One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thousands of people visit this beautiful city yearly to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Very often the question gets asked – which are the best beaches in Malibu?
Malibu offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is home to some of the best beaches in California and several excellent restaurants, shops, and attractions. Everyone can enjoy a day at the beach, go for a hike in the hills, or explore the city.
California’s famous Malibu coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, each with its unique character. Here are the best beaches in Malibu if you’re looking for a place to relax or catch some waves.
The 9 Best Beaches in Malibu, California
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a public beach in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The beach is located about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles and just northwest of Malibu. It is named after the chief of the local Tongva tribe who, with his wife, acceded to the Spanish land grant that incorporated Rancho Malibu in 1892. The beach stretches over 3 miles (4.8 km) along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
Zuma Beach is a popular spot for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and sunbathing. The wide sandy beach has attracted celebrities and movie stars since the 1920s. It has been frequently used as a setting for television shows and movies. In 1998, it was ranked 23rd on a list of the 100 Greatest Beaches in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Zuma Beach is located at 8500 West Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County, California. It is about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles and just northwest Malibu. The beach stretches over 3 miles (4.8 km) along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
Zuma Beach is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Parking is available for a fee.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
This beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Its secluded location and beautiful views make it the ideal place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The beach is located along the gorgeous Malibu coastline and is well known for its dramatic rocky cliffs, tide pools, and natural arch. It is also a very popular surf spot.
Leo Carrillo State Beach is a protected state beach in Los Angeles County, California. The 1,100-acre (445 ha) park was established in 1953. It is named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, who was known for his roles in movies such as “The Cisco Kid” and “High Noon.” he served as a member of the State Park Commission from 1949 until he died in 1961.
Leo Carrillo State Beach offers various activities for visitors, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking. The beach also has a visitor center with exhibits on the area’s cultural and natural history. There are also several picnic areas and a playground for children. Leo Carrillo State Beach is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset.
Point Dume
Point Dume is a point and headland on the coast of Malibu, California. The point is named after George Dume (baptized Domengo), a Franciscan padre at Mission San Buenaventura. He explored the area in 1793 and called it Punta de las Pulgas (literally “point of the fleas”). The name was later anglicized to “Point Dume.”
Dume lies on the shore of Santa Monica Bay. Point Dume Head State Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. The area has several hiking trails, including one to the top of the point with panoramic views of the coastline.
Point Dume Natural Preserve is a 75-acre (30 ha) nature preserve located on the point. The preserve includes a beach, cliffs, and tidepools. Plants in the preserve include the Point Dume buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium), a species of buckwheat that is endemic to the point.
The Point Dume Maritime Museum is located in the nearby town of Malibu. The museum features exhibits on the history of maritime activities in Santa Monica Bay, including fishing, shipbuilding, and surfing. The museum also has a research library with historical maps and documents.
The point was featured in several films and television shows, including the 1978 film “Jaws 2” and the television series “Baywatch.” In the latter show, Point Dume was used as the filming location for the fictional town of Baywatch.
Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach Malibu is considered one of the safest beaches in California. The waves are gentle, and the water at Topanga Beach is clean and clear, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and other water activities. The beach is also great for fishing, sunbathing, and picnicking.
There are also plenty of beach amenities nearby, including restaurants, shops, and showers. It’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. And with its proximity to Los Angeles, it’s also a great option if you’re looking for a beach vacation without the hassle of flying. The beach is dog-friendly but must be kept on a leash at all times.
This beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. Its secluded location and beautiful setting make it the perfect place to get away from it all.
El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, surfing, and bodyboarding. The beach is located in the city of Malibu and is situated on 27 acres (11 ha) of land. There are three main sections to El Matador State Beach: North Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach. Each section has its unique features and amenities.
North Beach is the busiest section of El Matador State Beach. It is here that you will find the majority of the beachgoers on any given day. The North Beach section has a lifeguard station, restrooms, showers, and a picnic area. There is also a small parking lot located near the lifeguard station.
Middle Beach is El Matador State Beach’s middle section and is less crowded than North Beach. Middle Beach does not have any lifeguard services or restrooms. However, picnic tables and a few benches are located on the sand dunes near the beach.
South Beach is the southernmost section of El Matador State Beach. It is the least crowded of the three sections and has no lifeguard services or restrooms. South Beach has a few picnic tables on the sand dunes near the beach.
El Matador State Beach is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking is limited, and it is recommended that you arrive early to secure a spot. There is a fee for parking in the lot near the lifeguard station. However, street parking is free.
When visiting El Matador State Beach, there are a few things to remember. First, since the beach is located in a residential area, respect the homeowners’ privacy. Second, the beach is subject to strong rip currents, so swimming is not recommended. And finally, always pack out what you bring in and leave no trace of your visit behind.
Carbon Beach
Carbon Beach, also known as “Billionaires’ Beach,” is an exclusive and private beach in Malibu, California. Carbon Beach is just a short drive from Los Angeles, making it a popular destination for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The beach is also easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for visitors without a car. Carbon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in Malibu, California.
This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. Many restaurants and bars are also nearby, making it the ideal spot to spend a day or night.
Visitors can also find several hotels and vacation rentals in the area. Surfers will find some of the best waves at Carbon Beach, as it is known for its consistent surf conditions.
The beach is also popular with fishing enthusiasts, as there are many good spots for pier and surf fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a volleyball game or stroll along the shoreline.
El Pescador State Beach
El Pescador State Beach is a state beach in California, United States. It is located in Los Angeles County, about 2 mi (3.2 km) northwest of Malibu and approximately 25 mi (40 km) west-southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
El Pescador State Beach is famous for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the many activities that the beach has to offer.
There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby where visitors can grab a bite. El Pescador State Beach is relatively quiet and secluded compared to other beaches in the area. This makes it a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy some peace.
The beach is also a great place to take a walk or jog. There are plenty of walking trails that wind through the dunes. Visitors can also find some public restrooms and showers located nearby. El Pescador State Beach is great for enjoying a day in the sun.
There is a $10 fee for parking at El Pescador State Beach. For more information, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website.
Thornhill Broom Beach
Thornhill Broom beach is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and soft. There are plenty of beach umbrellas and sun loungers for visitors and several restaurants and cafes nearby for grabbing a bite. Thornhill broom beach is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.
Thornhill broom beach is also an excellent place for families to visit, as there are plenty of things for children to do. Several playgrounds are located nearby, and the beach is perfect for building sandcastles and paddling in the waves. The nearby restaurants and cafes also offer a great selection of food and drink for everyone to enjoy.
Thornhill broom beach is located in the town of Thornhill, which is situated on the east coast of Scotland. The beach can be easily reached by car or public transport, and plenty of parking is available nearby. Visitors can also take a short walk from the town center to the beach.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu lagoon state beach is a state beach in the U.S. state of California, situated on the Pacific coast in Malibu. The beach is a popular tourist destination for surfing waves, sunsets, and celebrity homes. The beach extends more than 20 miles (32 km) from Leo Carrillo State Park north to Point Mugu in the south.
The shoreline is mostly rocky, with some sandy areas, and the beach is a popular spot for surfing, bodyboarding, and other water sports. Several celebrity homes are located along the coast, including actors Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is open to the public year-round and offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, BBQ pits, showers, and restrooms.
There is also a small Visitors Center located at the beach where information about the area’s history and ecology can be found. The beach is just a short drive from Los Angeles and is accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway.
Parking can be found along the highway or in nearby beach lots. There is also a public bus that stops at the beach.
Dive In!
All of the beaches described offers something unique and special that is worth taking the time to visit. El Pescador State Beach and Thornhill Broom beach are great places to enjoy a day in the sun. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an excellent spot for surfing, sunsets, and celebrity homes. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax, an area for family fun, or a place to enjoy some waves, these California beaches have you covered. So what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen and head to one of these fantastic state beaches!