El Matador Beach

Category: Public beach in Malibu, California

Address: 32350 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Phone: +18188800363

Reviews

J Cook

Jul 10, 2022

Hands down one of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever visit in the states. As there is a small paid parking lot, the beach does not get crowded, so spend the day there sunbathing, swimming or soak in the beautiful views walking the beach (walk north from the lot as far as you can go). Even though there is a fairly narrow path then long steps to go down, our family of 5 easily made it down (with 3 kids age 6-11), even carrying chairs and stuff for the day. Tips: 1. To optimize your trip, check the Malibu tide schedule (a quick Google search). Plan the day you want to visit based on the tide schedule. It is best to go during low tide. To get the full experience you’ll want to walk the beach north from the entrance, but you won’t be able to walk far during a rising tide. 2. Plan to go early in the morning (before 10am) and you’ll find plenty of parking in the paid lot. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Ardavan Tookaloo

May 11, 2022

Beautiful beautiful beautiful! Magical!! Loved it. One of the beat beaches to walk, chill and take pictures. It was so romantic and unique. Much better than Venice or santa monica. Just remember there are stairs and you have to climb down or up. Also there are limited parking which is an issue. Otherwise it is a must see place.

Angeline Kornelus-Nguyen

Mar 17, 2022

Parking lot has limited spaces. The best way to get parking is to wait for someone else leaving the beach. The view is stunning because you can see both mountain hills and beach not far away from the parking lot. Parking is $3/hour or $6/hour or the whole day (I don't remember the fee for the whole day). 2 hours was more than enough for me to enjoy the view without swimming or playing in the beach, just walking through the beach. There were portable public restrooms, although I didn't try it and therefore, I can't comment on its cleanliness. Beach hour is only until sunset.

Derek Rodenbeck

Mar 16, 2022

This place deserves 5 stars as a place but the parking is horrible, so is the parking lot. I really enjoyed walking around and spending time at the beach. That part is extremely enjoyable. Parking is impossible, and if you have a car be careful about the potholes. You would think given they charge for parking they would take care of the lot. I recommend going but just park on the highway if you are with adults, if you are with kids, skip this place. Too dangerous to try and navigate the parking situation.

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Questions & Answers

Are drunk film crews producing a low budget shark movie allowed?

PeanutButter Dragon | Dec 26, 2018
Rashmi Shenoy Kottachery | Dec 27, 2018

Permit needed..

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Can you be nude there??? I heard you could

Ginisis Huskie | Dec 26, 2018
Aaron Atencio | Dec 27, 2018

Yes in the section called Pirates Cove

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Is this a good spot for a romantic picnic? Or does it get too packed?? It would be next Tuesday!

Bryanna Rivera | Dec 26, 2018
Orhan Bozkurt | Dec 27, 2018

Perfect match

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Are there coves that provide privacy?

Elma P | Dec 26, 2019
Surender Yadav | Dec 27, 2019

No

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Is this beach a good option for family vacation( with kids)?

Brenda Urbina | Dec 26, 2019
Solomon Katis | Dec 27, 2019

Hmm it is good for a quick visit or photo shoot, nothing exciting really to keep you for a whole while...

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Are dogs allowed?

Mark Posner | Dec 26, 2018
Scott Dreyer | Dec 27, 2018

Legally, no. You will be cited if authorities check, but this time of year, you'd probably be alright.

do u need swim wear?

Bianca Vandersloot | Dec 26, 2018
Medford Deforest | Dec 27, 2018

U mean freedom of expression?:-)

Can u have a bonfire here

AnkhHolistic Healers | Dec 26, 2018
Jason S | Dec 27, 2018

Nope.

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Can we go @ 6am? if parking is closed, where I can legally park?

Luis Robles | Aug 27, 2020
Jake Green | Aug 28, 2020

Yup lots of parking on the street

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Is it crowded?

Da Rana | Aug 27, 2020
Aaron Michael | Aug 28, 2020

No. Small parking lot and easy to miss location make it a great chill Malibu public beach option.

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what time is the best time to arrive on the 4th of july

Jon Dayanghirang | Dec 26, 2019
Angelica Mena | Dec 27, 2019

In the morning!

