If you're looking for a luxury home in Los Angeles, we don't think there's a point in settling for anything less than a beachfront estate. While there are plenty of great homes more inland, why would you want a view looking out on congested streets and graffitied buildings when you could gaze out at sailboats and waves? From Frank Gehry-designed estates to villas blending Italian sophistication with a Los Angeles flair, here are nine million dollar homes we think deserve the spotlight.

717 Esplanade, $14.2M

With 100 feet of beachfront to enjoy, this Mediterranean style 7,028-square-foot estate in Redondo Beach features a 22-foot high foyer and wood beamed ceilings. Not only does it have panoramic views of the ocean, the home at 717 Esplanade also has four bedroom suites and "smart-house" touch screens throughout the house so that each room can have its own "lighting, temperature, sound and visual ambiance." Other details include five fireplaces, an office and gym, library, decorative tile and wood ceilings, marble and travertine floors, and beach access.

31250 Broad Beach, $57.5M

Located in Malibu, 31250 Broad Beach is a dream home for any architecture aficionado. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, this house boasts 160 feet of beachfront property and 11,403 square feet of living space. Sitting on over an acre of land, the house includes six bedrooms, ten full bathrooms, a tennis court, lap pool, spa, outdoor fireplace and additional kitchen.

16531 South Pacific, $7.8M

Found in Sunset Beach, 16531 South Pacific is on a corner lot that allows some pretty great views of the ocean and Catalina. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as an elevator, this Cape Cod-styled home was built around an open floor plan and has a kitchen that leads directly to the sand. Other neat features include Carrara marble bathrooms, an observation room, nine-foot high ceilings with dormer and barrel details, and wall-to-ceiling windows.

49 Marguerite Dr., $9.9M

This Mediterranean estate is located at 49 Marguerite Drive, a private cul-del-sac in Palos Verdes with its own beach access. With 9,998 square feet of room, this home features a Romeo & Juliet balcony, marble staircase, a 500-gallon fossil stone aquarium in the lower gallery, high ceilings and hardwood floors. The sunny kitchen promises views of the rose garden and ocean, while the eating area features French doors that open to a back patio. Aside from the seven bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, there are two family rooms, a study and formal dining room, as well as maid's quarters.

26880 Pacific Coast Highway, $54M

26880 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was built in 2002 and boasts 16,107 square feet, 13 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. Called La Villa Contenta, this residence sits on 6.5 acres of manicured gardens. Overlooking the sea, the gated villa comprises of a main house, guest house, offices, and an ornate ballroom with an indoor pool.

31122 Broad Beach Rd, $15M

The 5,329-square-foot home at 31122 Broad Beach Rd in Malibu was remodeled extensively while it was owned by a celebrity so you can expect top-notch modern amenities. With fantastic views of the ocean and coastline, this home features stone floors, wall-to-ceiling windows, and a patio that leads right out into the sand. The master suite has a fireplace, balcony, and a spa bath.

23512 Malibu Colony Rd., $16.9M

Being called an "Exquisite Italian Contemporary Villa," the home at 23512 Malibu Colony Road was completely remodeled in 2010 to give it more of a Europe-meets-Southern California flair. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, the home features sliding glass doors that gives access to over 1,400 square feet of oceanfront decks and patios. The master suite has a soaking tub, walk-in closets, and a large deck, while upstairs you will find a sound-proofed theater room.

33014 Pacific Coast Highway, $14.9M

Found at 33014 Pacific Coast Highway, this four bedroom/bathroom oceanfront estate sits on .88 acres and has its very own private beach. Built at the end of a gated road, the home has been completely renovated to include a PH balanced pool with underwater surround sound music. Not only does this house sit on the coast, it's also next to a fresh water creek that runs into the ocean year round.

6970 Wildlife Rd., $28.5M

Built on the shores of Point Dume in Malibu, the gated residence at 6970 Wildlife Road has its own tennis court and multiple levels of 180-degree ocean views. With high ceilings that feature hand-painted details, the 5,937-square-foot home has five bedrooms and seven baths. The formal dining room has hand carved oak walls and etched glass windows, while the master suite features a veranda overlooking the sea.