Address: 32215 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Park features: Restrooms, Easy Hiking, Parking Lot, Drinking Water
One of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu, with sea caves and large rocks on the beach, El Matador State Beach attracts many beach goers on hot weekend days. A steep dirt trail goes down to some stairs, which makes this location inaccessible for the handicapped. The views from the upper cliffs are incredible, looking down on large boulders and deep blue water filled with kelp forests. The beach is long and there is plenty of sand for sunbathers. Body boarders and bodysurfers come to El Matador year-round because it picks up summer and winter swells. Be careful because there are some scattered rocks in the water. There is no lifeguard tower, but on busy weekends, the beach will be manned with a lifeguard. Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset Parking: A fee parking lot is open from 8 a.m.- sunset. There is also limited free parking on P.C.H. Food/dining: You must pack your own food and drink in and out of the beach. Restrooms: Portable restrooms are located at the trailhead.
Trails & hiking
Featured route: El Matador, La Piedra and El Pescador State Beaches (trail details & live conditions on AllTrails)
- Distance: 2.5 mi (4.0 km) — Out & back
- Elevation gain: 187 ft (57 m), high point 105 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Typical time: 1–1.5 hr
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1,186 AllTrails reviews)
- Good for: Birding, Hiking, Walking
- On the trail: No dogs, Kid-friendly, Beaches, Views
Conditions vary by season. Check live weather and air quality on the AllTrails trail page before heading out.
Location
32215 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Approximate coordinates: 34.0345, -118.873
View on OpenStreetMap
Photos
Nearby parks
Park description restored from the 2017 lamountains.com archive (Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy). Trail statistics courtesy of AllTrails. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
