Malibu is a beautiful and pristine city along the coast of the West of Pacific Palisades to the Ventura County border. This city offers a scenic view and magnificent climate to the tourists visiting this place. Along with the exotic villas and apartments of famous celebrities, you’ll find all sorts of accommodation options like beach houses and even glamping spots near Malibu. As such, you’d expect the beaches to be flocked by tourists who want to enjoy bathing under the soothing sun rays by the blue waters of the Pacific coast. You don’t need a reason to visit the ocean. However, you are planning to visit for a specific purpose such as surfing then read on for the best surf spots in Malibu, California.
1. Latigo Canyon Beach
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
On the east side of Latigo Point just below houses and condo buildings along Latigo Shore Drive, you’ll find Latigo Canyon Beach. It’s not as popular as other surf spots in Malibu but that’s just one of its charms as it wouldn’t be as crowded. What makes this exposed point break area provide the best surfing in Malibu is the fairly consistent rideable waves that come from groundswells and the light offshore winds throughout the year.
Just a word of caution, though—always be aware of the rocks and rips near the shores to avoid any accidents.
Latigo Canyon Beach
Address: 4460019024, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
2. Malibu Surfrider Beach
One of the most iconic surfing point is the Malibu Lagoon: Surfrider Beach. This beach has been featured in a lot of Hollywood movies and music videos. There are three major points and each of them is suitable for different levels of surfers who go surfing in the Pacific. From amateur surfers to advanced longboarders, Malibu Lagoon is the best place to enjoy a thrilling ride. There is also an area called the “kiddie bowl” where parents can drop their kids and allow them to enjoy different kid-friendly activities and adventure camps. Don’t forget to try out the delicious food and wonderful cocktails from the eateries.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Address: 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Website: Malibu Surfrider Beach
3. Topanga Beach
Topanga Beach is one of the most popular surf points in the entire Malibu area. People crowd here throughout the year, especially during the summers to enjoy the breathtaking waves of the Pacific and flex their surfing skills. The waves here are really difficult to manage and is especially recommended for those who are good at surfing. The waves can be more than 10 feet (3.05 meters) in height. Since the beach is often crowded by tourists and surfers who are ready to test their skills, it is a good idea to visit early and not during peak hours.
Topanga Beach
Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Website: Topanga Beach
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4. Malibu Pier
If you want to experience the true essence of Malibu and it’s surroundings, then visiting the Malibu Pier is a must. Once known as the Riviera of America, this landmark holds historic importance in this region’s surf culture. From around the world, surfers flock the Malibu Pier to surf through the Pacific waters. There is a 3-point break that allows people to get rides of 300 yards (274.3 meters) or more. There are a lot of recreational activities and festivals organized here year-round. Hop into any of the seaside restaurants and enjoy the delicious seafood offered here.
Malibu Pier
Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Website: Malibu Pier
Opening hours: 6:30am - 9pm (daily)
5. Pirate's Cove Beach
If there’s one thing which makes Pirate’s Cove Beach famous, then it must be the freedom to enjoy without any clothes. You can head to the ocean without any clothes on. Both men and women, if they want, can enjoy the warm sun and beautiful waters. It is located right between Avila Beach and Shell Beach around Pismo Beach, CA. Apart from surfing and swimming, you can also explore the sea caves that have formed in abundance around the beach. You can also choose to hike Shell Beach Bluff Trail to explore the region.
Pirate's Cove Beach
Address: Birdview Ave & Offside Drive, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
6. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a well-known name around here which is located around PCH north of Tower 9. If you want to avoid the mainstream crowd and enjoy your time with better privacy, then Zuma Beach is your destination. The 3-mi (4.8 km)beach stretch allows you to play beachside games apart from surfing. Due to the sandbar peaks available here, the waves can at times go over 20 feet (6.1 feet).
Zuma Beach
Address: Malibu, CA 90265, USA
7. Leo Carrillo State Park
Drive about 8 mi (12.9 km) north from Zuma, you will come across Leo Carrillo State Park. If you are new to the surfing scene, then this is the best place to learn about the sport. The beach is usually flocked by families which allow you to take your family as well. There are a lot of shower and fire rings which are set outside for everyone to use. There are some agencies which offer the tourists fantastic biking trails.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
8. Point Dume
Point Dume is the place from where you can get a scenic view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island. People don’t visit Point Dume only for surfing, but they take part in numerous other activities as well. That includes fishing, scuba diving, swimming, etc. Many people also come here to witness the December-March migration of the Grey whales.
Point Dume
Address: Cliffside Dr & Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Website: Point Dume
Opening hours: 5am - 7pm (daily)
9. County Line Beach
Located at the edge of LA County, this beach is surely going to pump in the adrenaline. The waves here get really high and that is why you need to be really experienced to tackle the waves. With several swells and breaks of different intensity, surfing in the County Line Beach is a wonderful experience. The peaks that you get here are really good and you’ll be delighted to know that the beach is pet-friendly and you can carry your furry buddy with you while visiting the beach.
County Line Beach
Address: California 90265, USA
10. Nicholas Canyon Beach
Nicholas Canyon Beach is famous for its scenic beauty and wonderful atmosphere. It is less crowded when compared to other Malibu beaches in the area. Also known as “Zeros” or “Point Zero”, it is one of the very few perfect point breaks that are still left in the Los Angeles state. This beach is great for swimming, bodyboarding, scuba diving and surely surfing. The beach stretches to almost 23 acres (9.3 hectares) and there are several resorts and villas lined around the coast for a luxury stay.
Nicholas Canyon Beach
Address: 33850 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Website: Nicholas Canyon Beach
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)
What is your next surf spot?
Here are the 9 best Surf Spots in Malibu that you cannot choose to miss whenever you visit this wonderful oceanside city. Make sure to check all the places we mentioned and see which site intrigues you the most.
Frequently asked questions about the best surf spots in Malibu, California
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