Surfrider Beach at Malibu Lagoon sits at the heart of Malibu. Surfers gather here to ride some of the best waves in the southern California. Beach-goers enjoy strolling on the sand and wandering out the pier. Nearby are several great restaurants.

Originally known as Malibu Surfrider Beach, the sand along the mouth of the Malibu Lagoon has a long history with surfing. It is perhaps the most popular surfing destination in Los Angeles County.

Included in Malibu Lagoon State Beach are wetlands, nature trails, and the historic Adamson House. The beach house was built in 1929 by Rhoda and Merritt Adamson.

Over 100 years old, the Malibu Pier is a wonderful place for fishing or just to enjoy views of the coast and the ocean.

Parking at Malibu Lagoon Beach

The Malibu Lagoon State Park parking area is located on the west side of the lagoon at Cross Creek Road and the Pacific Coast Highway. The entrance fee per vehicle for the day is $12. The lot is open from 8:00 AM until sunset.

County parking lots are found on the east side of the lagoon and next to the pier. Parking fees are $3 to $8 in the winter and $3 to $10 in the summer. The parking lots are often full by noon on summer days.

Metered and some free parking can be found along the shoulder of the Pacific Coast Highway, but these spots are limited and usually fill up first.

Into the Surf

Lifeguards are on duty at Malibu Lagoon Beach during daylight hours. Beach-goers have fun playing in the waves, skim boarding and boogie boarding. Like many busy beaches along the coast, Malibu Lagoon Beach has set up specific areas designated for surfing and for swimming. Summer water temperatures are around 68 degrees. At times when the berm at Malibu Lagoon breaches and water is discharged into the ocean, it is probably prudent to forego swimming. Water quality could be affected.

Nearby Restaurants and Supplies

Geoffrey's Malibu restaurant, 27400 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu Seafood, 25653 Pacific Coast Highway
Starbucks: Point Dume Plaza, 29211 Heather Cliff Road, off Pacific Coast Highway at Trancas Canyon Road
Coral Beach Cantina: 29350 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu Country Mart 3835 Cross Creek Road
Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream, 23755 Malibu Rd., Malibu

Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier is a landmark along the Malibu coast. Built in 1905, the pier served local shipping needs. The State of California purchased the pier in 1980. Storm damage in the 1990s closed the pier for more than a decade. After major renovations the pier re-opened in 2008.

The pier has been slow to recover. The Malibu Beach Supply Company is the only business currently open on the pier. They offer all kinds of beach gear and bait and tackle as well as local art. The restaurants on the pier, such as the Beachcomber Cafe and Ruby's Shake Shack, have closed. (You can still enjoy Rub's Diners at other locations.)

Today most of the excitement on the pier comes from fishermen. Anglers drop their lines into the water, pulling out sea bass, halibut, and rockfish.