The 7 Best Beach Vacation Destinations in Malibu

Malibu beaches don’t behave like most beaches. There are no boardwalks, no souvenir shops, and very few places where the ocean feels like a backdrop to something else. Here, the beach is the experience – long stretches of sand, cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific, and light that shifts constantly depending on the hour, the wind, and the tide.

The best beach destinations in Malibu aren’t about crowds or convenience. They’re about space. About choosing between a quiet morning walk, a surf session before the wind picks up, or sitting still long enough to watch the fog lift and the coastline change shape. Some beaches feel wide and open, others feel tucked away and almost secret — and the difference often comes down to timing as much as location.

This guide breaks down the best beach destinations in Malibu based on how people actually use them – where to go for long walks, calmer water, dramatic scenery, or slower afternoons – so you can choose the stretch of coastline that fits the way you want to spend your time.

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1. Zuma Beach

Best for: long beach days, walking, space

Zuma is Malibu’s most straightforward beach — wide, open, and easy to settle into. There’s no mystery here, which is exactly why it works so well. If you want to show up, lay out, walk for miles, and stay for hours without thinking about tides or access points, Zuma is the safest bet.

Why people choose it

• Huge stretch of sand — it rarely feels crowded

• Easy parking and restrooms

• Good for walking, sunbathing, and body surfing

Good to know

• Wind usually picks up after midday

• Water can be colder than beaches farther south

• Not much shade — bring what you need

Best time to go: early morning or late afternoon
Skip it if: you’re looking for tide pools or sheltered coves

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2. Point Dume Beach

Best for: scenery, variety, mixing beach time with views

Point Dume gives you options. You can sit on the sand, walk along the water, or head up to the bluff for views — all in one stop. It feels more “Malibu” than Zuma, without being difficult or precious.

Why people choose it

• Wide beach with dramatic cliffs

• Good for walking and watching surfers

• Bluff trail adds a scenic break from the sand

Good to know

• Low tide gives you more room to walk

• Parking fills quickly on weekends

• Bluff hike is short but exposed — bring water

Best time to go: mid-morning on a weekday
Skip it if: you want complete quiet or minimal foot traffic

3. El Matador State Beach

Best for: scenery, short visits, photography

El Matador looks incredible — but it’s not a “set up for the day” beach. It’s better treated as a stop: walk down, explore, sit for a while, then leave. If you expect a full beach afternoon here, it can feel cramped and frustrating.

Why people choose it

• Sea caves, rock arches, dramatic cliffs

• One of Malibu’s most photographed beaches

• Feels tucked away once you’re on the sand

Good to know

• Steep stairs — not stroller- or mobility-friendly

• Best at low tide for walking and exploring

• Gets crowded fast, especially late morning

Best time to go: early morning or near sunset
Skip it if: you want space to lay out or swim comfortably

4. Surfrider Beach

Best for: watching surfing, quick beach stops

Surfrider is less about the beach itself and more about what’s happening on the water. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth stopping to watch — the wave quality here is famous, and the lineup is active most mornings.

Why people choose it

• Front-row view of Malibu’s surf culture

• Central location near restaurants and shops

• Good for short visits rather than long stays

Good to know

• Narrow beach — not ideal for lounging

• Swimming isn’t the focus here

• Parking is limited

Best time to go: early morning
Skip it if: you’re planning a full beach day

5. Broad Beach

Best for: quiet walks, minimal crowds

Broad Beach is for people who want to slow down. There’s very little infrastructure and no landmarks — just sand, water, and time. It’s one of the best places in Malibu for uninterrupted walking.

Why people choose it

• Long, quiet shoreline

• Minimal foot traffic, especially midweek

• Good for reflective walks and calm mornings

Good to know

• Access points are limited

• Beach width depends heavily on tide

• No facilities — come prepared

Best time to go: weekday mornings at low tide
Skip it if: you want amenities or easy access

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6. Lechuza Beach

Best for: casual beach time without crowds

Lechuza doesn’t look like much from the road, but it opens up once you’re on the sand. It’s a good middle-ground beach – calmer than Zuma, less dramatic than El Matador, and generally easiergoing.

Why people choose it

• Walkable stretches of sand

• Fewer people than central Malibu beaches

• Good for swimming on calm days

Good to know

• Tides make a big difference to space

• Stairs required for access

• Limited parking

Best time to go: morning, before wind picks up
Skip it if: you want dramatic scenery

7. Carbon Beach

Best for: short, relaxed beach visits near town

Carbon Beach is compact and convenient. It’s close to central Malibu and works well if you want beach time without committing to hours on the sand.

Why people choose it

• Calm feel compared to nearby beaches

• Close to dining and shopping

• Good for sunset and swimming on calm days

Good to know

• Beach narrows at high tide

• Limited walking space

• Best enjoyed briefly, not all day

Best time to go: midweek mornings or sunset
Skip it if: you want long walks or privacy

When Malibu Beaches Are at Their Best

• Early mornings: calmest water, least wind

• Midday: brighter sun, more people

• Late afternoon: cooler temps, stronger breeze

Fall often offers the best balance: warm water, fewer crowds, and better light.

Planning Your Malibu Beach Stay

Malibu beaches reward choosing one or two spots and spending real time there. Driving between beaches sounds appealing but often eats up the day.

Staying nearby makes a difference. Wander’s luxury Malibu vacation rentals put you close enough to follow the conditions – not fight them – with space to come back to once the beach day is done.

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