The best beaches in Malibu in 2026 are El Matador for sea stacks and sunsets, Zuma for space and swimming, Point Dume for its cove and headland, Leo Carrillo for tide pools and caves, and Surfrider Beach for surfing. Paradise Cove, Westward Beach and El Pescador round out 21 miles of coast.
Malibu's beaches range from wide family beaches with lifeguards to small coves reached by steep stairs. The January 2025 Palisades Fire hit the eastern end of Malibu; the beaches below are on the western stretch. Check lot status and tides before you go.
Sea stacks, caves and golden-hour light.
El Matador is a small, dramatic beach with rock arches and sea stacks, reached by a steep trail and stairs.
It is a favorite for photography.
Good to know: Go at low tide and arrive early; the lot is small.
32215 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A wide family beach with lifeguards.
Zuma is Malibu's biggest beach, with lifeguards, restrooms, volleyball courts and large parking lots.
It is the best choice for families.
Good to know: Stay near a lifeguard tower; rip currents occur.
30050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A cove under a headland with whale views.
Point Dume has a sheltered cove, tide pools and a short trail to a lookout over Zuma.
Gray whales pass in winter and spring.
Good to know: Check the State Parks page for lot closures.
Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Tide pools, sea caves and a campground.
Leo Carrillo has tide pools, a sea cave and a campground at the western edge of LA County.
It is great for kids at low tide.
Good to know: Check tide tables before you go.
35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
The famous longboard break next to the pier.
Surfrider Beach is one of California's most famous surf spots, with long point-break waves next to the Malibu Pier.
Malibu Lagoon is next door for birdwatching.
Good to know: Beginners should take a lesson; the lineup is crowded.
23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A private cove with a beach café on the sand.
Paradise Cove is a privately run cove with a beach café and calm water.
Parking is validated with a café purchase.
Good to know: Eat at the café to reduce the parking fee.
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A long beach next to Point Dume, good for dolphins.
Westward Beach runs from Zuma to the cliffs of Point Dume, with clear water and frequent dolphin sightings.
It is calmer than Zuma.
Good to know: Check whether the road lot is open.
Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
A quiet cove near El Matador.
El Pescador is a small cove beach near El Matador, reached by a short trail, with fewer people.
It is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.
Good to know: Combine with El Matador and La Piedra.
32860 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
El Matador State Beach, with its rock formations and sea caves, is the most photographed.
Zuma Beach has lifeguards, space and facilities.
Leo Carrillo State Park and Point Dume have the best tide pools at low tide.
Surfrider Beach next to the Malibu Pier is the most famous break, best for longboarding.
Some PCH shoulder parking is free; state and county lots charge a day fee.