Campers and day trippers alike will find Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach a beautiful alternative to the more impacted public beaches to the south. Named for the actor turned preservationist Leo Carrillo – famed for his supporting role as Pancho in the 1950s television series "Cisco Kid" – this state beach is located 28 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway. The beach doubles as a fully equipped campground; although there are no campsites available on the beach itself, there are seven sites available for reservation just a short walk from the water.
The camp area also includes four restrooms (one more at the beach access area) as well as showers. And, in case roughing it becomes too rough, free Wi-Fi is available at the Camp Store.
One can be creative in planning an oceanside picnic here, as there are numerous open spaces to lay a blanket or set up a grill. The camping area on the hill side of the park provides more extensive picnic equipment such as large tables and stationary grills. Pacific Coast Highway acts as a boundary between the camping and beach areas on the coast side, and a walkway beneath the highway connects the two.
In addition to traditional beach activities -- swimming, surfing and scuba diving -- Leo Carrillo boasts several tide pools where one can observe various sea creatures and plant life.
Leo Carrillo Beach can provide a quieter seaside experience, because tall rock formations separate the beach into coves, allowing beach-goers more privacy and space to spread out (this can vary with the seasonally, as summer holidays and weekends may bring more visitors).
Beach Information
- Location:
- 36000 Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles CA
- Resources:
- CA State Parks: www.parks.ca.gov
- 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
