El Matador State Beach image

El Matador State Beach

Tourist attraction Public beach

One of the Best Places To Visits in Malibu


Address

32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

Website

www.californiabeaches.com

Contact

+1 818-880-0363

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (5.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (73) parking (46) beautiful (17) walk (17) small (16) Parking (14) stairs (13) rock (12) hour (11) tide (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Angeline K. 2 years ago on Google
    Parking lot has limited spaces. The best way to get parking is to wait for someone else leaving the beach. The view is stunning because you can see both mountain hills and beach not far away from the parking lot. Parking is $3/hour or $6/hour or the whole day (I don't remember the fee for the whole day). 2 hours was more than enough for me to enjoy the view without swimming or playing in the beach, just walking through the beach. There were portable public restrooms, although I didn't try it and therefore, I can't comment on its cleanliness. Beach hour is only until sunset.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful beach! I ended up there just after the sun had set and the sky was beautiful! The tide was coming in and pretty close to the rock wall but it was still a great walk along the shore. Seems like a great location for a photo shoot with the rock formations as there were many photographers taking pictures of people there. There’s a parking lot with a decent amount of parking and port a potties.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Qwerty 2 years ago on Google
    This is a nice beach. I went here and was satisfied with my experience. This beach isn’t very wide, and there are bluffs on the edge of it. Because of this, there are two staircases connecting the beach with the parking lot. This beach is nice and sandy and has a natural arch that looks really cool. There aren’t many waves here so the sea is pretty calm. I gave this beach five stars because it looks very nice and has a cool arch.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Derek R. 2 years ago on Google
    This place deserves 5 stars as a place but the parking is horrible, so is the parking lot. I really enjoyed walking around and spending time at the beach. That part is extremely enjoyable. Parking is impossible, and if you have a car be careful about the potholes. You would think given they charge for parking they would take care of the lot. I recommend going but just park on the highway if you are with adults, if you are with kids, skip this place. Too dangerous to try and navigate the parking situation.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Merlyn R. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful beach. Clean and well maintained. Lots of wildflowers when we went there. Parking is available at I guess 3$ / hour. It can get cold her so please carry a jacket. When the weather is gloomy and grey the beach can look a bit sinister.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a great beach! Get there early because parking fills up fast. Check the tide info, too as in some areas there's not much beach if the tides are high.The walk down is not necessarily an easy path, so plan accordingly. There are loose rocks and uneven surfaces! Once you're down, you will see some really beautiful rock formations.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alphonsine P. 2 years ago on Google
    There is a reason why it is called el Matador (the killer). Go in the morning if you can, while it is low tide and you can enjoy the caves. The waves are more powerful in the afternoon and they can hurt when they hit your body and the sand is not the softest. However, if you like small or more intimate beaches where you can take a nap.while listening to the waves, then this is it. You might even spot a few dolphins swimming by or newlyweds taking pictures. The parking lot gets full pretty quickly but there is ample parking on the PCH.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mykael C. 8 months ago on Google
    One of my absolute favorite beaches!!! It is a bit tricky getting down into and out of, but it's totally worth it. Not alot of people because they don't want to deal with the small trek in and out. But it's so clean and scenic and relaxing. Worth every moment
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 John Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Not recommend this place. It’s hard to find place for parking. Their parking lot is too small. You will have to park your car along with the street and walk all the way back. The street speed limit is very high so it is very risk when walking on such a street when there’s no side walkway. Not sure why they didn’t build a good parking lot.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J C. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down one of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever visit in the states. As there is a small paid parking lot, the beach does not get crowded, so spend the day there sunbathing, swimming or soak in the beautiful views walking the beach (walk north from the lot as far as you can go). Even though there is a fairly narrow path then long steps to go down, our family of 5 easily made it down (with 3 kids age 6-11), even carrying chairs and stuff for the day. Tips: 1. To optimize your trip, check the Malibu tide schedule (a quick Google search). Plan the day you want to visit based on the tide schedule. It is best to go during low tide. To get the full experience you’ll want to walk the beach north from the entrance, but you won’t be able to walk far during a rising tide. 2. Plan to go early in the morning (before 10am) and you’ll find plenty of parking in the paid lot. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashwini S. 1 year ago on Google
