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El Matador Beach

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About El Matador Beach:

El Matador Beach is one of the cliff-foot strands known as "pocket beaches" that make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, on the west end of Malibu. This south-facing beach can be crowded during the summer, however during the off season, it's lightly visited with plenty of opportunity for romantic strolls, exploring the sea caves and taking pictures of the "sea stacks," eroded sandstone pillars that line the shore.

El Matador Beach Fees:

    Entrance Fee: None
    Parking Fee: Free, limited parking on Pacific Coast Highway, or park in the 80-space lot and pay your fee in the collection box.

Creature Comforts at El Matador Beach:

  • Portable restrooms at the trailhead
  • Picnic tables
  • No food nearby
  • No alcohol on the beach
  • No pets allowed

El Matador Beach Activities:

  • Swimming, lifeguard on duty weekends only
  • Bodyboarding and bodysurfing

Highs and Lows at El Matador Beach:

  • This is one of the few beaches in the Los Angeles area where you can go in the water and still see your feet, it's so clear.
  • You may find a few nude sunbathers here, but resist the temptation to join them. It's strictly illegal in Los Angeles County.

Beachgoer Beware:

Check the tide times before you visit. Some of the smaller coves get cut off at high tide.

El Matador Beach Rating:

How to Get to El Matador Beach:

El Matador Beach is 10 miles north of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway (California 1).

More Los Angeles Beaches:

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