6 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Malibu, CA (2024 Update)
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As the saying goes—life’s a beach! This is especially true if you’re in Malibu, CA—a small city in the far western part of Los Angeles. For dog owners, there’s nothing like a day splashing in the waves and relaxing on the sand with your dog, as a canine buddy can bring a lot of extra joy and fun to a day at the beach.
As Malibu is its own incorporated city within the city of LA, there are some rules and guidelines regarding dogs at Malibu beaches that differ from other LA beaches. Please read on to learn more about some dog-friendly beaches all within Malibu proper, as well as specific regulations of each beach listed below.
The 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Malibu, CA
1. Leo Carrillo State Park – Staircase Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 40000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free, but there is a fee for their parking lot |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Clean, well-maintained, quiet
- Family-friendly
- A mix of sand and rockier areas for climbing
2. Leo Carillo State Park – North Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 35000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free lot, and free parking along PCH |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Wide, sandy, hillside trails
- Family-friendly
- Beautiful views
3. Little Dume Beach (Point Dume State Marine Reserve)
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 29208 Cliffside Dr, Malibu, CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No. Dogs are allowed on-leash above mean high tide level, but not below it (i.e., can’t be walked from adjacent beaches) |
- Steep bluffs and views of beach homes
- Frequented by surfers
- Tidepools, live reefs, kelp beds
4. Sycamore Cove Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 9000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free, but there is a fee for the parking lot |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Multi-use area with nature center
- Hiking trails, fishing, camping available
- Picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, fresh water sources
- Sand dunes to climb and sled down
- Lifeguard
5. Thornhill Broome Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free, but there is a fee for the parking lot |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Windsurfing, Kiteboarding
- Campground, Lifeguard, Restrooms, Sand Dunes
- Birdwatching
6. Point Mugu Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 E Pacific Coast Hwy, NAS Point Mugu, CA 93042 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free, but there’s a fee for the parking lot |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Very scenic, human-made rock arch in water
- Sea lions and dolphins often seen offshore
- Picnic tables, grills, restrooms
- Lifeguards on duty in summer
- Hiking trails
- Great bird watching
Final Thoughts
Be mindful of the weather before you set out. Hot, sunny weather can be a health risk for dogs, and hot sand can hurt tender little paws. Bring an umbrella or beach tent to provide a shady respite for you and your dog. Likewise, sunscreen for dogs is absolutely a thing; check with your vet to see if your dog should wear some at the beach. While many of the above beaches offer fresh water sources, you should always pack a bottle of water and collapsible doggie bowl, to be safe.
Always treat dog beaches the same way you’d treat dog parks. Always keep an eye on your dog, clean up after them, and be mindful of their behavior and safety around other dogs.
- You might also like: Is Miramar Beach Dog Friendly? 6 Other Options
Featured Image Credit: Sbolotova, Shutterstock
