El Matador State Beach

Such a picturesque beach! There are two steep staircases that lead you down to the shore, but the views are still amazing even if you decide not to go all the way down. When the tide is lower, you can explore the large rock formations on the beach. We went on a Friday morning, and there were only a couple of other groups there. Highly recommend checking it out!

A place of unforgettable sunsets. Found plenty of sea glass and the nearby caves, tide pools, and arches are very fun to explore. Bring waterproof shoes and a jacket! It does get chilly in the shade.

Beautiful and picturesque beach. Great for just relaxation or a stroll along the beach. In the afternoon, the quality of light is superb for photographs, especially when the sky is partially cloudy. You will find a lot of photo sessions from bridal to family portraits and of course, landscapes or seascapes.

A fantastic place for sunset! Parking is limited but still reasonably amount of spots.

Cost starts at $3/hr, but no change is provided. Can pay with card.

Bathrooms portaloo style, but in reasonable condition again, with paper available 👍🏼

The ocean and the cliffs are very very beautiful 😍
No drone zone though, check on the app to confirm.

Well maintained stairs will take you up and down the cliff side to the beach.

Amazing views at sunset and the rock formations were worth the sandy stairs both ways. Parking is very limited in lot. It's 7 for the day. If you're lucky to get a space, go to the kisok cash or charge and place the ticket on the dash board. We'll worth the fee just from the top. Bring a little snack the top has picnic tables. You can go down to the beach and wander the shore along different formations.

First time here. Really enjoyed the scenery. It is a beautiful location, and it was not packed. The downside was the parking, not too many parking spots. You will most likely have to park out on the side of the road. Also, it is a bit of a walk and you have to take some stairs down. Going down is not bad, but the walk going up is a bit tiring, especially when you are carrying stuff. Did notice a lot of couples and families going to take pictures, wedding, engagement, and family pictures.

One of the most popular sunset beaches in Southern California. Free to enter and free street parking. We parked about 0.5 miles away and did the short but steep hike in less than 10 minutes down to the beach. It was a Saturday night and a little crowded. The rock formations here look like a Windows screensaver. There were a ton of professional photographers on scene for sunset.

The weather was warm enough in the first week of January for us to explore the beach and the rock formations. With less people around, we could make the best use of our visit by soaking in the scenery and clicking amazing pictures.

Beautiful, amazingly place to hangout and take pictures, the rocks and cliffs give it a very dramatic feel. Parking is limited, but if you get here early enough it won’t be an issue, pay 3 dollars per hour.

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a true gem that captures the essence of California's natural beauty. My recent visit left me enchanted and eager to share the marvels of this picturesque destination.

From the moment you descend the rocky stairway leading to the beach, you're greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The rugged cliffs and sea stacks create a dramatic backdrop, making El Matador feel like a secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The beach itself is a photographer's dream, with its unique rock formations, sea caves, and hidden coves waiting to be explored. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the scenery becomes even more magical. Sunset at El Matador is nothing short of spectacular, and it's a must-see for anyone seeking a romantic and serene coastal experience.

The natural arches and tunnels carved into the cliffs add an adventurous element to the visit. Exploring these formations during low tide is a delight, revealing tide pools teeming with marine life. It's an ideal spot for families, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

El Matador State Beach also boasts clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and picnic tables. While the beach exudes a sense of seclusion, it remains easily accessible, thanks to ample parking available nearby.

Keep in mind that the beach's charm is complemented by its ruggedness, so wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky terrain. Additionally, checking the tide schedule before your visit ensures an optimal experience.

In conclusion, El Matador State Beach in Malibu is a coastal paradise that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether you're seeking a romantic sunset, a family day out, or a solo adventure along the shore, El Matador delivers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of California's coastline. Highly recommended for those in search of a tranquil escape and a genuine connection with the Pacific's untamed allure.

Rock caves, tide pools, and stunning rock formations make this my favorite beach in the Los Angeles area. The drive out there is beautiful too, you can feel yourself driving out to meet Mother Nature. I feel a deep peace everytime I drive out here!

Come early (and ideally during the week) because it is best to enjoy this beach when it is quiet.

There are lots of steep steps from the parking lot to get down to the beach, which really makes it feel even more secluded when you finally make it to the beach.

It does take work to get here, but that is part of the experience! I find it medicinal for my soul: the drive, the hike down to the beach - — all of it is like a little pilgrimage to the ocean.

I crave coming out here every few weeks just to put my feet in the water & touch the rocks!

Very nice beach ,hidden and good place to take amazing pictures we got there a little too late ,but heard the other side of those rocks is amazing , small hike ,just wear confortable shoes ,unfortunatedly ,there is no dogs allowed here ,but is a great place to relax

El Matador is located in the Point Dume area of Malibu toward Ventura! There is a small parking lot, you must pay to park. There is a life guard stand but no one on duty when I visited. Great spot to take videos and a few pics up high from the tourist. It wasn't crowded during the week hours.

Wow, paradise on earth is an understatement! This beach is indeed the picture postcard of a California beach that all are looking for! It was drop dead gorgeous in my opinion. I hiked down the hill slowly, and the beauty didn't stop. I saw humming birds enjoying all the flowers. There are other sea animals you will encounter once you reach the beach of course.

This beach is ideal for all, just keep in mind its downward and then a climb back up a steep hill. I truly enjoyed my time spent at El Matador. This is on my list of beaches to return too soon!!

@glampedlife

This beach did not disappoint. We did have luck with parking as it seems people come and go all day. You pa for parking by the hour so you can decide what you want to do and not pay the max amount if you do not want to. We could spend all day here. The sand was amazing, the rock formation equally amazing. We could spend all day here.

Low tide is the best time to spend in this area. During the week, there's available parking but gets crowded on the weekends. As is a very popular spot.

Oh so many beautiful/gorgeous caves to see & explore here! Just make sure to go during "low tide" or you won't really be able to go & explore the caves without without getting stuck, soaked, or possibly drowning! PSA You can look up what times & days high & low tide will be on google search!

Visited the beach for sunset and it lived up to it's reputation as an amazing place for getting some out of world clicks of sundown.

The rock formations are an interesting natural phenomenon and makes the place feel surreal.

Would definitely recommend this spot to people visiting LA.

Visited 10/13/2022

1 of the best beaches in LA. Looks like 1 of those backgrounds you see on a laptop.

I wish they had a better staircase system. It was so busy that since all the rain in California it was really scary to walk down to the steps. If you are scared of heights, do not go. Otherwise it looked amazing from above...

This beach contains probably and I could say.... The Best caves you're gonna seen to take pictures 📸 .... Amazing sunrises and sunsets