Malibus' ten best secret beaches
Posted on 17-01-2023 03:12 AM
A list of Malibus' ten best secret beaches
Malibus Top Best Secret Beaches
There is a sign that says, "Malibu, 27 Miles of Scenic Beauty," about 7 miles north of Santa Monica. It stretches 27 miles north to south, from Topanga State Beach to County Line Beach. Many of Malibu's coastline is blocked by mansions and private beach clubs, despite some incredible public beaches (Topanga, Surfrider, Zuma, and Leo Carrillo, for example).
There are no guarantees regarding parking suggestions. You must obey all posted signs.
Having lived in Malibu for five years (and surfing), I've discovered some amazing secluded beaches where you can find solitude, which is not always possible when the entire LA area descends on Malibu every summer weekend. You won't find this article to be useful if you like overcrowded parking lots and noisy tourists. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a nice secluded beach to relax and soak up the sun, then keep reading.
Big Rock
North of Topanga State Beach is Big Rock, named for the huge rock just off-shore. The beach offers a very picturesque view of the ocean. About a mile after passing Big Rock Drive on PCH, there is a coastal access stairway leading to the beach. Welcome to Big Rock Beach.
It is a beautiful beach if you are looking for tide pools or photo opportunities. Stunning sunsets can be captured on the rocks, and the view up the coast is second to none. The tide pools and crabs are great for kids to explore. For those looking for a lot of sand, it might not be the best place to go. You'll need to go here at low tide, because when the tide rises there's no beach.
Carbon Beach
It's no wonder Carbon Beach is known as Billionaires Beach. Beachgoers will enjoy this beach no matter what their interests are, whether it is to soak up some sun or take a swim in the waves. Carbon Beach offers the following benefits:
Lots of sand! A majority of Malibu's beaches have public easements, including Carbon Beach. Consequently, there is a lot more public sand. The sand on this beach is almost definitely dry, unlike some of the other beaches on this list.
Great architecture. It is here that some of Malibu's most impressive and expensive homes can be found. Whether you like architecture or simply daydream about owning a beachfront property, this is the place for you.
Easy access. As one of the newest areas around Carbon Beach, the beach has two access points. Marked and well-maintained gates indicate that they are in good condition. So enjoy!
You can get here by following the coastal access signs just south of Nobu and Malibu Pier. For those looking for a secluded beach, these brown signs are a gold mine.
Malibu Road
One beach is not enough to include Malibu Road. It offers at least five access points, but it could have many more if you're creative. Getting here is easy. Immediately behind the Ralphs in Malibu is Malibu Road. Once there, turn north on Malibu Road and follow it until you see a coastal access point that works for you. The best access point depends on what you're looking for in a beach, because this one has them all.
The first access point is a good option for surfers like me. It's at the first empty lot you see on the ocean-side of the road. The waves will be good to the left of this open lot (if the waves are small, I would suggest Zuma). To get down to the beach, you'll have to have some impressive scrambling skills. But hey, that's what makes it so fascinating, right?
A nice spot for the family on Malibu Road would be one of the other access points. It's a little over a quarter mile north of the surfers' parking lot that there's a small sandy cove with coastal access. Families will enjoy this spot, and this access point usually has plenty of parking.
If it's high tide, Malibu Road has good sand even at low tide, and there's usually free parking. Furthermore, if you enjoy long walks on the beach, this beach allows you to cover upwards of 3 miles. So I think youre set.
Latigo
Oh Latigo. There isn't much to say about Latigo except that it's my favorite beach in Malibu. It was at Latigo that I caught my first ever wave. Any time there's a big swell, I go there. Yet, most people have never heard of this wonderful beach.
There are about 3 miles of Latigo Shore Drive between Malibu Pier and Latigo. A lot of the Latigo Shore locals don't want unauthorized people parking on Latigo Shore Drive, so they hire a security guard to keep an eye on them. However, theres good news. The staircase leading to Latigo, and the parking lot on PCH, are all public. Don't park on Latigo Shore Drive because you'll get a ticket.