01
Classic all-day choice
Zuma Beach
West Malibu Along Pch • Wide Family-Friendly Surf Beach • Best Overall Pick
A huge, easygoing stretch of sand that feels made for simple, no-stress beach days.
For many Agoura Hills locals, Zuma is the default answer when someone says, “Let’s go to the beach.” Lifeguard towers, long flat sand, plenty of parking, and walkable snack stands make it simple to settle in for hours. It’s a strong choice for mixed groups when you need something reliable that works for kids, surfers, and loungers all at once.
02
Most photogenic stop
El Matador State Beach
Northwest Malibu Off Pacific Coast Highway • Dramatic Cliffside Cove • Best For Sunsets And Photos
A small, steep-access cove known for sea stacks, arches, and golden-hour drama.
El Matador is where you go when you care more about atmosphere than spreading out a big beach setup. A short but steep trail drops from the bluff-top parking down to a pocket of sand framed by rock formations and sea caves. Go light on gear, aim for a weekday or early arrival, and plan to stay through sunset if you can.
03
Best for exploring with kids
Leo Carrillo State Park Beach
Far Northwest Malibu Near County Line • Rocky Shoreline With Tide Pools • Best For Kids And Exploring
A rugged state park beach where tide pools, caves, and shallow coves keep kids busy for hours.
Leo Carrillo feels more like a coastal playground than a simple sunbathing spot. At lower tides you can wander among rocks, peek into tide pools, and duck through small sea caves, with calmer pockets of water for wading. It’s a smart choice for families coming from Agoura Hills who want a mini adventure without driving all the way to a distant coastal town.
04
Scenic bluff-and-sand combo
Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume Headland Area • Scenic Bluff-Backed Stretch • Best For Coastal Views And Walks
A sweeping curve of sand tucked beneath cliffs, with short hikes to big ocean views.
Point Dume links a classic beach day with one of the best short walks on this part of the coast. You can park near the sand at Westward Beach, then follow the trail up onto the headland for views that sweep from Malibu to the Channel Islands. It’s a great pick when you want some light activity and photo-worthy scenery before or after your time on the sand.
05
Surf-and-pier scene
Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider)
Central Malibu By Malibu Pier • Laid-Back Surf And Lagoon Beach • Best For Surfing And People-Watching
An iconic point break and mellow lagoon area right next to the pier, with plenty to look at even if you never get in the water.
Malibu Lagoon, including Surfrider Beach, is where the surf culture postcard comes to life. Experienced surfers work the long right-hand point while bird-watchers and walkers loop around the lagoon and boardwalks. Coming from Agoura Hills, it’s ideal when you want a beach stop that pairs easily with food, coffee, or a stroll on the pier before heading back over the hill.