Los Angeles County is home to many famous beaches, from Venice Beach with its skateboard park and busker-filled promenade, to Surfrider, featured in classic surfing films. But when the L.A. Times recently released its list of the best beaches in the county, its No. 1 pick was a stretch few outside of the area have even heard about: Leo Carrillo State Beach, part of Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu.
As the publication notes, the 1.5-mile span was named for actor and conservationist Leo Carillo. It’s been a filming site for everything from “The Karate Kid” to “The Usual Suspects,’ with plenty of photo ops to take advantage of.
But there are plenty of other reasons to visit.
Tidepooling
Leo Carrillo is a favorite of this California native, who grew up spending a lot of time searching through tide pools. It’s a top spot for exploring sea caves and tidepooling. Peek in to see all sorts of marine life, including hermit crabs, starfish, and sea anemones. Be sure to wear water shoes or sandals with a good grip. The surfaces are rocky and slippery and flip-flops can easily lead to an injury. Check the local tide charts and visit two to three hours before or after the lowest tide for the best experience.
Surfing
The beach has an exposed reef and a point break with consistent surf, particularly ideal in the summer when winds come in from the north. It’s great for beginners and longboarders, just keep an eye out for submerged rocks.
Whale Watching
If you visit in April or May, keep an eye out for gray whales that migrate north along the coast. Bring a pair of binoculars for a closer look that can often include mothers with their calves.
Hiking
The state park has seven miles of trails that offer expansive ocean views, including the Leo Carrillo Beach Trail, a 5.1-mile coastal route with scenic vista points showcasing where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific. The Leo Carrillo Bluff Trail is an easy, just over half-mile path with sweeping views of the ocean, tide pools, and rock outcroppings just offshore.
Camping
To make the most of the park and its beach, camping is possible at one of 135 sites, all within walking distance of the water, but you’ll need to book well in advance, especially if you plan to stay between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, or during spring break.
