Two miles southeast of Pepperdine campus, at Serra Road and the Pacific Coast Highway, is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which locals refer to as Malibu Beach. The park is home to Surfrider Beach, one of Los Angeles County's most popular surfing beaches, as well as the Malibu Pier, a popular spot for saltwater fishing. Attractions include the Malibu Lagoon Museum and the Adamson House, a 1929 Spanish Colonial-Revival home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Malibu Lagoon has off-street parking and does not allow dogs.
Point Dume State Beach, dotted with cliffs and rocky coves, is a good place for swimming, surfing, fishing and scuba diving. The beach is 8 miles southwest of Pepperdine, with access from the Pacific Coast Highway on Westward Beach Road. Point Dume Beach has trails that lead to Point Dume Natural Preserve, which protects an ancient coastal bluff and dune. Views from the top include Santa Monica Bay, the north Malibu coast, and Catalina Island. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the preserve.
Located directly where the mountains meet the ocean, Las Tunas Beach is a rocky area backed by high, steep cliffs. Seven miles east of Pepperdine, on the Pacific Coast Highway between Budwood Motorway and Pena Road, the beach has facilities for swimming, fishing and diving, with lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. Las Tunas welcomes pets, and generally is less crowded than other Malibu beaches. The beach has off-street parking and food concessions.
Topanga Beach, 8 miles east of Pepperdine, is on the Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Tuna Canyon Road. The beach is narrow and too rocky for safe swimming, but it does have sandy areas popular with sunbathers. Topanga also is popular with surfers, who like the swells that give them long rides out into the bay. The beach is pet friendly, and off-street parking is available.
