01
Closest coastal escape
Topanga State Beach
Topanga Canyon Coast • Low-Key Surf Beach With A Compact Strip Of Sand • Closest True Beach To Bell Canyon
A compact, no-frills stretch of sand at the mouth of Topanga Canyon with consistent waves and an easy, direct drive from Bell Canyon.
From Bell Canyon, Topanga is often the fastest way to reach the ocean: a straightforward run over Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The narrow beach and rocky bottom make it more of a surf and stroll spot than an all-day sandcastle destination, but it’s hard to beat for quick sunset runs or a morning paddle. Parking is right off the highway, so you can be on the sand within minutes of pulling in.
02
Best easygoing all-rounder
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades • Wide, Relaxed City-Adjacent Beach • Best For Uncomplicated Beach Days
A long, open stretch of sand with bike paths, volleyball courts, and mellow waves that works well for mixed groups.
Will Rogers is where many Valley and Westside locals go when they want a simple, stress-free day at the beach. The sand is wide, the surf is usually gentle, and there are bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards spaced along the shore. Aim for the Temescal Canyon area lots if you want a quick hop from the car to the sand and an easy route back toward Bell Canyon via Sunset or the canyon roads.
03
Classic Malibu feel
Malibu Lagoon & Surfrider Beach
Central Malibu • Iconic Surf Break With A More Relaxed Lagoon-Side Beach • Best For Classic Malibu Surf And Scenery
An iconic point break next to a mellow lagoon area, with a laid-back beach scene framed by the Malibu Pier and mountains.
Surfrider is hallowed ground for longboarders, but you don’t need a board to appreciate the curve of the bay and the backdrop of the Malibu Pier. The adjacent lagoon and sandy spit give non-surfers space to spread out, birdwatch, and wander along the water’s edge. Expect more crowds and tight parking on weekends, but on a clear weekday it feels like the quintessential ‘this is Malibu’ experience within easy reach of Bell Canyon.
04
Best big-sky beach day
Zuma Beach
North Malibu • Expansive, Open-Ocean State Beach • Best For Long Walks And All-Day Hangs
A huge, sweeping beach with room to spread out, steady surf, and enough parking to make peak-season visits less stressful.
Zuma is the spot when you want the full beach-day package: lots of sand, reliable lifeguard coverage, snack stands in season, and long shoreline walks. It’s a bit farther from Bell Canyon than the Topanga or central Malibu spots, but the payoff is space and a more relaxed feel even on sunny weekends. The surf can be punchy here, so it’s ideal for confident swimmers and people who like a bit more energy in the water.
05
Most photogenic cove
El Matador State Beach
Western Malibu • Dramatic Cliffside Cove With Sea Stacks • Best For Tidepools And Golden-Hour Photos
A small, rugged cove accessed by stairs, known for its sea caves, rock formations, and cinematic sunset light.
El Matador feels worlds away from the Valley, with steep bluffs, arches, and offshore rocks that glow at sunset. The beach itself is small and mostly disappears at very high tide, so it’s better suited to exploring, photography, and short visits than sprawling all day. Parking is limited on the blufftop, so locals from Bell Canyon often time it for weekday evenings or early morning low tides when the shoreline is quiet.