La Piedra State Beach
A quiet, rugged Malibu beach known for its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and stunning sunset views. A peaceful escape along the PCH.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
La Piedra State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quiet, rugged Malibu beach known for its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and stunning sunset views. A peaceful escape along the PCH.
"Quiet, rugged, and seriously beautiful—perfect for tide pool exploring or just soaking in the views."
Park at La Piedra for El Matador
More parking spots available here than El Matador. Walk to El Matador (10 min) if tide is low. :car:
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail down to the beach is a bit rocky and steep. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rugged Coastal Beauty
La Piedra State Beach
Discover a quiet, rugged beach with stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffs. Perfect for peaceful walks and soaking in the scenery.
+1
Tide Pool Exploration
La Piedra State Beach
Explore fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide. A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Scenic PCH Stop
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
An often overlooked stop along the iconic PCH, offering gorgeous views and a break from the drive.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Park at La Piedra for El Matador
More parking spots available here than El Matador. Walk to El Matador (10 min) if tide is low. :car:
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail down to the beach is a bit rocky and steep.
Pack light
The descent can be challenging with lots of gear or food. :handbag:
Enjoy the solitude
This beach is often less crowded, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
Park at La Piedra for El Matador
More parking spots available here than El Matador. Walk to El Matador (10 min) if tide is low. :car:
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail down to the beach is a bit rocky and steep.
Pack light
The descent can be challenging with lots of gear or food. :handbag:
Enjoy the solitude
This beach is often less crowded, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Catch the sunset
The way the sunset illuminates the cliffs is truly magical.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Piedra State Beach is praised for its quiet, rugged beauty and stunning ocean views, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. Visitors appreciate the more plentiful and affordable parking compared to nearby beaches, though the steep trail down requires caution. It's ideal for tide pooling and enjoying sunset, but less convenient for those with heavy gear.
"Nice beach spot, parking is cheap compare to others beach along the coast. a little bit of walk to go down the beach, and the terrain is a bit steep on some section. So be careful with kids or if you have a lot to carry. But, the trail is well maintain and clean.
It was a good time. enough space on the beach, not too crowded."
Nicolas VANGHELUWE
"I loved it!!!!!!
It was a slightly steep slope before reaching the beach. Then there was a natural shack.
I sometimes really think what if no need to worry about living, eating to survive, and distance. I wanna keep walking to every corner of the world."
Aitana Blose
"An often overlooked beach just north of trancas Canyon shopping center. So all along the SoCal Coast they took out one possibly two mega Mansions to allow the public to have the view. Nice flat parking lot decent porta potty and a short little hike down to the beach provides gorgeous views"
Dan Mitnick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Piedra State Beach is located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. It's part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach complex.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at La Piedra State Beach. It's often noted as having more spots and being cheaper than parking at nearby El Matador State Beach.
Yes, you can walk from La Piedra State Beach to El Matador Beach, especially during low tide. It's about a 10-minute walk and can be a good alternative if El Matador's parking is full.
The trail down to the beach is described as a 'little hike' and 'relatively steep descent.' It's not recommended for those with a lot of gear or mobility issues.
The drive along the PCH to La Piedra State Beach is considered scenic, with beautiful ocean views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific fee information isn't always detailed, parking at state beaches typically incurs a fee. It's generally considered cheaper than other popular Malibu beaches.
As a state beach, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening and closing times can vary, so it's best to check with the California State Parks for the most current information.
No, tickets are not typically required for beach access. Parking fees are usually paid upon arrival.
While generally open, be mindful of tide levels, especially if planning to walk to adjacent beaches. Some areas might have seasonal restrictions or closures.
Yes, it's a great spot for a quick stop along the PCH to enjoy the views or a short walk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, tide pool exploration, and simply relaxing while taking in the beautiful ocean views and rugged coastline.
Compared to its neighbors like El Matador, La Piedra State Beach is often described as quieter and less crowded, offering a more serene experience.
The beach itself has a natural, somewhat rugged feel. The trail down is steep and rocky, and the beach has a natural shack formation.
Yes, there are decent porta-potties available at the beach.
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and potential for stunning sunsets make it a fantastic spot for photographers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on La Piedra State Beach. However, nearby Paradise Cove Beach Cafe offers beachside dining with ocean views. +1
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. However, be mindful of the hike down and up when packing.
Besides Paradise Cove, other dining options can be found in the nearby Trancas Canyon shopping center or further into Malibu. +1
The Trancas Canyon shopping center is located just north of the beach and likely offers some convenience stores or cafes.
Picnicking is a great option, but consider the steep trail when packing your picnic basket.
📸 📸 Photography
The rugged cliffs, the natural shack formations, and the expansive ocean views are prime photo opportunities. Don't miss the chance to capture the sunset.
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers magical lighting that illuminates the cliffs beautifully.
It's ideal for landscape photography, coastal shots, and capturing the raw beauty of the Southern California coastline.
The unique rock formations and the way the cliffs are illuminated by the sun, especially at sunset, create dramatic and memorable images.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's always best to check with California State Parks for current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more accessible beach experience with children in Malibu, you might consider other options or be prepared for the hike. If you're looking for a beach with amenities like playgrounds or easier access, La Piedra might not be the top choice, but its natural beauty and potential for solitude can still be appealing for families who are prepared for the terrain.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Seekers of Solitude
+1While the beach offers tranquility, it's always a good idea for solo visitors to be aware of their surroundings. The relatively steep descent means fewer people might be on the beach at any given time, so going with company is sometimes suggested for added safety.
🚗 Road Trippers & PCH Enthusiasts
+1 The scenic drive itself is a major draw, and La Piedra provides a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, take in breathtaking ocean views, and capture some stunning photos. +1Its location within the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach complex, alongside El Pescador and El Matador, makes it easy to visit multiple unique coastal spots in one outing.
The relatively ample parking and cheaper fees compared to other nearby beaches make it an attractive option for road trippers managing their budget and time. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach Complex
+1 While each beach offers its own unique charm, La Piedra is often highlighted for its quieter atmosphere and rugged, natural beauty, making it a great alternative if the more popular El Matador is crowded. These beaches are situated along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), offering breathtaking ocean vistas and a quintessential Southern California coastal experience.
The proximity to multi-million dollar homes is noted, but they are generally unobtrusive from the beach itself, allowing visitors to focus on the natural splendor. When visiting this area, consider exploring all three beaches if time permits. Each offers a slightly different perspective of the Malibu coastline, from the dramatic sea stacks at El Matador to the more secluded feel of La Piedra.
The Allure of Malibu's Coastal Drive
The PCH is renowned for its stunning ocean panoramas, winding roads, and access to some of California's most beautiful beaches. Many travelers highlight the drive as a major part of their California adventure, with La Piedra offering a chance to pull over and immerse yourself in the coastal environment. Pulling over at La Piedra allows you to appreciate the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic cliffs that define this stretch of coastline.
It's a place where you can feel the ocean breeze, listen to the waves, and truly connect with the natural beauty of Southern California. The drive itself is an attraction, and stops like La Piedra enhance the overall journey, providing memorable moments and photo opportunities. For those planning a road trip, incorporating stops at beaches like La Piedra along the PCH is highly recommended. It breaks up the drive, offers opportunities for exploration, and provides a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes of the California coast.
Tide Pooling and Coastal Discoveries
Visitors can discover sea anemones, small crabs, starfish, and various types of seaweed, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages. When exploring tide pools, it's important to tread carefully to avoid disturbing the delicate creatures and their habitats. Observing them in their natural environment is a privilege, and responsible visitation ensures these natural wonders can be enjoyed by future generations.
The rugged, rocky nature of La Piedra's shoreline provides ample opportunities for these pools to form, making it a prime spot for this activity. Remember to check the tide charts before your visit to maximize your chances of successful tide pooling. The best times are typically during the lowest tides, often occurring in the early morning or late afternoon.
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