El Pescador State Beach
A secluded Malibu gem with dramatic rock formations and tide pools, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibe
El Pescador State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded Malibu gem with dramatic rock formations and tide pools, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
"This was a great visit & definitely has been added to my list of fave Malibu beaches."
👟 Wear the Right Shoes
Opt for sneakers or hiking sandals for the steep path and stairs down to the beach.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small lot ($10) or be prepared to find street parking on PCH.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Rock Formations
Along the shoreline
Explore stunning sea caves and unique rock formations sculpted by the ocean. Perfect for photography!
Secluded Beach Vibe
Main beach area
Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds, offering a private beach feel.
Tide Pools
On either end of the beach
Discover fascinating marine life in natural tide pools during low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear the Right Shoes
Opt for sneakers or hiking sandals for the steep path and stairs down to the beach.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small lot ($10) or be prepared to find street parking on PCH.
🌊 Swim Safely
Be aware of strong waves and potential rip currents; no lifeguards on duty.
📸 Capture the Scenery
This beach is a photographer's dream with its rock formations and coastal views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear the Right Shoes
Opt for sneakers or hiking sandals for the steep path and stairs down to the beach.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small lot ($10) or be prepared to find street parking on PCH.
🌊 Swim Safely
Be aware of strong waves and potential rip currents; no lifeguards on duty.
📸 Capture the Scenery
This beach is a photographer's dream with its rock formations and coastal views.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No food services available, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Pescador State Beach is praised for its secluded, private beach feel and stunning natural beauty, particularly its rock formations and tide pools. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, though the steep access path and lack of lifeguards require careful preparation. The freezing California water and strong waves are noted drawbacks.
"Super cute beach. Very lowkey, and definitely has a private beach feel. Enough sand to lay out a blanket, and chair, and relax. Lots of seaweed gets tossed up & not reclaimed by the Ocean...but nothing intolerable. Tide pools on either end (very cool🤓) and rocky areas on either side, so be careful swimming (maybe use water shoes to be safe if swimming near the rocky ends). Per usual in California, the water is FREEZING. However it is very clean & was pleasant to dip my feet in while strolling along the edge of the ocean. If you do swim, the waves are STRONG & powerful & it looks like rip currents are running thru. Also there is no lifeguard stand, so be safe & careful 🌊
Meanwhile, a lot of people have described the hill & stairs that bring you from the bluff to the beach, but I dropped in pictures so you can really see. Its not far at all. However, you definitely want to put on hiking sandals/shoes or sneakers to walk down & back up. Its not terrible tho...just, please avoid any slide type shoes/sandals. Also if you have any knee or mobility issues, grab a hiking/walking stick to support you, and you'll be good! The stairs & rail are sturdy, they just look intimidating. Go slow, you'll be fine😊
As everyone has stated, parking is very interesting. There's a tiny lot at the top of the bluff ($10/day) - otherwise you have to find parking along the PCH, then walk back to the park entrance. (Watch for the "don't park" Signs!)
This was a great visit & definitely has been added to my list of fave Malibu beaches. I can see myself coming here even after summer is over, just to sit, and write & meditate. Zuma & Point Dume were my go-to's prior. Super happy to have another to add to that list. 🙌🏾🥳
🚨Ps if you're preggers, if you drove to Malibu & drank your bodyweight in caffeine otw, or if you just in general have a finicky bladder, pick another beach - unless you're cool w/sprinting up 50-ish stairs + a quarter mile 75° incline + another 200 meters to get to the porta-potty🚻😬🥹 ...there are not any down on the beach."
Jennifer Claude
"Visited this beach and it was good! We got lucky with parking which is $10 I believe we paid. It’s a small lot so you may have to find street parking if no spot is available. The trek to the beach is a pretty steep hill down and then a flight of stairs but the beach itself is really nice, and secluded. We went in the afternoon so there wasn’t too many people. (Note: porta potty’s are in the parking lot)"
Macy Kliewer
"Great place to relax. Not overpopulated,not dirty,water feels sooo good and calming. Only drawback are the rocks in the water so be careful. There are no lifeguards here so swim at your own risk. Bring your own food because there is no place to get food here."
Byron Orellana Jr.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Pescador State Beach is located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, California. It's situated between Leo Carrillo State Beach and Point Dume State Beach.
The access to the beach involves a steep hill and a flight of stairs. While the stairs and railing are sturdy, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear like sneakers or hiking sandals. Those with knee or mobility issues might find it challenging and could benefit from a walking stick.
Parking can be tricky. The dedicated lot at the top of the bluff costs around $10 and fills up quickly. Your best bet is to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. If the lot is full, you'll need to find legal street parking along PCH and walk to the beach entrance, being mindful of 'no parking' signs.
Public transportation options to El Pescador State Beach are limited. While bus routes may run along PCH, they often require significant walking to reach the beach entrance. Driving is generally the most convenient method.
Yes, El Pescador State Beach is one of three 'pocket beaches' that make up Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, along with La Piedra and El Matador State Beaches.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter El Pescador State Beach itself. However, parking in the designated lot typically costs around $10 per day.
El Pescador State Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a natural beach, so there are no strict opening or closing times like a museum, but access is best during daylight hours.
Yes, there is a parking fee for the small lot at the top of the bluff, which is usually around $10. Street parking along PCH may be available but requires careful attention to signage.
No, parking spots at El Pescador State Beach cannot be reserved in advance. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information on specific parking discounts is not readily available. It's best to assume the standard fee applies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
El Pescador State Beach is great for fishing, bodyboarding, relaxing, photography, and exploring tide pools. +1 The waves can be strong, so swimming should be done with caution.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at El Pescador State Beach. Visitors swim at their own risk and should be aware of the strong waves and potential rip currents.
The tide pools at El Pescador State Beach are located on either end of the beach and are quite cool to explore, revealing various marine life. Visiting during low tide is recommended for the best experience.
Absolutely! El Pescador State Beach is a popular spot for photographers due to its dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and beautiful coastal scenery, especially during sunset.
It's recommended to bring water shoes for rocky areas, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and snacks or a picnic as there are no food facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food vendors directly at El Pescador State Beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
For dining options, you'll need to drive a short distance along PCH towards Malibu or other nearby towns. There are various cafes and restaurants in Malibu offering seafood and other cuisines.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at El Pescador State Beach. You can bring your own blanket and food to enjoy the scenic views.
No, there are no facilities for food preparation at the beach. All food should be prepared beforehand.
Easy-to-eat finger foods, sandwiches, salads, and refreshing drinks are ideal for a beach picnic at El Pescador State Beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and the coastline itself offer incredible photo opportunities. The beach is particularly stunning at sunset.
Sunset is a prime time for photography, offering beautiful golden hour light. Early mornings can also be peaceful with fewer people.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photoshoots might require permits, so it's always best to check with the park authorities if you're planning a professional shoot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and rock formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a tripod for sunset shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the California State Parks for current rules regarding drone operation in state beaches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The beach offers a more secluded feel than some of its neighbors, allowing for more focused and less crowded shooting sessions. 🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Access and Footwear
This terrain means El Pescador might not be the most accessible beach for everyone, particularly those with significant mobility issues or very young children who might struggle with the climb. However, for those who can manage the walk, the reward is a less crowded and more serene beach experience compared to its more famous neighbors.
The Art of the Shot: Photography at El Pescador
+1 These natural elements provide endless opportunities for unique and memorable shots, from wide-angle coastal vistas to close-ups of the intricate rock textures. Many visitors highlight sunset as the prime time for photography, when the sky ignites with color and casts a warm glow over the scene.
Understanding the Waves and Water Safety
Adding to the safety considerations is the absence of lifeguards. This means visitors are solely responsible for their own safety in and around the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit