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Malibu & Zuma Beach
Malibu Beach
Overview: Malibu Beach and Zuma Beach have long been recognized as a top destination in Los Angeles because of their posh Malibu location and all the glamour and wealth associated with Malibu. But the beach of famous people, the wealthy and movie settings jumped into a new international sphere of recognition with the popularity of the television show, “Baywatch,” and all the gorgeous women who epitomized the California beach look, especially Pam Anderson.
Malibu is a city or district within Los Angeles. Malibu Beach and Zuma Beach are synonomous; and people referring to Malibu Beach are probably referring to Zuma Beach. The beaches within the Malibu district are not actually called Malibu Beach, with the exception of Malibu Lagoon Beach. However, any beach within the Malibu District can be considered Malibu Beach for convenience’ sake. Zuma Beach is located just east of Malibu Lagoon Beach.
Malibu is located north of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades. It starts around Sunset and stretches west along the Pacific Coast Highway (commonly referred to as PCH) at the west base of the Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu’s city stretches inland into Topanga Canyon. Millions of zealous people flock to the prestigous coastline for the breathtaking view and enormous swath of deep, white sand.
You can take in a game of volleyball, surf, walk along some of the dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean or even camp out at the nearby Leo Carillo State Park (just west of Zuma). Along Malibu’s coastline (northern part), there are great surf spots (I used to drive up and boogie board for years there).
Address: Zuma Beach, 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265
Beach Wheelchairs and Contact Information: Beach Wheelchairs are chairs with huge, balloon type of wheels (plastic). They make it very easy to wheel over the sand. Someone does have to push you across the sand, however.
Contact the LIfeguard Headquarters at (310) 457-2525
Parking Cost: Parking costs $4.75 during the winter, $6.00 during the summer months
Activities: Sun, surf, people watch, volleyball, tan, wheel or walk along some of the cliffs along the Malibu coastline
Accessibility: From the parking lot or the boardwalk, there are no wooden paths extending over the sand towards the water. The sand is deep. You will most likely have to call the Lifeguard Headquarters above to make sure there is a Beach Wheelchair available.
Restrooms and Vendors: There are handicap accessible restrooms near the parking lot as well as vendors selling drinks. The restrooms are just off the Bike Path. Be warned that they do not have doors and can be pretty dirty.
Getting There: www.metro.net, www.bigbluebus.com, www.ladottransit.com