area, but then SM might be more fun for our girls.  But how are the beaches nowadays?  Still clean in that area?  Any recs?  Budget is midrange for the area (no Loews, Ritz, etc.  Not that I wouldn't love that!), but I'll look at anything.  I can usually get good Military discounts.

Thanks!