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The Best Beaches in Malibu

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Lutheran chapter.

Just Because we’re still in school doesn’t mean that summer fun can’t start early. Enjoy your weekend by spending it on Malibu’s beautiful beaches! We are so lucky to go to a school that is so close to everything Southern California has to offer. Check out a few of these amazing places!

1.) Zuma BeachZuma is your classic Malibu Beach. It is the iconic filming location for the TV show, Baywatch. It is perfect for boogie-boarding, swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. It is a bit hard to find parking on the street, so I recommend paying the $8-$10 parking fee (it is totally worth it because that money goes towards making the beach beautiful!).

2.) El MatadorEl Matador is a small beach with stunning rock formations. After a steep hike down the cliff (with lots of stairs) you can go for a casual walk and admire the rugged landscape. The water is a little too rocky to safely swim, but this is a great place to bring a book and just relax. Parking costs $5.

3.) Leo CarrilloLeo Carrillo is an amazing beach to explore. It has tons of trails and secret little beaches with caves to discover. Once you’re done exploring, you can lounge on the sand and watch the surfers. It has been in movies such as Gidget, 50 First Dates, and Grease. Leo Carrillo has free street side parking, but you can also park in the lot for around $10.

4.) Surfrider Beach/ Malibu LagoonSurfrider is the best beach to visit if you want to witness some true Malibu culture. Everyone there is very open and friendly. It is the perfect place to watch the surfers or even learn to surf yourself. I also love renting kayaks and paddle boards while I’m there. If water sports don’t spark your interest, there is a designated swimming section where the water is calm (perfect if you are not used to swimming with waves!). The beach is right next to Malibu Pier that has a cute gift shop and an amazing cafe. Parking is $8-$10.

5.) Paradise Cove Paradise Cove is well… paradise. This cove is surrounded by lush cliffs creating a perfect little oasis. Some of the highlights of this beach include: a small dock, a delicious cafe (with the best breakfast food EVER), perfect waves, and the Hannah Montana house (the outside of it at least). This is the most expensive beach on the list though, with parking starting at $35 (Yikes!), but if you eat at the cafe, parking is $6 for 4 hours.

Have fun exploring these wonderful beaches! 

*All photos provided by myself.

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Emily Killian

Cal Lutheran

Emily is a Freshman at California Lutheran Univiveristy. She is a writer, reader, collector of books, eater of fried chicken,  equestrian,  photographer, traveler, old soul, and fan-girl of too many t.v shows.
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