Malibu is one of Southern California‘s most prestigious and popular destinations where tourists and residents can take advantage of frolicking along the coastline of some of America’s most beautiful beaches.
Most of Malibu’s best beaches are along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the world’s most famous stretches of coastal highway.
Following is a brief overview of 10 of the best beaches in Malibu, along with details about what each location offers for tourists and Southern California residents.
Contents
- Why So Many People Love to Visit Malibu’s Best Beaches
- 10 Must-Have Items for Visiting Malibu, CA Beaches
- 10 Best Beaches in Malibu
Why So Many People Love to Visit Malibu’s Best Beaches
Southern California is known as home to some of the most elite names in Hollywood, and its beaches offer picturesque backgrounds for taking photos and videos to capture breathtaking moments.
Along with being nearby their favorite celebrities and a landscape dotted with billion-dollar homes, the following are a few reasons why so many thousands of people love visiting Malibu beaches.
- Beach Volleyball – California beaches are prominently featured in many Hollywood movies featuring the world’s best beaches. Many beachgoers play beach volleyball as a favorite pastime in a naturally beautiful coastal environment.
- Surfing – Many of Malibu’s world-famous beaches are known for their ideal surfing conditions that draw thousands of visitors to the SoCal coastline on the southern leg of the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Swimming – Many people go to SoCal beaches to swim in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. These beaches have options for distance swimming and swimming in coves, along with trained lifeguards during public opening hours.
- Paddleboarding – Stand-up paddleboarding is another favorite pastime of visitors who love to visit Southern California Beaches. Riding a paddleboard across the Pacific is a peaceful and fun way to pass the time and view natural land formations at the beach.
10 Must-Have Items for Visiting Malibu, CA Beaches
- Sunscreen
- Beach Towels
- Snacks and Drinks
- Cell Phone Charger
- Emergency Cash
- Beach Bag
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Beach Wagon
- Swimsuits
- Extra Clothes
10 Best Beaches in Malibu
The 10 best beaches in Malibu are dotted along the Pacific coastline just off the Pacific Coast Highway in SoCal.
Each beach offers different options and amenities that include swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, and wildlife observation.
Below is a list of the best beaches in Malibu.
#1. Zuma Beach
About the Beach
Zuma Beach is one of Southern California’s most popular hotspots, where locals and residents surf the waves and soak up the SoCal Sun.
In addition, this beach offers swimming, diving, and surfing options along the Pacific Coast.
They also offer beach volleyball, windsurfing, accessibility services, and bus services to make it easy for families and friends to enjoy a fun and exciting beach day.
In addition, beachgoers can take advantage of the many amenities at Zuma Beach by visiting nearby concession stands or restaurants.
Contact Information
Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California 90265
Website: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/zuma-beach/
#2. Point Dume State Beach
About the Beach
Point Dume State Beach features a public beach and park with stunning views of rocky coves and natural formations, making it a breathtaking site.
Newcomers and returning visitors to the beach take advantage of walking along its many trails that border the Pacific.
Many visitors take advantage of higher vantage points on this natural beach, making it easier to view the Northern Malibu Coast and extraordinary views from the top of the vista.
There is also a boardwalk equipped with a viewing platform where tourists and visitors can enjoy the scenery offered at this Malibu Beach.
Contact Information
Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd – Malibu, California – 90265
Website:https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=623
#3. El Matador State Beach
About the Beach
El Matador State Beach belongs to a network containing some of Malibu’s most popular beaches.
Regular visitors to this Southern California beach say it is among the most beautiful beaches they’ve ever visited.
This beach has parking available for visitors along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, a walking trail overlooking the ocean.
In addition, it provides easy access to two other beaches in its network, La Piedra State Beach and Lechuza Beach.
El Matador State Beach visitors should note that no dogs are allowed on this beach, and parking fees apply.
Contact Information
Address: 32220 East Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California 90265
Website: https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/el-matador-state-beach/
#4. Surfrider Beach
About the Beach
Surfrider Beach in Malibu belongs to the Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors, which include the Malibu Lagoon and the Malibu State Pier.
People visit Surfrider Beach in Malibu to swim, surf, and enjoy some of the area’s best saltwater fishing options.
In addition, Surfrider Beach visitors can enjoy bird watching at the onsite resting lagoon and bird feeding sanctuary.
In addition, this accessible beach has a variety of land and sea-based activities that can keep beachgoers entertained for hours.
Contact Information
Address: 23050 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California -90265
Website: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/malibu-surfrider-beach/
#5. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
About the Beach
The California Parks Department manages Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
It is one of California’s most famous and historic beaches.
This beach is known for its historical surfing roots and still draws thousands of surfers yearly.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach visitors can enjoy water-based activities like boating, scuba diving, fishing, windsurfing, and more.
They make it easy for beachgoers to enjoy their outings by providing wheelchair-accessible facilities, onsite parking, and outdoor showers for washing off grime and sand.
Contact Information
Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835
#6. Carbon Beach
Carbon Beach is surrounded by expensive Southern California homes that have earned it the nickname “Billionaire Beach.”
The houses surrounding the beach can make it tricky for bean goers to access it with only three specific access points.
Beachgoers have a limited number of entry points, so take care to follow directions on your map to avoid entering the beach via residential properties tightly packed along the coastline.
Contact Information
Address: 22126 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/carbon-beach-east-access
#7. Leo Carillo State Park
About the Beach
California State Parks operator Leo Carillo State Park features a public beach for swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, and various land-based activities.
This wheelchair-accessible Southern California beach has land-based camping options, nature, and wildlife observation points, geocaching opportunities, and other family and community-based programs for residents and tourists alike.
Leo Carillo State Park has onsite parking for a daily fee and RV campsites available for overnight stays at the park.
Contact Information
Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616
#8. Topanga State Beach
About the Beach
Topanga State Beach in Malibu is one of the most popular surfing locations.
This beach has about a mile of coastline where residents and tourists take advantage of the ideal surf conditions for scuba diving, swimming, and surfing.
However, while this famous beach has many options for surfers, scuba divers, and sunbathers, there are limited options for swimming because of the large number of jagged edges and rocks in the swimming area.
Contact Information
Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/topanga-beach/
#9. Dan Blocker Beach
About the Beach
Dan Blocker Beach belongs to Los Angeles County Beaches.
It offers visitors just over one mile of the Southern California coastline, where swimmers and fishermen go to relax and unwind.
There are also opportunities for diving and surfing the waters of Dan Blocker Beach.
They offer parking lot and street parking options for nearby parking.
However, there are parking fees required. Dan Blocker Beach is an accessible beach that offers accessibility access at the Metro Stop 534 on the Pacific Coast Highway.
This beach has public restrooms, picnic tables, and a public viewing area for observing oceanic and land-based wildlife.
Contact Information
Address: 26000 East Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/dan-blocker-beach/
#10. Westward Beach
About the Beach
Westward Beach is a gorgeous Southern California beach that extends nearby Zuma Beach on the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
This three-mile-long beach is ideal for people who want to surf, swim, and sunbathe in the SoCalsun.
This beach has a world-famous restaurant accessible to hungry beachgoers and local fishermen.
Parking options are available on nearby coastal shoulders, with paid parking options in the designated Westward Beach parking lot.
Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours and hiking trails for land-based activities along the Pacific Coast.
Contact Information
Address: 7103 Westward Beach Road – Malibu, California – 90265
Website: https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/westward-beach/
Malibu is a highly sought-after destination for its stunning beaches and celebrity sightings, making it a must-visit for tourists and residents alike.