Leo Carrillo State Beach

Leo Carrillo State Beach lies at 35000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, about 40 miles (64 km) west of downtown Los Angeles, at the Los Angeles-Ventura county line. It is a varied stretch of coast with sandy shoreline, rocky headlands, sea caves, offshore reefs and extensive tide pools, in contrast to the long open beaches nearer the city. The water is clear enough for tide-pool viewing and snorkelers and is usually cooler than the bay beaches. The shoreline is a mix of broad sand and rock outcrops, with exposure to open Pacific swell, so surf conditions change frequently. Sandy sections near the lifeguard towers are good for swimming and bodyboarding, while the rocky areas at low tide reveal anemones, crabs and starfish, making the beach popular with families interested in nature. Surfers use the breaks at the north end of the park, and the area has a local, outdoorsy character rather than a party scene. The state park includes a campground with sites close to the sand, a day-use area, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and lifeguards through the day in the warm season. A canyon with hiking trails leads inland from the park into the Santa Monica Mountains. Access is by car or rideshare along Pacific Coast Highway, and visitors pay a fee for the paid lot, with additional roadside parking when the lot is full. There is no practical public transit option. Food is not sold on site beyond limited seasonal services, so visitors usually bring supplies or stop at cafes in Malibu on the way. Low tide is the best time to explore the sea caves and tide pools, and visitors should check tide charts and be careful on slippery rocks. Camping reservations book up well in advance for summer weekends, and the park is often busy during school holidays.