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are dogs allowed on Matador Beach?

Connor Higgins | Dec 26, 2018
diya ibrahim | Dec 27, 2018

No they are not

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Can u take dogs inside

Carmen Villarreal | Dec 26, 2018
Erick Perez | Dec 27, 2018

Was there about a month ago and read a sign stating "no dogs allowed".

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Can you used a camping tent during the day only?

Chris ChristianM | Dec 26, 2018
Erik Bland | Dec 27, 2018

Probably I don't think there's is anything saying you can't

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Can I have a bbq their

Jose Duarte | Dec 26, 2018
Tim White | Dec 27, 2018

No open fires alowed

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Are drones allowed ?

Nataly Aparicio | Dec 26, 2018
Shahid Nambiar | Dec 27, 2018

Yea

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is this place popular

Emma Oglesby | Dec 26, 2018
durrell randle | Dec 27, 2018

Very popular

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Hello is surf fishing permitted ?

Huero exp ls parquero | Sep 26, 2020
Damian | Sep 27, 2020

It wouldn't be logical considering the amount of large rocks in the area.

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Can you bring a small canopy for shade??

Alexa Rodriguez | Aug 27, 2020
Laura Jimenez | Aug 28, 2020

Umbrellas might be better for space. Plus keep in mind the steep stairs

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is there a restroom

Stone Softley | Aug 27, 2020
Shawni Comeaux | Aug 28, 2020

There are porta pottys

They close the beach oh can you go at night ???

Nancy Mendoza | Aug 27, 2020
Gera Eze | Aug 28, 2020

La cierran

Are there hotels near the beach or close by?

Nallely Rodriguez | Jul 28, 2020
John Hatch | Jul 29, 2020

The closest is Malibu Country Inn, though I've never stayed there. Any place in Malibu will probably be rather pricey, but you can also check for rentals. I checked online and there are less expensive hotels near Thousand Oaks, and that is about 10 miles away. Probably not going to get that ocean view, but could save a buck if that's going to help.

How much is the parking fee for about 4 hours? Also are there any bathrooms that the public can use on the beach?

Sharazade Acevedo | Jun 28, 2020
Allie B. | Jun 29, 2020

Day parking is $13. I don't think there are restrooms.

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Is there a way to get to the beach without using the steep stairs?

Lynn Berke | Jan 30, 2020
Ana Rodarte | Jan 31, 2020

Unfortunately, the stairs seem to be the only way down there. There is a dirt path to the right of the parking payment kiosk (behind it), but I did not check to see if it leads down there. If does, it may still be a steep hike back up to the lot.

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Can you bring dogs

alicia barber | Dec 26, 2019
Motti Polityko | Dec 27, 2019

Not down at the beach itself, but you can probably get away with it around the parking lot and the trails

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Is it an easy walk from parking to sand when carrying an ice chest kids blankets etc?

Nina Olmedo | Mar 30, 2020
Elizabeth Magana | Mar 31, 2020

No, there are very steep stairs leading down from the parking to sand. In my experience, it's a lot easier going down then it is coming back up after a long day here, especially when carrying a lot of stuff.

Tractor and trailer are allowed ?

steve lamarche | Dec 26, 2019
Cole Nettles | Dec 27, 2019

You probably have to park along the road. The parking lot was very small

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can i take mi dog?

Marco Romero | Dec 26, 2019
marlon johnson | Dec 27, 2019

No pets allowed

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Do I need some permission if I want to get married?

Maria Ramirez | Dec 26, 2019
Laura Ruiz | Dec 27, 2019

The birth certificate

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Does this beach have any wash-off areas?

Yesenia Linares | Dec 26, 2019
Mark Maceda | Dec 27, 2019

No

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Can you smoke weed

Justin Staley | Dec 26, 2019
Cianna Davis | Dec 27, 2019

Yes you can because its legal in cali

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If I get here at 6 to 7pm, will the tide be too high to do photography?

