10 Best Beaches in Malibu, California 2022
Located west of ever-popular Los Angeles, Malibu is known for being home to many A-list celebrities and its beautiful beaches. When it comes to white-sand shorelines and mesmerizing waves, Malibu’s beaches are a must-see during your stay in California.
Although spending a day on the best beaches near Malibu is already impressive, nothing beats the best beaches in this coastal city. So take a look at this list. Discover the best beaches in Malibu, CA, for your next adventure.
Contents
- 1. El Matador State Beach
- 2. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
- 3. Westward Beach
- 4. Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach
- 5. Surfrider Beach
- 6. Paradise Cove
- 7. Nicholas Canyon Beach
- 8. Topanga State Beach
- 9. El Pescador State Beach
- 10. Zuma Beach
- 11. Dan Blocker Beach
- 12. Carbon Beach
- 13. Owl Beach
- 14. Broad Beach
- 15. Tunas Beach
- 16. Sycamore Cove Beach
- 17. Stone Beach
El Matador State Beach
32200 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 880-0363
El Matador State Beach is located within the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in Malibu.
Why is this beach recommended?
One of the most beautiful beaches in this Californian city is El Matador, with its secluded shores, crashing waves, and incredible rock formations. It is not surprising that many professional photographers choose this place for their sessions.
In addition to bathing in its waters, you will surely enjoy taking lots of vacation photos on this beach.
What is our advice about this beach?
When you have time, be sure to explore the north side of the beach. There are caves and rock arches that are fun to visit. And if you want to continue your walk, you will find yourself at La Piedra State Beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
23500 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(805) 488-1827
Malibu State Beach is located at the end of Malibu Creek, meeting the ocean.
Why is this beach recommended?
One of the best things to do in Malibu is hung out at the beach, not necessarily swimming. The Malibu Lagoon is the perfect place if you like to watch wildlife.
Set up your chair, grab your binoculars, and enjoy bird watching. You might also see a whale or two playing in the ocean if you’re lucky.
What is our advice about this beach?
On this beach, there are puddles and tide pools. Make sure you go check out the tide pools while you’re here.
Recommended hotel nearby: Malibu Beach Inn
Westward Beach
6799 Westward Beach Road
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-8143
Westward Beach is located within the Zuma County Beach Park in Point Dume.
Why is this beach recommended?
Do you want a beach that does not have too many distractions? Westward Beach is all water. With lifeguards in the area, you won’t have to worry too much about wading through the ocean.
You can catch some waves or enjoy some fishing.
What is our advice about this beach?
Do you want to go exploring? You can choose to hit the hiking trails to the Point Dume Nature Reserve or head south to Westward Beach. A short climb over the rocks will reveal the hidden beach of Pirates Cove.
Recommended hotel nearby: Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel
Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach
35000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(805) 488-1827
Leo Carrillo State Park in Los Angeles County is a family-friendly, dog-friendly beach. That is why many consider it to be one of the best beach spots in Malibu.
Why is this beach recommended?
Playa Norte de Leo Carillo is the most popular with many visitors and families. However, two other beaches can be explored.
South Beach has many tide pools and caves that are fun to see at low tide. The northernmost part, at Playa Norte, gives way to Playa de la Escalera, a trendy spot for avid surfers.
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What is our advice about this beach?
North Beach welcomes your furry friends as long as they are on a leash. Just make sure you stay within the beach’s designated dog zone.
Recommended hotel nearby: Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn
Surfrider Beach
23050 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Malibu Surfrider Beach is located between the famous Malibu Pier and the Malibu Lagoon. It is one of the best-known and most visited beaches in Malibu, California.
Why is this beach recommended?
Not really a beach you go to just to sit idly by; Surfrider Beach offers some amazing waves you’ll want to ride.
But of course, you can also relax here and just take a bath. Lifeguards are on call to keep an eye on you. Also, swimming and surfing areas are designated.
What is our advice about this beach?
Do you stay up a little late at night? The Malibu Pier, next to Surfrider Beach, is a beautiful place to stroll at night. There is also a cafe and restaurant at the end of the pier if you get hungry.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Surfrider Malibu
Paradise Cove
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-2503
Paradise Cove is a public beach in front of a privately owned facility. As such, admission here can be a bit pricey. But visitors can’t deny that it’s one of the best beaches in this Southern California city.
Why is this beach recommended?
Paradise Cove is considered by many to be the safest beach for children on this side of Los Angeles County. A big reason is that surfing is not allowed on this beach. You can rest easy knowing your kids won’t get run over by a board while playing.
It also has vast shores to rest and build sandcastles. In addition, there are attentive lifeguards on the beach.
What is our advice about this beach?
As well as having loads of valuable services, Paradise Cove also has a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will never go hungry while you are here.
Recommended hotel nearby: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Nicholas Canyon Beach
33850 CA-1
Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 526-7777
Nicholas Canyon Beach is located in western Malibu. The beach is where the San Nicolás Canyon meets the ocean shore.
Why is this beach recommended?
Nicholas Canyon Beach is also known as Point Zero by surfers for its waves that break on the rocks.
In addition to surfing, you can also swim, fish and dive during your visit. There are lifeguards on duty for added safety during the summer.
What is our advice about this beach?
Make sure to bring your food when you’re hungry. There are picnic tables around the park that you can use. But if you’re lucky, there’s sometimes a food truck near the beach, especially at peak times.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Topanga State Beach
18700 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Topanga State Beach is the closest Malibu beach to the city of Los Angeles. It’s right next to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Why is this beach recommended?
The waves of Topanga Beach are one of the favorites of the city’s surfers. If you like to go surfing, this is a must-see beach.
You can also go fishing and diving when you’re done riding the waves.
What is our advice about this beach?
Topanga State Beach is a good place for walking and hiking. A trip to nearby Topanga State Park gives you more opportunities to hit the trails and ride a bike.
Recommended hotel nearby: Good Nite Inn Calabasas
El Pescador State Beach
32860 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-1324
El Pescador State Beach is one of three beaches within the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It is the westernmost pocket beach in this place.
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Why is this beach recommended?
El Pescador tends to be the least crowded of the three beaches within Robert H. Meyer State Beach. You probably won’t have it all to yourself, but there is more space to separate yourself from your neighbors.
This beach is perfect for lovers of wildlife. You can explore the tide pools and discover hermit crabs, brittle stars, barnacles, etc.
What is our advice about this beach?
Another great activity to do in El Pescador is bird watching. With binoculars, you can glimpse avian animals such as cormorants, sandpipers, gulls, and California brown pelicans.
Recommended hotel nearby: Westlake Village Inn
Zuma Beach
30000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Zuma Beach is a super-wide beach in Los Angeles County that is 3 km long. Unlike other city beaches, there are no residential buildings on its shores.
Why is this beach recommended?
Some people consider Zuma Beach to be the best swimming beach in Malibu. It’s not because it has gentle waves, but because there are tons of things to do here, like swimming, diving, and surfing.
Many lifeguard stations dotting the beach are also a big reason people consider this shore an excellent place to swim.
What is our advice about this beach?
Many Malibu beaches have rough surf, and Zuma Beach is no exception. The possibility of tides and rip currents occurring at this location is credible.
So stay alert and always be vigilant when swimming at this beach. Never swim alone, and make sure you are near a lifeguard station.
Hampton Inn & Suites Agoura Hills
Dan Blocker Beach
26000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 305-9503
Dan Blocker Beach is located just below the Pacific Coast Highway. Its old name was Corral State Beach.
Why is this beach recommended?
Sometimes the best beach experiences are the simplest. Dan Blocker’s beach may be plain, but he’s still a favorite with locals.
Most just lay out their towels on the sand and enjoy the vibes of the ocean. You can also play in the waters as lifeguards on this beach during the summer season.
What is our advice about this beach?
