01
Best overall pick
Zuma Beach
West Malibu • Wide Family-Friendly Beach • Best For Classic Full-Day Beach Trips
A long, wide stretch of sand with room to breathe, plenty of parking, and a relaxed Malibu feel.
Zuma is the beach locals suggest when you say you want “a real California beach day” without overthinking it. The sand goes on for what feels like forever, so even on busy weekends you can usually find space away from the crowds. Plan on a solid half-day here with easy surf to play in, lifeguards on duty, and enough snack options nearby that you don’t have to pack much more than a cooler and some chairs.
02
Best for surf culture
Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach)
Central Malibu By The Malibu Pier • Iconic Surf And Estuary Beach • Best For Surf Culture And People-Watching
A legendary point break meets a mellow lagoon and boardwalk scene just off Pacific Coast Highway.
If you want the classic Malibu postcard, this is where you go: long right-hand waves peeling off the point, boards stacked on cars, and the pier framing the scene. The lagoon itself is calmer, with birdlife and a more low-key feel, while the surf side can be lively and buzzy. It’s not the spot for sprawling out with a huge group, but it’s perfect if you’re into surfing, photography, or just soaking up Malibu’s old-school beach culture.
03
Best for exploring
Leo Carrillo State Park Beach
Far-West Malibu Near The Ventura County Line • Rugged Cove And Tide-Pool Beach • Best For Exploring And Photography
Rocky points, sea caves, and tide pools give this stretch of coast a more wild, road-trip feel.
Leo Carrillo feels a world away from the suburbs around Santa Susana, even though it’s just a bit farther up the highway than central Malibu. At lower tides you can wander around rock arches, shallow tide pools, and sheltered coves that kids and photographers both love. It’s a great pick if you want a beach day with some light adventure baked in instead of just staking out a spot in the sand.
04
Closest easy option
Will Rogers State Beach
Pacific Palisades, Just North Of Santa Monica • Straightforward City-Adjacent Beach • Best Quick Beach Fix Near The Valley
A simple, no-fuss stretch of sand that’s one of the first true ocean options as you drop out of the Valley.
Will Rogers is where many Valley and inland residents head when they want sand and water without committing to the full Malibu drive. Long, gently sloping sand, bike and walking paths, and typically easier parking make it a low-stress choice. It’s ideal for a spontaneous afternoon trip from Santa Susana when you’d rather be in the water than stuck in traffic farther up the coast.
05
Best for after-work sessions
Topanga State Beach
Coast At The Base Of Topanga Canyon • Compact Surf-Focused Beach • Best For Quick Surf And Sunset Stops
A small, rocky beach with a reliable wave and big-sky sunsets right where the canyon meets the ocean.
Topanga State Beach is a go-to for surfers who live in the Valley and the canyon communities, thanks to its consistent break and relatively quick access. The beach itself is narrower and more pebbly than the big Malibu sands, but that smaller footprint makes sunsets feel dramatic and immediate. Pick this spot when you’re more interested in catching a few waves or a golden-hour walk than setting up an all-day camp.