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About El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California

El Matador Beach is one of three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador is the most popular of the three and the closest to Malibu. Its popularity is well earned as this is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Striking sea stacks cast shadows on the beach and in the surf. This is a popular spot for pro photographers to capture swimsuit models, products in a beach setting, and stunning sunsets.

Up north on the beach you’ll find caves and rock arches in the sea stacks. The largest cave faces the ocean at the bottom of a huge flat rock that is connected to the base of the bluff. It’s best to visit these natural features at low tide. Continuing your walk north leads to La Piedra State Beach. If you walk south you will pass in front of stunning homes on your way to Lechuza Beach.

The parking lots for all three beaches in Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach are well-signed along Pacific Coast Highway in western Malibu. El Matador has the largest parking lot and it’s located on the bluff with picnic tables that look out over the Pacific Ocean. Despite having the largest parking area, this lot fills fast on weekends and it’s a good idea to get there early. There’s a fee for parking, but it’s worth it especially if you plan to stay a while. A trail descends through unique eroding rock formations on the face of the bluff, then stairs take you the rest of the way to the beach. The views of the beach on the way down are stunning.

Address
32220 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
Phone
310-457-8144
Park Name
Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach
Other Names
Encinal Canyon
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees
Fees for parking
Activities
Sunbathing, Beach Exploration, Birdwatching, Snorkeling, Swimming, Beach Walking, Cave Exploration, Photography
Amenities
Sea Stacks, Sea Caves, Beach Rocks, Lifeguards, Toilets, Picnic Tables
Map of El Matador State Beach
Malibu, US
8:09 am, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 53°F
L: 53° H: 62°
Feels like 51.91 °F clear sky
Wind gusts: 1 m/s
UV Index: 0.44
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:47 am
Sunset: 7:13 pm
Humidity 92 %
Pressure1018 mb
Wind 1 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Lechuza Beach

0.5 miles away

Lechuza Beach is a little-known public beach in Malibu, CA. It’s located below homes at the northern end of...

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La Piedra State Beach

0.6 miles away

La Piedra Beach is the middle of three beaches in Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, a California state...

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El Pescador State Beach

0.9 miles away

El Pescador Beach is the westernmost of three south-facing pocket beaches in Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach. There is...

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Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

Reviews

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 24, 2023

This might be the most fun we’ve had at a beach in California. I think we were there at a low tide cuz we could go thru the arches and walk the whole shore. Can’t wait to go back.

Craig