Parking can be tricky if you don’t want to leave your car on the shoulder of the Pacific Coast Highway. Your best option is to leave your vehicle in the Corral Canyon Park parking lot. Then you just have to walk the 3.5km loop of trails to get to the beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
12. Carbon Beach
22126 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
Carbon Beach is a mile-long beach between the Malibu Pier and Carbon Canyon Road. It is also known as the Beach of the Billionaires.
Why is this beach recommended?
Carbon Beach is a beautiful beach well known in the city because it is linked with the houses of celebrities and CEOs.
But the sloping shore itself is a fun place to visit when you just want to go for long walks on the beach.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are not many parking spaces near Playa del Carbón. Your best option is to park next to the road. Just make sure you don’t block any driveways or garages.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Angeleno
Owl Beach
Sea Level Dr.
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 589-3200
Lechuza beach is not as famous as the other beaches on this list, making it the perfect place to relax.
Why is this beach recommended?
The long stretch of sand near Bunnie Lane and Broad Beach Road is one of Malibu’s most beautiful “secrets.” It is a beach worth visiting when you want to take quiet walks or enjoy a tidal bath.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are no lifeguards in the area or other services such as toilets and showers. Rip currents also occur, and there are submerged rocks in the waters. However, there is no rule against swimming, so strong swimmers can enter the water. Of course, be careful and never swim alone.
Recommended hotel nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Agoura Hills
14. Broad Beach
31200 Broad Beach Road
Malibu, CA 90265
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Broad Beach is located next to Lechuza Beach and overlooks many beautiful Malibu homes.
Why is this beach recommended?
Broad Beach is a favorite with surfers, bodyboarders, and windsurfers when the waves are high and favorable.
It’s also an excellent place for barefoot beach walks, as the wet sand slopes gradually.
What is our advice about this beach?
Although not known as a swimming beach, a trip to Broad Beach can be fun and exciting if you like to hit the tide pool. You’ll find a few tidal pools at the north end of Broad Beach, just before Lechuza Beach.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Thousand Oaks – US101
Tunas Beach
19444 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 526-7777
Playa de las Tunas is located in eastern Malibu and has a rocky shoreline.
Why is this beach recommended?
Although beautiful, Las Tunas beach is not known as a place to sunbathe and swim. However, avid anglers are sure to enjoy this favorite local fishing spot.
What if you want to get closer to marine life? You can also go scuba diving from this coast.
What is our advice about this beach?
Playa de las Tunas has 13 breakwaters, which were built in 1929. Due to time, these breakwaters are now partially buried and can be dangerous for swimmers, surfers, and even joggers.
Recommended nearby hotels: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Sycamore Cove Beach
9000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(805) 488-1827
Sycamore Cove Beach is located within Point Mugu State Park. It is a daily use beach.
Why is this beach recommended? 10 Best Beaches in Malibu, California 2022
The biggest draw to Sycamore Cove Beach is that it is close to a tremendous campground. If you’re going to camp in Ventura County, stop by this beautiful beach.
Surely you will like to spend part of the day fishing or discovering the tide pools in the area.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are barbecues and picnic tables on the beach at Sycamore Cove. So if you want a change of scenery from your camp, come to the shore and eat here.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Palm Garden
Stone Beach
32200 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 880-0363
La Piedra State Beach is the center shore found at Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Malibu, CA, if you want peace.
Why is this beach recommended?
Not far from Playa del Pescador, this coastline is known for its tidal pools and rocky surface. Just below the cliff, taking photos will entertain any photography buff.
You can also choose to sit back, sunbathe and relax when you’re here.
What is our advice about this beach?
You can get to the beach through the hiking trail near the Pacific Coast Highway. The path to La Piedra beach is a bit steep, so be careful.
Recommended hotels nearby: Guest Ranch and Calamigos Beach Club
If you’ve been left wanting more, check out America’s Best Beaches. Pretty! By the way… What do you think of the best beaches in Malibu? Do not forget to leave your impressions in the comments. We read!
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