9 Hidden Beaches in Malibu

Malibu has some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Many of them are hidden due to the homes blending in with the doors that access the beach or having nowhere to park. At times visitors think that the beaches in front of homes are private and accessible only to residents, but the good news is that not all of them are! In this post, I will be sharing some of my favorite hidden beaches in Malibu that are open to the public that not many know about! 

Instagrammable Beaches in Malibu 

1. Lechuza Beach

This is my favorite beach in Malibu and I discovered it not too long ago, Lechuza Beach! It is absolutely beautiful and has pristine blue waters. It feels like you’re in another city away from LA. There’s almost no one ever there, which makes it a top candidate for hidden beaches in Malibu worth visiting!

You have to drive through a neighborhood to get there, which I think is the reason it’s remained hidden and less known to the public. When you enter on Broad Beach Road, there’s a brown sign that is labeled Lechuza Beach, once you enter, you go down a few flight of stairs and you have made it! The cleanest beach in my opinion and the most dreamy! 

Address to Lechuza Beach: 
31712 Broad Beach Road
Malibu, CA 90265

Is it a swimmable beach?
No, there are no lifeguards.  

Parking in Lechuza Beach: 
Free street parking on Broad Beach Road

2. Carbon Beach AKA Billionaire’s Beach

Once a private beach, but now open to the public, Carbon beach also known as Billionaire’s Beach is surrounded by multi million dollar homes, hence the name. It’s only a mile stretch of beach, it feels like you’re in someone’s backyard with all the houses lined parallel to the sand. Not visited by many since it used to be private, you’ll most likely just see residents of the neighborhood walking their dogs. 

 It’s ideal for those that want to take a stroll without having to share a beach with others. You’re not far from the Malibu Pier, half a mile to be exact. Right next door is the celebrity hotspot Nobu with celebrities always going in and out. 

Address to Carbon Beach: 
22126 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking in Carbon Beach: 
Street parking available on PCH or park at the Malibu pier and walk a half mile. 
Pier Parking is $15 (Open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)

Is it a swimmable beach?
Yes, BUT swim with caution because there are no lifeguards.

Family Friendly Beaches in Malibu

3. Sycamore Cove Beach

A true hidden gem, Sycamore Cove is perfect for large families who want to spend a day at the beach. They have picnic tables, grills and fire pits on the sand and underneath beautiful trees. The scenic views make you feel like you’re in Hawaii. If you’d like to feel like you’re on vacation, Sycamore Cove is it!  

If you have children then exploring their campgrounds can be something you can look into for the weekend. There are so many activities like kayaking, bird watching, and horseback riding among others. Get all the details here!

Address to Sycamore Cove Beach 
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy 
Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Parking in Sycamore Cove Beach: 
1 hr parking $3
2 hr parking $6
3 hr parking $9 
All day $12  

Is it a swimmable beach?
Yes

4. Westward Beach 

A hidden road leads you to this stretch of Westward Beach, the beach doesn’t get many visitors, only those that can park on the street beside the beach. Westward Beach Road is on a cul-de-sac street and has only one restaurant on site, The Sunset Restaurant at the end. A quiet beach where you can bring your kids or just listen to the waves crash with a book in hand. 

Even on busy days it doesn’t feel crowded. Since there’s only beach side parking available, it limits its visitors and makes you feel secluded. In the early morning you can spot dolphins going for a swim!

Address to Zuma Beach 
6800 Westward Beach Rd
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking in Zuma Cove: 
Free street parking along the beach on both sides of the road

Is it a swimmable beach?
Yes, BUT beware the waves can get really high so use your best judgment.

5. Paradise Cove Beach 

One of the best hidden beaches in Malibu if you have children is Paradise Cove Beach. It’s a small stretch of beach that shares its location with a restaurant with the same name. Paradise Cove has little to no waves, clean water and bathrooms on site. All things that make it easier on parents who want to enjoy a beach day.

Bring your sand toys and beach blankets if you don’t want to rent a lounge chair or daybed from the restaurant. Weekdays are mostly quiet, while weekends can get crowded with visitors. The scenery is beautiful at sunset, with ombre colored skies and sail boats in the background. 