    Only if so many ‘wannabes’ and countless photographers wouldn’t crowd it ! If you are someone who likes to sit , enjoy, get lost in sound of waves crashing across beautiful rock structures.. may be hit something else but this particular beach. Otherwise rock structures are absolutely stunning. Parking can be tricky but definitely plan on grabbing a spot in designated parking lot that on street since there is no pedestrian crossing.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yunah H. 8 months ago on Google
    My favorite beach in Malibu. It’s beautiful! The plants, wild flowers, rocks and the beach! It’s serene. Typically it’s very quiet here. Love strolling, picnicking, swimming or exercising.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olia 5 months ago on Google
    A fantastic place for sunset! Parking is limited but still reasonably amount of spots. Cost starts at $3/hr, but no change is provided. Can pay with card. Bathrooms portaloo style, but in reasonable condition again, with paper available 👍🏼 The ocean and the cliffs are very very beautiful 😍 No drone zone though, check on the app to confirm. Well maintained stairs will take you up and down the cliff side to the beach.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fernando M. 2 years ago on Google
    Taking a day trip El Matador beach was a great decision. The beach area was nice and clean. Although the water was a little cold, we made the best of our time there by getting our feet wet, playing soccer on the beach, and relaxing in the sun. Parking was a bit limited, but we were lucky enough get a spot as soon as we arrived. The walk down the steps from the parking area were a little steep so be mindful of that when bringing any heavy items down to the beach. If you are in the area I would highly suggest making the trip to el Matador.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aliza B. 4 months ago on Google
    One of the most popular sunset beaches in Southern California. Free to enter and free street parking. We parked about 0.5 miles away and did the short but steep hike in less than 10 minutes down to the beach. It was a Saturday night and a little crowded. The rock formations here look like a Windows screensaver. There were a ton of professional photographers on scene for sunset.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa E. 8 months ago on Google
    This beach did not disappoint. We did have luck with parking as it seems people come and go all day. You pa for parking by the hour so you can decide what you want to do and not pay the max amount if you do not want to. We could spend all day here. The sand was amazing, the rock formation equally amazing. We could spend all day here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Veder G. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a nice beach but very crowded. I liked the stairs to go down and there are some cool spot for photos. For some reason a lot people were there taking professional photos, e.g. pregnancy, engagement.The parking lot is very small but people are going in and out thus if you wait you will find a spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lourdes T. 11 months ago on Google
    Very nice little beach. We came here early morning on a drizzling day and enjoyed walking up and down the stairs a few times as a good workout. It was $3 for parking per hour which worked for us since we didn't stay all day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephen W. 11 months ago on Google
    This beach is located just north of Malibu. Parking is $3 an hour and very limited. We waited for 15 minutes without avail, but found free parking just north of the parking area right off the highway. The beach involves a going down stairs. The beach itself is beautiful and has lots of interesting rock formations.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mahmoud j. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing views & incredible beach. It does get very busy tho & it’s small that’s unfortunate.. It’s a bit of a hike going back up from the beach to the parking lot, Paid parking available but go early because you may not find any.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Indigo I. 5 months ago on Google
    Rock caves, tide pools, and stunning rock formations make this my favorite beach in the Los Angeles area. The drive out there is beautiful too, you can feel yourself driving out to meet Mother Nature. I feel a deep peace everytime I drive out here! Come early (and ideally during the week) because it is best to enjoy this beach when it is quiet. There are lots of steep steps from the parking lot to get down to the beach, which really makes it feel even more secluded when you finally make it to the beach. It does take work to get here, but that is part of the experience! I find it medicinal for my soul: the drive, the hike down to the beach - — all of it is like a little pilgrimage to the ocean. I crave coming out here every few weeks just to put my feet in the water & touch the rocks!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grace W. 1 year ago on Google
    Prettiest beach I’ve ever seen, prettiest beach in Malibu. Parking is a bit tough but they have a small lot (paid) that is usually full. You might wanna go past the el matador state beach sign a bit and find street parking on the left side of the road (there’s more there and it’s free, you just have to walk a small distance to get down the beach) you can’t see the beauty of the beach until you really go down the steep steps and rocks but once you’re there it’s absolutely beautiful. Sunrise and sunsets are prime and great for photo shoots. People get engaged and take model shoots here, high tide comes in later in the afternoon and is overall a great place to hangout with people!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SUO F. 2 years ago on Google
