Lechuza Beach
Malibu, CA
A rocky, cove studded stretch of Malibu coastline with tide pools and sea caves that only show themselves at low tide, which is exactly when locals plan their visits. Public access has been a fight here for years, which only adds to the beach's word of mouth reputation.
Public parking along the highway is limited and tickets do get written, so read the posted signage carefully.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.