Malibu Beaches

The Best Beaches in LA County 

Put an El or La Before Your Favorite Beach

When it comes to the beaches of Los Angeles County only three of the hundreds stand out to me.  Not to say that I’ve been to them all; but El Matador, El Pescador and La Piedra are by far the best beaches that I have been to in the area.

Beach-going is one of those things where you strive to balance the attributes that are important to your enjoyment and relaxation.  At any of the above beaches, you will find the perfect mix of; soft and clean sand, rocks to climb, privacy, clean water and plenty of “real estate.”

On most days that we go to the beach, it is El Pescador that wins.  Parking is a small lot, right off PCH, where you unload and then hike down the cliff to the beach.  It being a bit harder to access than many public beaches makes it one of those beaches that gives you a sense that you’re at a private beach.

Our last visit to El Pescador was the perfect example of why we love it so much.  We arrived with a carful, 2 adults and 6 children (ranging in age from 3 to 15), after unloading our towels, food and water (none of which is available at the beach) we began our decent.  Like a train of pack mules, we made our way down the windy path, through the brush and down the rocks until we hit the soft, warm sand.  Looking down the beach we only saw about 10 or so other people set up for the day.  We all smiled at one another as we set our blankets down in the perfect spot. 

About 10 feet away from us was the ruins of someone’s make-shift lean-to made of rocks, bamboo, tree limbs, seaweed and leaves.  Almost instantly, several of the kids began the renovation.  We lay back on our blankets and watched as the kids wandered around collecting important items for their “beach house.”

Once completed, the kid’s creation served perfectly as a retreat from the sun, location for resting and storing all of the cool rocks, driftwood and shells that they found as well as a pleasing “work of art” for passersby.

This stretch of beach is about 300 yards, with rocks that come down to the water on either side.  This makes it a great place to bring children as they can’t wander out of sight.  As the day goes on there is a regular fluctuation of beach-goers coming and going…never getting too crowded. 

The beaches, being in Los Angeles county, do enforce the county laws of no alcohol and no off-leash dogs…the only downside in my opinion.

Our tip for these beaches:

Bring plenty of sun screen, water and food.  There are no vending machines or snack stands…although Wades market is just a few miles up PCH.

Details about the beaches:
Located between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of a number of cove or cliff-foot strands known as "pocket beaches" along the west end of the city of Malibu.

There are signs on Pacific Coast Highway with the names of the beaches: El Pescador, La Piedra and El Matador. Each of these three small beaches are a jewel unto themselves. These beaches can be crowded during the summer, however during the off season, they offer a perfect opportunity to experience solitude at its finest.
El Matador State Beach
location: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic sea stacks.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Encinal Canyon Road and Kanan
Dume Road.
El Pescador State Beach
location: 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.
La Piedra State Beach
location: 32700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.
MAP