Address to Paradise Cove:
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking in Paradise Cove: Parking is available on site; $45 if you don’t eat at the restaurant and $10 with validation if you eat at the restaurant ($35 minimum spend). I recommend parking along PCH and walking to the beach, it’s free and you can bring your own snacks.

6. Pirates Cove Beach 

A secluded cove not far from Zuma Beach is Pirate’s Cove, which is not to be confused with the one in Newport (both have the same name). Getting here is only possible when there’s low tides so make sure you have a plan B or else you’ll be disappointed. It’s You’re guaranteed to have it to yourself on weekdays and a few more visitors on weekends. But mostly a secluded beach for photos, picnics, walks and relaxing. 

Address to Pirates Cove Beach: 
7103 Westward Beach Road 
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking at Pirates Cove Beach: 
Yes, along the beach or a lot at the end. 

Is it a swimmable beach?
No, too many rocks

Tide Pools in Malibu 

7. La Piedra State Beach

If you want to be one with nature, looking for peace and solitude then La Piedra State Beach is for you. In Spanish, La Piedra translates to ‘the rock’, which is exactly what La Piedra State Beach is, a beach filled with rocks along the sandy stretch. When tides are low, you can see the tide pools that are located close to the access trail. 

In order to get to the beach you will need to walk down to a hiking trail with steep steps. A journey to get to, but ultimate isolation. Just make sure you’re wearing tennis shoes with a secure grip to not slip. It has remained one of the hidden beaches in Malibu since it doesn’t have a super clear pathway.

Address to La Piedra State Beach: 
32700 Pacific Coast Highway 
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking at La Piedra State Beach: 
Parking is $8 at the small lot available for beachgoers 

Is it a swimmable beach?
No, there are too many rocks and no lifeguard

8. Leo Cabrillo Beach 

Tide pools, coastal caves and incredible rock formations in the ocean are a few things you can expect to see at Leo Cabrillo Beach. The tide pools are filled with anemones, muscles, starfish and hermit crabs among other marine life.

The beach entrance is through PCH, you’re welcomed by vibrant yellow daisy’s and lush plants. A quiet, rocky and very clean stretch of beach. Although hidden, there’s always local surfers on the water.

Address to Leo Cabrillo Beach: 
35000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking at Leo Cabrillo Beach: 
1 hr parking $3
2 hr parking $6
3 hr parking $9 
All day $12  

Is it a swimmable beach?
Yes

Most Secluded Beach in Malibu

9. Nicholas Canyon Beach 

A small pocket beach that is usually isolated, Nicholas Canyon has many amenities like a bathroom, showers and picnic tables. In the times I have been there, it’s been empty. Make sure to bring a trash bag because although they have a bathroom, there usually isn’t anywhere to throw your trash. Bring lunch and snacks and enjoy the ocean sounds!

Address to Nicholas Canyon Beach:
33850 Pacific Coast Highway 
Malibu, CA 90265

Parking at Nicholas Canyon Beach: 
Parking lot is available, get all rates here 

Is it a swimmable beach?
Yes. Note: Lifeguards are only on duty in the summer months.

Weather in Malibu

Malibu weather varies from season to season. The hottest month is in August with an average of 89° and the coldest months being December-February with an average of 67°. You can expect the ocean to be cold year-round, keep that in mind if you’d like to take a dip. In the winter, the water is 55°-60° and in the summer, the water is 60°-65°. You’ll always see surfers in wetsuits because the temperatures are cold.

Mornings in Malibu are almost always overcast, but if it’s summer then you can expect the sun to be out by 11AM. Although the fog can trick you into thinking the sun won’t come out, be sure to bring your sunscreen, a hat and an umbrella to shield yourself if you plan to be there all day.

Malibu Roundup

These are the 9 hidden beaches in Malibu that I would recommend to you if you are looking for some peace and quiet, scenic views and ocean sounds. California has so many beaches along the Pacific coastline that aren’t widely known, not even to locals. This allows them to remain hidden gems that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Leave me a comment below on which one you’re visiting!

FAQ’S

1. Are dogs allowed on Malibu beaches?
   – Unfortunately, they are not. 

2. Can you visit Malibu beaches at night?
   – No, they usually close all access gates right after sunset. 

3. How long is Malibu’s coastline?
   – 27 miles