8 Best Beaches in Malibu for a Family Vacation

Is taking a dip on the beaches in Malibu something you and your family have been dreaming of? Here is the inside information about all the best beaches in Malibu at a glance. Stretched across 21 miles of coastline, Malibu has the most beautiful beaches in California. Tourists flock to various beaches near Malibu and enjoy a day or a week at the beach. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots for a beach day.

Interestingly, my dog had a great time in Malibu. He was able to run about, play in the sand and make furry friends of his own! Even though the number is less, but Malibu does have on-leash dog-friendly beaches. We spent our day lounging near County Line Beach, one of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Malibu. You, your little kids, and your dogs will have great fun running about and soaking all the goodness of the sea.

 

The Best Beaches in Malibu  

Carbon Beach

One of the best beaches to enjoy the warm California sun and the sweet smell of the Pacific Ocean, Carbon Beach is a famous Malibu beach. Fondly known as the Billionaire’s Beach, this entire place is lined with stunning mansions and other luxurious properties. The scenery is spectacular, and it is significantly quieter than the other beaches in Malibu.

Tourists will find two access ways to this beach, the West entry and the East entry. You and your family can enjoy various cafes near the beach. The Malibu Inn is one of the most sought hotels in the area overlooking the ocean, where you can spend the night.

Address: 22500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.

Parking: It is free of cost for all tourists.

Tip: Tourists must be careful of the high tides in the area.

 

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu is not only family-friendly but also an excellent place for people looking for the best solo trips in the US. Solo travelers can enjoy Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which does not take in water flowing from the Pacific Ocean; many tourists surround this spot to enjoy the 200 migrating and local birds. This beach has various amenities like a toilet, emergency first aid care facility, etc., making it one of Malibu’s most hyped beach spots. Besides being a famous Malibu beach, it also houses a great architectural center, the Adamson House.

If you are taking your kids to the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, consider a trip to The Malibu Lagoon Museum. The Lagoon is quite famous for housing this beach, and tourists like taking a tour of it, making this one of the best beaches in Malibu, California.

Address: 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.

Parking: Paid Parking is available at the entry.

Tip: Tourists, especially kids, cannot touch or go near the migrating birds. No food is supposed to be thrown to the birds.

 

Malibu Surfrider Beach

Famous among surfing lovers as one of the most adventurous beaches in Malibu, this is the spot where you can give a green signal to all your water adventure desires! Loaded with surfers and guides teaching surfing to novices, this is not the spot for tourists looking for a quiet dip in the ocean.

The beach’s water usually shows high tides, making it one of the top beaches in Malibu for adventure sports. After an exhausting day on the ocean, you can also find a table in the Malibu Farm Cafe, which specializes in Californian and countryside delights.

Address: Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California 90265, USA.

Parking: Paid Parking is available near Adamson’s House, but you can find a free spot on Highway 1, although it remains crowded.

Tip: It is advised not to bring small kids along.

Paradise Cove Beach

One of Malibu’s most spectacular beaches, Paradise Cove Beach, offers the best beach fun during hot summers! Falling north of Malibu, this is a sweet paradise for all beach lovers; this spot offers fun amenities like local shops, water sports (not near the actual public beach spot), famous eateries, etc. If you and your family want to enjoy a quiet lunch overlooking the clear blue waters of the sea, this is your spot.

The Cafes nearby extend to the sand, making it one of Malibu’s most famous tourist beaches. If you want to visit during the summer, it is advisable to book a spot at the restaurant; it usually remains packed during the daytime. While your kids can play in the sea, you and your spouse can enjoy a glass of wine near the prettiest beach in Malibu!

Address: Near 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA.

Parking: You can park here for the entire day for a fee.

 

Point Dume State Beach

Are you thinking of enjoying a quiet sea day with your family, away from the loud streets of Malibu? The beautiful rock formations at the sidelines of the sea make the place even more of a lovely getaway. It is one of those beaches in Malibu which does not have a huge crowd and activity, but some of us prefer the quiet lull of the sea! The sea looks majestic on this secluded beach in Malibu.

The beach also houses one of the most extensive scuba diving areas, the Pinnacles; underwater divers can enjoy scuba diving at the end of this beach. This is also one of the top beaches in Malibu, which is home to grey sea whales from December to March. It is a beautiful sight to look at for all kinds of tourists, but children seem to enjoy it more. Hiking trails can be seen at the end of this beach; after a quiet time at sea, take your family on a long hike while the sun goes down.

Address: Near 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.

Parking: Only ten parking spots are available free of charge; most tourists have to pay a parking fee for a site near the sea.

Tip: Try to visit the beach in a clear sky; you might be able to see the beautiful Catalina Islands or the Channel Islands.

Zuma Beach

LA residents and visitors to Los Angeles flock to this beach spot in Malibu, mostly during summer. It is a perfect destination to have a fun time and break your monotonous schedule. This beach is 1.8 miles long and falls a corner from Point Dume State Beach, one of those beaches in Malibu with a small crowd on weekdays but welcomes a considerable number of people on weekends. It is a trendy public beach in Malibu that offers long volleyball nets for tourist groups to try their hand at the game!

The waters of Zuma beach are primarily shallow, and body surfers and swimmers will have a great time in this beach spot in Malibu. Children are advised not to venture into the sea without parental guidance; the authorities of the beach are rigorous, and tourists have to follow many rules and regulations. Zuma Beach has excellent eating joints, and families can stop for a quick lunch at this place.

Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA.

Parking: Paid Parking is available near the beach spot.

Tip: Swimmers need to out for safety flags in the sea while swimming; they are not allowed to go near them. A fine can be charged if the rules are flouted.

Westward Beach

Stretched south towards Zuma beach, this is one of the best beaches in Malibu, California. Tourists flock to this place in summer and spring break to enjoy the lull of the sea. Surfers can be seen around this beach during good weather conditions. It is one of those beaches in Malibu which satisfies all kinds of beach day fun; the clear blue waters and beach amenities like a first aid center, toilets, etc., make this place one of the nicest beaches in Malibu.

The other major attraction to this beach is The Sunset Hotel. It is a popular eatery around the area, with a great menu and hosting services, and it welcomes many tourists during the holiday season.

Address: Near CA 90265, Malibu, USA.

Parking: The nearest parking spot is at the end of Westward Beach Road; tourists and locals have to pay to park their vehicles.

Tip: Children cannot venture near the scuba diving areas without adult supervision.

El Matador Beach

Thinking of posing for family pictures or creating an entire album for your holidays with the background of a stunning blue sea and rock formations? This is the most famous beach in Malibu, where tourists enjoy the calm waters and the incredible scenic beauty. El Matador is highly reputed as the most famous Malibu Beach.

Alongside the beautiful blue sea, there are caves to be explored on the Northside of El Matador. Only when the water current is low can you take a hike toward the caverns and rock formations inside.

These intricate rock designs make it the prettiest beach in Malibu.

Address: Near 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA.

Parking: Paid parking spaces are available near the entry gate.

 

Best Places to Stay in Malibu

Malibu Country Inn

Address: 6506 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States.

One of the most stunning hotels within walking distance from Zuma Beach and other local stores, this beautiful affordable Inn is a hit during the holiday season. Customers have raved about the hotel for its excellent staff and management team. Room service and a local spa is attached to the hotel for your family’s comfort.

 

Malibu embraces stunningly beautiful beaches and other scenic wonders. Summertime is the best season to enjoy the Malibu waters. Shed off your everyday life stress in the calm waters of the beaches in Malibu!

Guest Author : Trijit Mallick of Budget Travel Buff