Located just half an hour up the coast from Santa Monica, Malibu is an ideal place to catch some sun, waves and maybe even a glimpse of a few Hollywood celebrities. The Malibu coastline stretches for 21 miles and is home to many million-dollar mansions. Malibu is also home to Pepperdine University, as well as famous surfing beaches.
Topanga State Beach is located where Topanga Canyon Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway. You can park on either side of the PCH for free, or you can park inside the parking lot for $5. Pay as you enter the park at the kiosk. With a sandy beach and minimal crowds, sunbathing is a common activity. Topanga is also frequented by surfers, with a right point peeling along a cobblestone reef. The shoreline is a mix of sand and rock reef, so watch your step as you enter the water.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is the point where the Malibu creek empties into the Pacific Ocean. To the south of the creek you will find the famous Malibu Pier, which is commonly used for fishing. North of the creek you will find a nature area equipped with picnic tables and hiking trails. The Adamson House, a major tourist attraction, is a magnificent home built in 1929 that can be toured for a $5 admission fee. For children aged six to sixteen, the admission is $2, while children under the age of five are admitted for free. The public beach stretches from the pier to the area just north of the creek, where the beach becomes private.
Malibu Surfrider Beach is located just south of Malibu Creek. Known as one of the world’s prime longboarding surf spots, Malibu is an extremely consistent right hand point break. Crowds can get out of hand during the summer months, so be ready to share waves with others. If you want to enjoy the beach without the multitude of surfers in the water, sand volleyball courts are available. The beach is equipped with restrooms and lifeguards, and the Malibu Pier is within walking distance.
Stretching roughly three miles long, Zuma is one of the longest beaches in Los Angeles County. Known for having cleaner water than other beaches in the Malibu area, Zuma consistently receives a high rating by the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department. The northern end of the beach is the cleanest, receiving a "C" rating. The beach is very spacious and offers sand volleyball courts, picnic tables and several playgrounds. The surf can get large, especially in the summer months when there are south swells, and is enjoyed by surfers, body boarders and skim boarders.