    Spectacular view from the car park. Staircase lead to the beach down. Be careful with high tide. There is no room between the shoreline, you will get wet. Stunning landscapes with catered rocks into the sea. Saw dolphins.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather R. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing views at sunset and the rock formations were worth the sandy stairs both ways. Parking is very limited in lot. It's 7 for the day. If you're lucky to get a space, go to the kisok cash or charge and place the ticket on the dash board. We'll worth the fee just from the top. Bring a little snack the top has picnic tables. You can go down to the beach and wander the shore along different formations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J R. 6 months ago on Google
    This is a spot view not really a beach to go! Better go when is a sunset time, but obviously you would not find park and will be so many peoples. I went around 4 and walk around! There is a small piece of sand beach. Nice even with kids just to take a look ,otherwise more for friend and adult . Bring with you water shoes so you can go all the way down, still affordable with your 🦶 but just easier.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alyssa R. 6 months ago on Google
    This place is lovely and gives all the Malibu beach vibes. I’m only knocking one star because the parking lot is very small and I had to circle around the little parking lot several times to find someone leaving. The good thing was because parking was limited. There weren’t as many people on the beach or the trails leading downstairs to the beach.. it’s an overall smaller quieter beach with cute bluffs and cliffs to get an intimate view.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana T. 6 months ago on Google
    First time here. Really enjoyed the scenery. It is a beautiful location, and it was not packed. The downside was the parking, not too many parking spots. You will most likely have to park out on the side of the road. Also, it is a bit of a walk and you have to take some stairs down. Going down is not bad, but the walk going up is a bit tiring, especially when you are carrying stuff. Did notice a lot of couples and families going to take pictures, wedding, engagement, and family pictures.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful small beach with lots of rocks to explore. Plenty of parking when we visited.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Charlee A. 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful beach with stunning views! I got to see plenty of wildlife and cool rock formations. Just be aware that the stairs/hills down to the beach are very steep and rocky. The beach itself is extremely rocky and there is little to no coast line in some areas. Wear closed toed shoes!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 David Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice beach, but very small. The sand is soft. Be ready to walk down and up the stairs. If you want to hike along the beach go somewhere else. Parking is painful ;)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lea P. 8 months ago on Google
    Be prepared to go down some stairs. No dogs allowed. Gorgeous small beach. Difficult to find parking but if you wait they are people going in and out all the time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ardavan T. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful beautiful beautiful! Magical!! Loved it. One of the beat beaches to walk, chill and take pictures. It was so romantic and unique. Much better than Venice or santa monica. Just remember there are stairs and you have to climb down or up. Also there are limited parking which is an issue. Otherwise it is a must see place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sky T. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful beach with huge rocks that make it stand out compared to other beaches! Great for photo ops too. They have a small parking lot so highly recommend going early in the day. It's about $10 for all day parking. Also, recommend hitting up Broad Street Oyster Bar if you're heading back Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica! Great lobster rolls in a small plaza shopping area too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Freddy L. 1 year ago on Google
    Very exquisite place to go and enjoy the beautiful beach. Swimming & sun bathing ⛱🌊🏊🏄🏄‍♂️😎. Definitely visit again...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andriy “VAPEyourLIFEaway” K. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit, maybe don't take your kids there because it's very dangerous to walk to the beach
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rajesh M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a nice little beach tucked away in between bigger beaches. I love the wind and the sun here and the water is super cold and exciting. Makes me feel like a kid all over again. There are a lot of sea plants washed ashore and bugs flying over them which are a bit of a let down. But it's worth going here for sure
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mahi R. 4 months ago on Google
    One of the best beaches of Malibu, with picturesque coves...the best I have seen ( hence you will see lot of photo shoots happening). Limited car parking spots, paid parking, if you don't get it, you can park on the road(with little walk to reach the entrance). Public free toilets available. Access to the cove is thru stairs and once you reach the beach, it's magical, especially in the evening / sunset. Beautiful naturally formed coves and standing rocks. The sunset is magical. Lot of gulls and baby gulls on the beach, kids have lot of play to do. Must visit.

