68°
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
0%
67
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
Great day for a beach walk.
Cool but workable
Full NWS forecast for Today
Patchy fog before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. West southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 68°F air — cool but workable
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 64°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 3.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
57 /100
good
41 Swim
67 Sunbathe
80 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
68°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Wind
0 to 10 mph
WSW
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
68°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
64°F
Cold
Next High Tide
7:11 PM
5.6 ft · in 4.4h
Wave Height
3.9 ft
15s · SSW swell
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 5mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:45 AM
Sunset
11:10 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:04 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:34 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 12:31 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 7:11 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
68°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
67
68°
Mostly Sunny
1%
67
67°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
1%
67
67°
Mostly Sunny
0%
67
67°
Mostly Sunny
1%
67
67°
Mostly Sunny
0%
67
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 64°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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at El Matador State Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for El Matador State Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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