Down a steep dirt trail and countless narrow, hard-packed steps, there is a long remote stretch of bleached-white sand that boasts some of the clearest seawater on the western coast of the United States. The slightly strenuous trek down the single-track path is well-worth the effort, however. As a result of its difficult accessibility, the near-pristine El Matador State Beach is considered by many locals and visiting celebrities to be one of the finest beaches in Malibu.
Enormous sea caves and intricate rock formations dot the entire length of the delicate sand and pebble shoreline that makes up El Matador State Beach. Views from the cliffs above the beach are breath-taking, overlooking large boulders and crystal-clear blue water chock-full of sea kelp and reefs. The length of the beach is seemingly endless, assuring plenty of privacy for peaceful and uninterrupted sunbathing or picnicking.
Decent-sized summer and winter swells bring bodysurfers and body boarders to the beach year round, while low tide reveals a series of shallow caves worth exploration by able-bodied visitors. There is no official lifeguard tower, but the beach is manned by a lifeguard on busy weekends. Amenities at the beach are minimal, but there are several picnic tables and rudimentary portable toilets on the bluff overlooking the trail down to the beach. Just be sure to pack your own food when making this adventurous visit.
Beach Information
- Parking:
- The Parking lot is open from 8am to Sunset. It costs $2. Pay in meter box for an all day pass. There is also limited free parking along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Location:
- El Matador Beach Rd, Malibu, CA
- Resources:
- LA County Department of Public Health, Water Quality: www.lapublichealth.org
- LA County of Beaches & Harbors: www.beaches.co.la.ca.us
- A Wheelchair Riders Guide to LA Beaches: www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov
