Malibu Lagoon State Beach —
Your Complete Guide
Where Malibu Creek meets the ocean: a lagoon full of birds, the first World Surfing Reserve, the tiled Adamson House and the Malibu Pier, all on one short stretch of Pacific Coast Highway.
What is Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a California state park in Malibu where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. It takes in four places side by side: the Malibu Lagoon wetland, Surfrider Beach, the historic Adamson House and the Malibu Pier. The State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road light is open 8 a.m. to sunset and costs $3 an hour or $12 a day. There is no fee to walk onto the beach.
On the west side, the 0.46-mile Malibu Lagoon Trail runs flat and accessible to the beach past a 22-acre lagoon that LA County says draws more than 200 bird species. In the middle, Surfrider Beach became the first World Surfing Reserve on October 9, 2010. On the east side, the 1929 Adamson House holds the most complete collection of Malibu tile left, and the 780-foot Malibu Pier, first built in 1905, has a restaurant and fishing.
Three things to know in 2026. The end of the Malibu Pier has been closed since January 2025, with repairs due by the end of January 2027; the rest of the pier is open (pier update). Dogs are not allowed on the beach or trails. And LA County Public Health says to stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain (water quality).
Malibu Lagoon State Beach at a Glance
What to Do at Malibu Lagoon State Beach
California State Parks lists beach access, swimming, surfing, fishing, picnic areas, nature trails and a historic site in this one small park.
Malibu Pier
No fee listed; open sunrise to sunset, daily, per its operator. Malibu Farm Restaurant and fishing; the end is closed for repairs.
Pier Update →
Surfrider Beach
Almost a mile of beach, LA County lifeguards and the world's first World Surfing Reserve.
Beach Guide →
Adamson House
A 1929 house covered in Malibu tile. Tours Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the hour; the museum is free.
Tours & Tickets →
Malibu Lagoon Trail
A flat, accessible path, 0.46 miles each way, from the lot to the beach.
Trail Details →
Bird Watching
More than 200 species, and a free Audubon walk on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Audubon Walks →
Surfing
A right-hand point break that comes alive on south swells, spring through fall.
Waves & Seasons →How to Get to Malibu Lagoon State Beach
On Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, about 13 miles west of Santa Monica.
By Car
The State Parks lot is at the Cross Creek Road light on PCH. From the 101, take Las Virgenes Road through Malibu Canyon. All parking options.
By Bus
Metro Bus 534 stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Pier, steps from Surfrider Beach.
Park Office
23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. Phone (424) 545-0567.
More at the Beach
Fish from the pier without a license, swim near a lifeguard tower at Surfrider, plan a wedding at the Adamson House, or check the accessible routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malibu Lagoon State Beach free?
There is no fee to walk onto the beach. Parking in the State Parks lot is $3 an hour or $12 a day, and free parallel parking on Pacific Coast Highway is sometimes available.
What are Malibu Lagoon hours?
California State Parks lists day-use parking from 8 a.m. to sunset, every day. Adamson House tours run Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where do you park for Malibu Lagoon?
In the State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road traffic light on Pacific Coast Highway. The LA County Surfrider Beach lot, next to the Adamson House, is closer to the pier.
Are dogs allowed at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Only in the parking lot and, on leash, on the Adamson House lawns. California State Parks does not allow dogs on the beach or the lagoon trails.
Is the Malibu Pier open?
Partly. Malibu Pier Partners lists the pier as open sunrise to sunset, but the end has been closed since January 2025. Repairs are due to finish by the end of January 2027.
Is Surfrider Beach part of Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Yes. Malibu Lagoon State Beach includes Malibu Lagoon, Surfrider Beach, the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House.
Can you swim at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Yes, at Surfrider Beach near a staffed LA County lifeguard tower, in daylight hours. Stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain.