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Earlier editions: 2026-07

Title GP — General Plan›Chapter 2.0 — OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION ELEMENT

Malibu Municipal Code § 2.6 Appendix A—Inventory of Public Recreational Resources

Malibu Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Malibu

Cite as: Malibu Municipal Code § 2.6 · Text as of 2026-10-04

2.6.1. West Malibu.

Leo Carrillo State Beach:

Swimming, diving, tidepool observation, scenic rocky point, sailboarding, surfing (all levels), picnicking, camping, hiking, bicycling, group campground, campfire gatherings, interpretive programs, junior lifeguard program, convenience store, visitor center, Natural History Association, back country equestrian trails, trail maintenance volunteers, seasonal lifeguard.

Nicholas County Beach:

• Surfing (expert, Point Zero fast breaking left), body surfing, beach enjoyment, seasonal lifeguard.
• Malibu Riding and Tennis Club (private commercial recreation, access to back country trails).
• El Sol (undeveloped) County Beach Accessway.
• Robert S. Meyer State Beaches: El Pescador, La Piedra, and El Matador. All beach activities, seasonal lifeguard patrols.

Charmlee Natural Area:

Hiking, picnicking, interpretive center, equestrian trails, docents group, scheduled nature events.

Sea Level Drive:

Homeowners association has voluntarily opened easement along Sea Level Drive to provide access to public shoreline.

Broadbeach Road:

Two county beach accessways.

Malibu West:

Malibu West Swimming Club and tennis courts (private for tract residents). Swimming club facilities are available on a rental basis for weddings, receptions, and community uses.

Malibu Park:

• School properties, equestrian center
• School facilities, include tennis courts, track, fields, asphalt basketball and volleyball courts, gym for indoor basketball and volleyball, gymnastics and yoga room, swimming pool, auditorium, classrooms, library. The school is a center for community athletic activities for all ages.
• Equestrian center is managed by the City, and includes a rink and some storage facilities, as well as trailhead parking. Trails from the equestrian center to backcountry are still under consideration.

Zuma County and Westward State Beaches:

All beach activities, extensive parking, lifeguards during good weather, junior lifeguard program, surfing, seasonal food services, Los Angeles County North Beach Lifeguard Headquarters, Fire Department and Lifeguard training location, rescue boat Bay Watch seasonal mooring, rock climbing, volleyball, triathlons, running events, ocean sports contest venue, bird watching at lagoon, catamaran storage area, swimming can be dangerous here because of powerful rip currents and crashing shorebreak, parking lot is used for power walking and running.

Point Dume:

• Point Dume Headlands State Preserve and Malibu Community Center:
• Point Dume Headlands State Preserve is reached from Westward Beach parking lot, includes giant choreopsis stands and other native vegetation in need of restoration, and access to Big Dume Beach and "Mistos" surf break. The rocky point and beaches fronting the headland are a protected marine mammal habitat.
• Malibu Community Center, formerly Point Dume School, owned by SMMUSD, managed by Point Dume Community Services District, provides facilities for activities for people of all ages, community organizations, and businesses who rent space there, including a privately owned nursery school/day care center. Outdoor facilities include asphalt courts, green park, children's play equipment.

Paradise Cove:

Beach, Fishing Pier, walk-in fee beach access, no surf boards allowed.

Escondido Beach:

Surfrider Foundation public accessway from Pacific Coast Highway to beach.

Sycamore Park:

Public beach easement.

Exceptions & meaning →

2.6.2. Central Malibu.

Dan Blocker State Beach:

Access to shoreline, no facilities or lifeguard service.

Solstice Canyon Park:

Hiking, picnicking, equestrian trails, year round stream, historic buildings, waterfalls, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy offices, visitor center, plant restoration projects, events and interpretive programs, creekside trail leads to passage under Pacific Coast Highway to Corral State Beach.

Corral State Beach:

Narrow beach for sunbathing and swimming, seasonal lifeguard, highway parking, popular scuba diving class location.

Malibu Road Beach Accesses:

Five accessways are open.

Malibu Bluffs Los Angeles County Regional Park:

Baseball, soccer, football, hiking trails, natural area, sculpture display, Michael Landon Center used for small meetings, receptions, interpretive programs, arts, theater and dance classes, etc.

Pepperdine University (Adjacent to City limits):

Athletic facilities memberships available to the public, cultural events, sports events, art gallery, library, educational programs. Theaters are available for community programs.

Civic Center:

• County buildings: city hall location, library, courts, community room.
• Private tennis club.
• Malibu Country Mart green park and children's play area.
• Serra Retreat.
• Webster School auditorium.
• Cross Creek Road leads to private horse boarding and training facilities. Trails lead to Ringe Dam and through Malibu Canyon.

Malibu Lagoon/Surfrider State Beach Park:

Malibu Lagoon Preserve, bird watching, nature study, swimming, surfing, Adamson House and Gift Shop, Malibu Historic Society, Adamson House and Malibu Creek State Park Docents, seasonal lifeguard.

Surfrider Point, aka Malibu Point or "The Bu":

Premier historic west coast surfing location, glassy rights wrap around the point to form a sequence of three glassy green hollow breaks, or, if the lagoon is consistently breathed in the right spot, a single long ride from third point almost to the pier. Malibu Point is the birthplace of California Surf Culture, dating from the times when Santa Monica Surfers sneaked past the Ringe Ranch guards to reach the waves, location where the legendary "Gidget" met the Great Kahuna. Surfers are currently at risk from polluted water exiting Malibu Lagoon. Lifeguard. No swimming or boogie boarding allowed in the surf zone. Swimming on east side of Malibu Pier where there is no lifeguard.

Malibu Pier:

Deep sea fishing excursions, bait and tackle, pier fishing, Alice's restaurant, Plein Air. Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore monthly exhibits. Historic landmark in need of restoration.

Zonker B. Harris County Beach:

Accessway next to the restaurant located at 22706 Pacific Coast Highway.

Exceptions & meaning →

2.6.3. East Malibu.

La Costa:

La Costa Beach Club, and tennis courts, private for La Costa residents. Facilities are available on a rental basis for receptions, birthday parties, etc.

Big Rock:

County Beach Access near Big Rock Road.

Las Tunas State Beach:

Highway parking, hazardous swimming because of decaying groins, seasonal lifeguard.

Exceptions & meaning →

2.6.4. School District Properties.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District owns properties sprinkled about Malibu which have potential for neighborhood or community park uses and for which the City could exercise right of refusal should they be offered for sale. These properties should be mapped and evaluated for recreation potential.

Exceptions & meaning →

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