74°
Patchy Fog
2%
76
Los Angeles County, CA · Pacific Ocean
El Matador State Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A small, dramatic pocket beach in Malibu — sea stacks, sea caves, and arch rock formations make it the most photographed beach in California for landscape and engagement shots. Cliff staircase access from the small parking lot above. Crowded at sunset; arrive early.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for photography.
73°F water · 74°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy fog after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 64. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- Fog — low visibility — good for moody photos, less for swimming
Water
- 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
71 /100
great
69 Swim
64 Sunbathe
79 Walk
97 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
74°F
Patchy Fog
Wind
5 to 10 mph
SW
Rain
2%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
73°F
Patchy Fog
Water
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.3 ft
14s · SSW swell
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:56 AM
Sunset
11:06 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:13 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:21 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:36 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 2:25 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 8:37 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:08 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 8:10 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 3:14 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 10:16 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:41 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 8:47 AM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 4:07 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 11:50 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:56 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 9:37 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 5:03 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 8:06 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 10:55 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 5:56 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:50 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:58 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 12:08 PM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 6:46 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410840, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
73°
Patchy Fog
2%
75
74°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
0%
83
76°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
1%
80
75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
76°
Sunny
1%
80
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
83
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small paid lot above the cliff ($8/day); fills early. Limited PCH shoulder parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
$8/vehicle.
Address
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at El Matador State Beach today?
El Matador State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is El Matador State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at El Matador State Beach?
$8/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at El Matador State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at El Matador State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at El Matador State Beach?
Amenities at El Matador State Beach include restrooms, no other facilities.
When is the water warmest at El Matador State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is El Matador State Beach located?
El Matador State Beach is in Los Angeles County, CA, at 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS