Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach: Malibu's expansive coastal gem offering wide sandy shores, excellent surf, and stunning Pacific sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Zuma Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zuma Beach: Malibu's expansive coastal gem offering wide sandy shores, excellent surf, and stunning Pacific sunsets.
"Love this beach!! Sunset is just amazing. Get to occasionally see dolphins. Cool place to just hangout."
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Consider street parking to save money; arrive early for the best spots.
🚰 Bathroom Reality Check
Be prepared for portable toilets due to ongoing renovations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Wide, clean, and inviting sandy stretches perfect for sunbathing, playing, and long walks along the Pacific.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Western-facing coastline
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Potential Dolphin Sightings
Offshore waters
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins that are sometimes spotted swimming near the shore.
Great Waves for Surfing
Nearshore waters
Known for its consistent and good waves, making it a popular spot for surfers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Bathroom Blues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Consider street parking to save money; arrive early for the best spots.
🚰 Bathroom Reality Check
Be prepared for portable toilets due to ongoing renovations.
🐬 Dolphin Watch
Keep an eye out for dolphins, a magical surprise!
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Zuma is known for good waves, perfect for a surf session.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Consider street parking to save money; arrive early for the best spots.
🚰 Bathroom Reality Check
Be prepared for portable toilets due to ongoing renovations.
🐬 Dolphin Watch
Keep an eye out for dolphins, a magical surprise!
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Zuma is known for good waves, perfect for a surf session.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The sunsets here are truly unforgettable.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Pet Friendly
A welcoming spot for families and even your furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zuma Beach is a beloved Malibu spot praised for its vast sandy shores, excellent waves for surfing, and breathtaking sunsets. While many enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and occasional dolphin sightings, the ongoing closure of main restrooms and associated parking fees are noted drawbacks. +1
"This was my second visit to the beach. It started off cloudy but ended sunny which made for a really nice day overall. The beach wasn’t crowded, just comfortably populated. I paid for parking, but honestly, street parking might be a better choice next time.
The bathroom situation was less than ideal. It was pretty gross, but I guess that’s not too surprising for a “public” beach. On the bright side, the waves were great, the atmosphere was family- and pet-friendly, and there were volleyball nets and attentive lifeguards, which is always reassuring.
All in all, a decent beach day with room for improvement!"
Vaneshia MSW, ASW
"Love this beach!! Sunset is just amazing. Get to occasionally see dolphins. Cool place to just hangout. Love this part of LA, unmatched!!!"
Salesh Singh
"A beautiful beach and cold beaches. This my first time to came to the cold beaches, Oh my Goodness in Indonesia (Bali) all the beaches is warm, but i love this zuma beach, i will visit it again ,"
Ratih Rosmaydaryatmi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zuma Beach is located in Malibu, easily accessible by car from Los Angeles. The most common route is via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Many visitors drive from LAX, which takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. +1
While direct public transport options are limited, you can take a bus towards Malibu and then potentially a short taxi or rideshare to Zuma Beach. It's generally recommended to have a car for the best experience in Malibu.
From Los Angeles, take the US-101 North and exit onto Westlake Blvd. Turn left onto Thousand Oaks Blvd, which becomes Westlake Village. Continue to the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) and turn right. Zuma Beach will be on your left.
Yes, Zuma Beach is a well-known landmark in Malibu, clearly marked off the Pacific Coast Highway. Look for the signs as you drive along the coast.
For a day trip, driving is highly recommended for flexibility. Consider using GPS or a mapping app for real-time traffic updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zuma Beach itself does not have an entrance fee. However, there is a parking fee if you choose to park in the designated lots.
Zuma Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguard hours may vary seasonally.
Parking fees can vary, but visitors have reported paying around $25 for the day. Street parking is often a free alternative, though it can be competitive.
No tickets are required for general beach access or activities like swimming and sunbathing. Volleyball nets are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, Zuma Beach is open year-round, though weather conditions can vary significantly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, and long walks. Keep an eye out for dolphins and enjoy the stunning sunsets. +2
The main restrooms have been closed for extensive renovations for over two years. Portable toilets are currently available.
Yes, Zuma Beach is known for its good waves and is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. +1
Crowds can vary. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Summer months and holidays tend to be busier.
Yes, Zuma Beach is generally pet-friendly, allowing dogs on leash.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful lighting for photography. Sunrise can also be stunning, though less commonly featured. +1
The wide sandy shores, the dramatic ocean waves, and the expansive coastline are all great for photos. The sunsets are particularly iconic. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park rangers before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
While not a specific landmark, the vastness of the beach, the lifeguard towers, and the natural coastal landscape provide ample opportunities for memorable photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing distant marine life like dolphins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Sunset Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Zuma Beach: Parking & Amenities
Despite the restroom situation, Zuma Beach offers a classic California beach experience. Lifeguards are on duty, providing a sense of security for swimmers and families. Volleyball nets are often set up, adding to the recreational opportunities. The beach is known for being family-friendly and even allows dogs on leashes, making it a versatile destination for various visitors.
The Zuma Beach Experience: Waves, Wildlife, and Sunsets
Beyond the surf, visitors often report sightings of dolphins playing offshore, adding a touch of wild magic to the experience. As the day winds down, Zuma Beach transforms into a prime spot for witnessing spectacular sunsets. The vibrant colors painting the sky over the Pacific Ocean create a truly unforgettable spectacle, drawing many visitors specifically for this daily show.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit