Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach’s wide, white ribbon of sand and long wave pipeline make it an enormously popular beach on weekends year-round and during school-free summer days. In the early mornings, especially on weekends, this is a great spot to watch both surfers and seabirds; during weekend days, it’s an ideal place to observe L.A. beach culture and fashions.

Zuma features a 2,000-some-odd-space parking lot for $8 a car, but street parking is available for free on Pacific Coast Highway. A lifeguard is on duty during the day, and you’ll find public restrooms, outdoor showers, and volleyball courts here.

A snack bar is often open right on the beach during warm weather. Just north of the beach on Pacific Coast Highway, there’s a Westward Ho Market suitable for stocking a picnic, and next door, a Starbucks. Westward Beach, at the southwest border of Zuma, is a 10-minute walk away and home to The Sunset Restaurant, Kristy’s Wood Oven & Wine Bar, and Lily’s Café & Pastries.

Each year in early September, Zuma hosts the Malibu Nautica Triathlon, a swim-bike-run benefit for Children's Hospital of LA. Competitors always include Hollywood celebrities and retired Olympic medalists, making this both a worthy cause and a fun day out for tourists.