Located just 30 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Malibu is California’s prime destination for beach lovers. The area’s 21-mile stretch of coastline is home to some of America’s most prized beaches. For residents of luxury homes such as those at Cavalleri Malibu, the sandy beach outposts are just an added perk on top of the already amazing resort lifestyle and amenities offered there. Whether you are a fan of rocky cliff sides that afford excellent hiking and spectacular views, or you prefer a quiet cove for swimming and catching a tan, Malibu delivers landscapes to appease water babies of all varieties.
Here is our selection of five of Malibu’s best beaches:
1. El Matador State Beach | 32215 Pacific Coast Highway
Not for the novice beachgoer, El Matador State Beach offers a rugged terrain perfect for the adventurous spirit. Brimming with rock cliffs, dimly lit caves and dirt paths, this beach is open from 8 A.M. to sunset and is typically void of lifeguard supervision, with the exception of during busy weekends. While the water can be rocky in some spots, it doesn’t stop surfers and body boarders from making the most of the late summer and winter waves, and it’s free parking and sandy coastline make it a favorite hangout among sunbathers.
2. Zuma Beach | 30000 Pacific Coast Highway
Animal lovers will enjoy sharing the surf with dolphins, seals and other local marine life at Malibu’s largest beach. Gentle waves, food stands, picturesque ridges and clean, sandy beaches make Zuma Beach one of the area’s most popular destinations for a wide variety of beach goers.
3. Point Dume State Beach | Cliffside Drive
Thrill seekers will inevitably love the bluffs and headlands of Point Dume as well as the Gray Whale watching opportunities to be found at this majestic location. Home to the north point of Santa Monica Bay, the quiet waters and rocky cliff sides make it one of Malibu’s most stunning locations, and its wide beaches are ideal for scuba divers, swimmers and fishermen.
4. Topanga State Beach | 18700 Pacific Coast Highway
Topanga State Beach is especially popular due to its close proximity to Los Angeles and its curved shape, which makes it ideal for surfing. Located at the edge of Topanga State Park, outdoorsy types can make the most out of their visit thanks to the many nearby hiking trails, mountain bike paths and lagoons. After an active day, visitors can swing by Mastro’s Ocean Club Restaurant near the beach’s east end for fresh Jalapeno Tuna Sashimi or an expertly prepared Chilean Sea Bass.
5. Malibu Surfrider Beach | 23200 Pacific Coast Highway
Nestled between Malibu Pier and the Malibu Lagoon, the Malibu Surfrider Beach’s prime audience lies in its name. Featuring a lengthy right hand break and towering waves, Malibu Surfrider Beach attracts surfers of all experience levels. For non-surfers, the Malibu Sport Fishing Pier is a fine location for saltwater fishing and a beach volleyball court lends itself nicely to those with an athletic side. Birdwatchers gather on the nearby trails to catch a glimpse of the area’s diverse wildlife, and those with a thirst for knowledge will inevitably enjoy the two on-site museums – Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum.
Beach lovers will inevitably feel right at home exploring the unspoiled natural beauty of Malibu’s impressive coastline, not to mention, some of the best beaches in Southern California.
