El Pescador State Beach
Malibu, CA
One of a trio of small bluff top beaches west of central Malibu, reached by a steep staircase that thins out the crowd before you even see the sand. Locals favor it for the tide pools and for staying quieter than the beaches closer to the pier.
A steep staircase thins the crowd out before it even reaches the sand, tide pools and quiet make it a local favorite over the beaches near the pier.
How we score beachesThe staircase down has a lot of steps, so plan accordingly if you're carrying much gear.
Dogs are not permitted on the sand at this state beach.
Malibu's water follows the Southern California pattern, cool through the June gloom and not really warming into the 70s until late summer. September and October, after the fog clears and the crowds ease, are when locals rate conditions best.
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