Beach guide
Zuma Beach
Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Zuma Beach is one of the largest beaches in Los Angeles County, with 1.8 miles of sand on 105 acres along Pacific Coast Highway in western Malibu. LA County Beaches & Harbors runs it as a county park, and its eight lots hold roughly 2,000 cars, so it's one of the easiest Malibu beaches to reach on a busy day.
Who comes here
Families, volleyball players, bodysurfers and surfers pack Zuma on summer weekends. The wide, flat sand leaves plenty of room to spread out, and there are concession stands, restrooms and showers along the lots. From the beach you can sometimes spot dolphins, sea lions and, in season, migrating whales.
Conditions
The County notes that Zuma's water is a bit colder than at other Los Angeles beaches and that the beach is known for rough surf and rip currents. Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower; lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours. Point Dume rises at the south end.
Before you go
The lots open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. On busy days they can fill and close temporarily, so arrive early on weekends. Dogs and alcohol aren't allowed on Malibu beaches, and smoking is allowed only in the parking lots. Free beach wheelchairs and access mats are available from April through October.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
Zuma sits right on Pacific Coast Highway. Eight fee lots hold about 2,000 cars and are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. On busy days lots may close temporarily until spaces open up, so arrive early on summer weekends.
Transit
Metro Route 534 stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Morning View Drive.
Wheelchair access
Beach wheelchairs and beach access mats are free from April through October.
Surf and water entry
Zuma is known for rough surf and rip currents, and the water is colder than at many LA beaches. Enter near a staffed lifeguard tower and check with lifeguards before surfing, bodyboarding or swimming.
Amenities
- Lifeguard towers — Staffed during daylight hours
- Restrooms and showers — Along the parking lots
- Concessions — Concession stands and nearby restaurants
- Volleyball — Nets on the sand
- Picnic tables — Near the lots
- Playground — Swing sets on the sand
- Accessibility gear — Free beach wheelchairs and access mats, April-October
Rules & official resources
- Dogs aren't allowed on any beach in Malibu; you may be asked to leave or cited
- Alcohol is prohibited on all Malibu beaches
- Smoking is banned on the beach; it's allowed only in the parking lots
- No fires or barbecues, no glass containers and no fireworks
- No tents or overnight camping, and no loitering between midnight and 6 a.m.
- No driving or parking on the sand or bike path
Common boat service needs here
Boat transport for small craft
There's no launch ramp at Zuma, so owners of small boats who want to fish or cruise the Malibu coast trailer to a harbor ramp such as Marina del Rey or Channel Islands Harbor.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026