  • 4/5 William S. 6 months ago on Google
    Very scenic photo op's with the rocks, especially an hour or less before sunset. Parking lot is too small and had to wait at least 15-20 minutes for 6+ cars to leave because of back up line to get in. Once you got down to the bottom, you had to compete with multiple groups with professional photographers to be able to take an uninterrupted photo.

  • 5/5 Ashy B. 2 years ago on Google
    So beautiful. Perfect place for golden hour/blue hour photos. It's a bit wet on the beach (even on the sand) so don't wear pants or dress that's too long or it'll get wet. The trip down is easy enough but it's the trek back to the top that got us. It was a bit of an incline hike so don't take too much with you unless you're prepared to haul it all back up. Parking is messy but if you're lucky you can get a spot in the lot near the entrance, otherwise you'll have to park along the road. Despite that, it's an absolutely stunning beach that I highly recommend if you're up in Malibu for the sunset or sunrise.

  • 5/5 Patty A. 2 years ago on Google
    I had my puppies so o was unable to really go and check out the beach and I didn’t want to leave them in my car unattended. So we only got to walk around at the top. I will be back. Parking meter is in place but it is not secure and you park at your own risk. Although the neighborhood looks pretty safe you just never know. Portable potty’s are available.

  • 4/5 Katherine C. 8 months ago on Google
    a quieter, more secluded beach, which is nice. be prepared to climb down stairs so don’t carry too many items. also check the tide because there isn’t much beach and does get crowded especially the parking lot. you can park along the PCH and walk down. the fee is $3 per hour and I think $8 for the day. put it on your dashboard.

  • 5/5 JonRob 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful, relatively quiet beach with some cool rock formations. It isn't super beachy like the beaches further down the coast (less sand, etc) but it's definitely prettier.

  • 5/5 Samantha F. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful beach. It was a bit of hike down and lots of stairs, so strollers or wagons are out of the question. Perfect for photography, photoshoots, or hangouts. If the parking lot is closed, you have to find yourself a parking along the street, but be mindful of the no parking zones, tickets are handed out.


Call +1 818-880-0363 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Point Dume image
1
Point Dume
Tourist attraction
Tranquil coastal area featuring trails & rocky coves, plus blufftop views of Santa Catalina Island.
4.80 (6.8K reviews)
Malibu Pier image
2
Malibu Pier
Tourist attraction
Iconic circa-1905 pier next to the beach, with shops, restaurants, fishing & people-watching.
4.50 (6.6K reviews)
Trancas Country Market image
3
Trancas Country Market
Market
Retail complex with barn-like structures for clothing stores, coffee shops & services like banking.
4.50 (1.9K reviews)
Malibu Lagoon State Beach image
4
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Park
Hidden beach offering ideal surf conditions, gardens, picnic seating, a fishing pier & guided tours.
4.50 (1.4K reviews)
Malibu Bluffs Park image
5
Malibu Bluffs Park
Park
Scenic waterfront community park with sports fields & a playground, plus a whale watching station.
4.70 (1.4K reviews)
Last updated:
()