If you’re planning a stay in one of our luxurious vacation homes in Malibu, you’ll have premium access to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and all the beaches it travels. This is where the California Dream truly comes alive.
Malibu is loved by many for its stunning coastline, offering some of the best beaches in California. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or family fun, there’s a beach for everyone.
These are the best beaches in and around Malibu that you must add to your West Coast itinerary!
1. Zuma Beach
- Best for: Families and Sunbathing
- Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Zuma Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Malibu. With its expansive shoreline, ample parking (around $15 a day), and no fewer than 12 lifeguard stations, this is the perfect beach day for families.
The soft, golden sand is ideal for sunbathing, and depending on the time of your visit, you may even get to see gray whales make their annual winter migration!
2. Malibu Surfrider Beach
- Best for: Surfing Enthusiasts
- Address: 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Malibu Surfrider Beach, located just by the historic Malibu Pier, is famous for its perfect surfing conditions. Surfers from around the world flock here to ride the long, peeling waves. Be a part of history surfing the same waves that helped establish California’s surfing scene, no matter your level.
Even if you’re not a surfer, the pier offers fantastic views to watch the masters at work, cast a line, and create some fishing memories.
3. El Matador State Beach
- Best for: Photography and Romantic Strolls
- Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
El Matador State Beach is a true gem, offering a dreamscape of breathtaking rock formations, sea caves, and stunning sunsets. Reminiscent of the dramatic arches of Portugal’s Algarve, the scenery never gets old.
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, your fingers will be itching for your camera! Prepare for a bit of a hike down to the beach, but know that the dramatic scenery and long stretches of sand (perfect for a romantic sunset walk) will be worth it.
4. Paradise Cove
- Best for: Beachside Dining and Relaxation
- Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
You may recognize Paradise Cove as soon as you get there. It was featured on the covers of both the Surfin Safari and Surfer Girl Beach Boys albums! Paradise Cove also lets you get your Malibu beach club fix, as you enjoy the wide expanse of sand from a cabana rental with beachside service.
You can also complement your beach day with a visit to the Paradise Cove Beach Café, a Malibu restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand. This makes it an ideal spot for a laid-back day.
5. Point Dume State Beach
- Best for: Hiking and Wildlife Spotting
- Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd., Malibu, CA
When relaxation is on the menu, a day trip to one of the most peaceful in Malibu is in order. The rocky cliffs of Point Dume State Beach frame the idyllic location. You may even recognize it from films such as the original Planet of the Apes, Pearl Harbor, or Iron Man.
If a peaceful beach day is what you’re after, you can relax on the sandy beach while soaking in the views of Santa Monica Bay or watching adventurers rock climb the cliffs. If you’re looking for more of an active beach day, take advantage of this great coastal hike and enjoy the marvelous views from the bluff. Don’t miss the beach’s tide pools for an authentic glimpse of Pacific Ocean marine life.
6. Leo Carrillo State Park
- Best for: Tide Pools and Wildlife Spotting
- Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Just a short drive north of Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Park offers a variety of activities, whether you’re craving a relaxing afternoon or a chance to pick up a sandy souvenir.
This is a dream location for beachcombers, who can explore the tide pools, sea caves, and towering coastal bluffs. The park also features a campground, making it an excellent spot for an overnight adventure.
7. Dan Blocker Beach
- Best for: Picnicking and Quiet Retreats
- Address: 26000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Dan Blocker Beach is a lesser-known spot perfect for a quiet day by the ocean. With picnic tables and BBQ grills, it’s an excellent place for a family picnic.
The peaceful nature of the beach makes sense: it was donated to the State of California by producers of the series Bonanza in honor of its late actor, Dan Blocker.
8. Escondido Beach
- Best for: Water Sports and Seclusion
- Address: 27420 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
East of Point Dume, Escondido Beach is a hidden gem, offering seclusion and a variety of water sports. Plan for an early day, however, as parking can be quite limited. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular activities here (it’s also incredibly popular with scuba divers).
The serene environment and clear waters make it an ideal spot for a quiet day of fun on the water.
9. Carbon Beach (Billionaire’s Beach)
- Best for: Celebrity Spotting and Luxury Experience
- Address: 22164 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Known as “Billionaire’s Beach,” Carbon Beach is famous for its luxurious beachfront homes and the celebrities who reside there. This family-friendly beach (it’s prohibited to bring any alcoholic beverages) lets you stroll past the homes of the ultra-wealthy while you enjoy the beautiful sandy shores (and maybe even potentially spot a star or two).
Plan a beach day here for a feel of exclusivity.
10. Topanga Beach
- Best for: Beachcombing and Surfing
- Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Topanga Beach is popular with surfers and beachcombers at the eastern end of Malibu. The waves tend to break over cobblestones and reefs, so leave the swimming for another beach. However, the resulting rocky tide pools are great for exploring marine life.
As a popular surf spot, it’s also a peaceful place to watch surfers work their magic out on the water.
11. Lechuza Beach
- Best for: Sunbathing and swimming
- Address: Sea Level Dr., Malibu, CA
For a little tranquility, head off the beaten path (and bring a picnic) to Lechuza Beach. Since it’s a bit more difficult to find, this is a great spot for a relatively private and tranquil day out. The rock formations make water sports difficult but also result in a protected stretch of beach with gentle waves, perfect for an afternoon splash.
To find beach access, navigate the tree lined corridor and down a few sandy flights of stairs. As it’s in a residential area, there is no parking lot, but there is plenty of street parking.
Book Your Malibu Vacation Now
Malibu’s beaches are world renowned for a reason. Whether you’re looking for peaceful sunbathing, celebrity spotting, or adrenaline-packed water sports, staying at one of our vacation homes in Malibu provides the ideal base to explore these coastal treasures of Southern California.
Book your stay today and get your Malibu beach vacation underway!