Bonnie Deboisblanc | Dec 26, 2019
Artur Bagumyan | Dec 27, 2019

Exactly what Lynne said....I was there will 6pm tide came up 4 to 8 ft between 4pm and 6 roughly but all that depends on the season and day and month and moon position lol and where are you trying to shoot from......if just from the initial beach area you should be ok

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are kids allowed?

Sami Taneja | Dec 26, 2019
Dheerendra Pratap Singh | Dec 27, 2019

Yes

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can you camp here?

Elisabeth Morrison | Dec 26, 2019
Zeus Sanchez | Dec 27, 2019

its not allowed right there, but there is a camping area 15 min away.

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Is there a pier in el matador state beach

alicia rippee | Dec 26, 2019
Setul Patel | Dec 27, 2019

No

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Does this beach have a BBQ stand?

Mha Rodman | Dec 26, 2018
Jesus Alvarez | Dec 27, 2018

No

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Was El Matador State Beach affected at all by the recent fires? Is it closed off?

Erick Perez | Dec 26, 2018
Erick Perez | Dec 27, 2018

Thanks for the answers!

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Do we need a permit to take a group of teenagers and take a professional picture?

Lisbeth Gutierrez | Dec 26, 2018
Sai Xiong | Dec 27, 2018

No, just pay the parking fee

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Is there any fishing there at Matador ? Anyone have any luck if So THANX!

Bonnie Hunt | Dec 26, 2018
Tina and Tom Roberts | Dec 27, 2018

I did not see anyone fishing there. There are to many rocks. I would suggest going down the street to the Malibu Pier 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

It says its open 8am everyday , so will i not be able to visit before then ?

Elliott Norwood | Dec 26, 2018
Medford Deforest | Dec 27, 2018

I was there once before the sunrise for photography, had no problem. But you need to park your car out on the PCH. If so, park opposit side of the main gate. Watch the traffic to pass the road, especially, early morning.

Do you pay for parking and if so where?

Zashandra | Dec 26, 2018
Kelly Williams | Dec 27, 2018

Yes, there's a pay box at the entrance of the beach. Once you've paid, place the receipt on your dash.

Is there kayaking any nearby? To rent a kayak?

Angela Gerlach | Dec 26, 2018
Tim White | Dec 27, 2018

Kayaks are available in malibu..you have to transport them to the beach

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Do I need a permit to do a photo shoot?

Ricky Gonzales | Dec 26, 2018
MANNY SUBRAMANI | Dec 27, 2018

Mike you are right unless it's a movie shoot

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Is this Kids friendly place?

Mike Patel | Dec 26, 2018
hira zafar | Dec 27, 2018

Yes and no... i have seen people bring their kids there but you need to use stairs and hike down for a bit so might not be feasible with a stroller

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Is this beach dog friendly?

Victor Ramos | Dec 26, 2018
Rashmi Shenoy Kottachery | Dec 27, 2018

No.. Dogs are not allowed

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Do they accept state park passes?

Heythere 2020 | Dec 26, 2018
Tanner Grefe | Dec 27, 2018

Unknown. I dropped off the family in the lot and parked on the highway. Definitely worth it

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Can I get married on this beach sept 2018

Lauren Blaga | Dec 26, 2018
Omar Romero | Dec 27, 2018

Yes you can, depending on the location there may be a fee, I suggest to check on the website for more info. I went to a wedding there a year ago. I thought it was lovely, especially when it was a sunrise wedding.

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We pay parking Fri day ?

Mi Sandmeier | Dec 26, 2018
durrell randle | Dec 27, 2018

Street parking

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Are leashed dogs allowed?

moesdragon15 | Dec 26, 2018
Baochaun Lin | Dec 27, 2018

Yes

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How's the parking here?

Andrew Loaiza | Dec 26, 2017
Oz Nieto | Dec 27, 2017

Its a really small parking lot, you will be lucky if you find a free space, try to oark outside, its free and faster

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Can you go after 5 PM to see the sunset?

Frank Dalton | Jun 8, 2021
Christopher Roman | Jun 9, 2021

Yes definitely, if the sunset is later than 5 pm! Only as the light fades does everyone leave the beach. You'll probably have to park on PCH though as the lot will be full.

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