I must confess I avoid Malibu's beaches on summer weekends as the crowds are beyond comprehension, but weekdays and even weekends throughout the fall, winter, and most of the spring are a true joy. You'll see whales, dolphins surfing (yes, really), sea lions, and all manner of sea bird. Surfers abound. No charge for street parking, but there is a parking lot that does charge once the streets are totally clogged. Dogs can be walked on leashes adjacent the sand, but are not allowed on the beach.
Slightly down the road from Zuma beach, this is a quieter beach with bigger waves. Most beach entry is fairly steep so be careful with small kids. The views are amazing! You have a very good chance of seeing dolphins or the occasional seal. A great beach to just chill at and watch the waves. Take a hike up to the top of Point Dume to see a looonnnggg way north and south.
Insider's tip- if you are capable of walking a bit on a nice paved road, park by the Sunset Restaurant (free!) and walk in. I personally refuse to pay to park (Unless of course I was traveling with small kids or a bunch of things to carry- then by all means- pay!) During January to May whales come in very close to shore to scrape the barnacles of their bellies. Bonus is when you see their baby with them. Fun to watch the people climbing the big rock at Point Dume. For those of you who are adventurous, walk up the path where the parking lot ends and check out the Headlands at Point Dume State Beach. It is beyond cool. Especially when the water is clear on Big Dume beach below. (
Perfect beach if you want go and relax, not to many people as everyone goes to main Zuma Beach. Beautiful views and very relaxing atmosphere.
During our stay in Malibu, this was most defintely the best, cleanest, wide open beach we visited. Lots of beach, quiet, very beautiful and huge waves.
Comparing beaches and the value this is a top beach for the family. It is clean has lifeguards, parking fee, of course, that is checked regularly. The sand is nice and dolphin can be seen from shore if you keep an eagle eye out. Kids love it. on a windy day the waves are gorgeous.
Most people go to Zuma, but this beach is just as great. Parking limited on the road, but paid parking area available. There is a restaurant close by called The Sunset with good food. Bathrooms are available and clean. I ride my bicycle here every day or 2 and many people walk this stretch , both on the road and parking lot, as well as the beach. Great exercise area, and you can hike a short trail to the top of Point Dume for awesome views.
Great place if you're looking for a place to rest and spend the afternoon. The waves are pretty big too, so if you're looking for a place to surf this might be a good location for you. Parking is fairly easy.
Westward Beach is beautiful and if it looks familiar, it's because it has appeared in many TV shows, commercials and movies. I shot an ad campaign for Acuvue Contact Lenses there in the late 90's and have been coming back ever since. There is a famous scene at the end of the original Planet Of The Apes movie (1968) that was shot there – that showed a crumbling, sunken Statue of Liberty jutting out from the rocks. It looks exactly the same (minus the matte painting of Miss Liberty). It really is a beautiful beach. Make sure you climb over the rocks to find an even more secluded area, known as Pirate's Cove. You can also climb up to the top of the cliffs for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. That area is known as Point Dume. There are some trails and great views in every direction. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. They are everywhere. And who knows, maybe you'll stumble on to the set of BAYWATCH: THE REUNION. If you do, post some pix so we can all see!
This is my go- to beach. Just make sure to buy a parking ticket at the machine if the parking booth is not open. They love to give tickets here. Dolphins are seen frequently. Water is always cold but sand is great.