Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is 35 miles northwest of Santa Monica. The park has two beach areas North Beach and South Beach, which provide recreation for sun bathers, surfers, anglers, beach walkers, and divers. Good facilities, easy access, and varied coastal terrain make the beaches a favorite for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Inland, the park includes chaparral, sage, and scrub along with a riparian woodland. In the spring and summer wildflowers bring color to the park. Closer to the shoreline around Arroyo Sequit grow sycamores, black walnuts, and willow trees. Park trails connect to the Nicholas Flat Natural Preserve, where visitors find Nicholas Pond.
South Beach
The beaches are composed of coarse sand that slopes steeply into the ocean. At times, waves break hard on the shore, making the surf unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers. Check with the lifeguard about conditions before entering the water. A picnic area is found at the North Beach next to the parking lot. From there a short accessible trail loops along the edge of the sand.
North Beach
Note that a low undercrossing of the highway on the park road leading to North Beach only has enough clearance for vehicles less than 8 feet tall.
Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach
A short distance south of Leo Carrillo State Park is a series of small beaches which are clustered under the umbrella of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.
- El Pescador Beach
- La Piedra Beach
- El Matador Beach
All three beaches have $8 paid parking using a credit card, debit card or Passport Parking App. No cash payments.
El Pescador Beach
7½ miles north of Malibu a sign on the Pacific Coast Highway points to a small parking lot with restrooms and a trail and stairs leading down to the secluded beach. The beach is open from 6:00 AM to sunset. It is a good place to go to escape the crowds at Zuma Beach. Interesting rock formations, including sea stacks, are found along this section of coast, making it feel more like Big Sur than Malibu.
El Pescador Beach
La Piedra Beach
Next door to the south of El Pescador Beach, La Piedra is a similar place. Find restrooms at the parking lot. While larger nearby beaches may be crowded, La Piedra will likely have only a sprinkling of visitors. This beach is also open from 6:00 AM to sunset.
El Matador
Located a mile south of La Piedra, El Matador Beach is the largest of the trio. Also open from 6:00 AM to sunset. Restrooms are located in the parking lot and a path and stairs lead to the beach. Along the bluff near the parking area are picnic tables.
El Matador Beach
