Leo Carrillo State Beach: Camping – Day Use – Nearby Attractions

Leo Carrillo State Park is located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. It spans just a mile and a half and is an ideal spot for day trips or overnight Camping. The Park features two sandy beach areas, tide pools, coves, and sea caves. It’s a year-round destination that offers privacy and ocean access for activities such as fishing, diving, surfing, wildlife watching, and a popular campground. The Park is named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for eighteen years.

Hiking at Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park is a paradise for hikers, offering diverse trails catering to all experience levels. From strolls to more challenging climbs, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few options to ignite your hiking spirit:

• Nicholas Flat Trail: This 2-mile loop trail takes you around a coastal ridge and offers stunning ocean views. It’s considered an intermediate hike.
• Willow Creek Trail: Another 2-mile loop trail takes you through a canyon and features a small waterfall. It’s also an intermediate hike.
• Camp 13 Trail: A 0.6-mile easy trail that follows the creek and offers views of the surrounding hills.
• Yellow Hill Fire Road: This 3.0-mile trail is more challenging, with a steep climb and a 1,650-foot elevation gain, and on a clear day, you can see Anacapa, Santa Catalina, and Santa Cruz Islands.

When hiking, it’s important to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and follow all park rules and regulations. Also, remember to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way!

Camping at Leo Carrillo State

The camping area at Leo Carrillo State Beach is conveniently situated inland from the beach in a picturesque canyon with towering sycamore trees. This location offers a perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. There is a small general store in the campground where you can purchase snacks and other items. Here’s a quick summary to assist you in planning your adventure:

• Campsites: Leo Carrillo State Park has 130 campsites, including 46 with electrical hookups. All sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet long.
• Amenities: The campground features hot showers (token-operated), a camp store, and a campfire center. You’ll also find picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
• Best Campsites: Some of the favorite campsites are #21, 37, 38, 40, 41, 44, 54, 55, 56, 57 (which is an accessible site), 59, 125, 131, and 139.
• How Far is the Beach?: The beach area is a 5-10 minute walk from the campground, which is why Camping is so popular here.
• Campground Fees: Standard sites cost $45 per night, while sites with electrical hookups are $60. A hike & bike site is also available for $10 per night.
• Reservations: You can make campsite reservations online at ReserveCalifornia or by calling (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 am and 6 pm. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. You can also have a trailer delivered through Camping Adventures.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Leo Carrillo State Park offers 1.5 miles of pristine coastline. You can relax on the beach or hike to the cliffs for a breathtaking view of the waves below. Visitors may even spot migrating gray whales along the coast from the cliffs and explore tide pools at low tide. A sea cave is located at a rocky point at the lifeguard tower. It’s a perfect spot for exploration, especially during low tide. The cave is accessible from the beach and leads to another hidden beach on the other side. It’s a unique experience that is well worth the visit if you’re in the Malibu area.

Getting to Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Beach is located just north of Zuma on PCH and 28 miles north of Santa Monica. There is no explicit marking except for a brown state beach sign. It’s also one of the few beaches in L. A. that are dog-on-leash friendly. To avoid the crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. This will also give you a better chance of finding parking. Visit the park website.

Nearby Points of Interest

Neptune’s Net Seafood Restaurant

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, Neptune’s menu includes seafood delights, from fried shrimp to grilled salmon. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back; bikers and road trippers can enjoy a meal while enjoying the stunning ocean views and the California sunshine. So, if you’re ever in Malibu craving some delicious seafood, Neptune’s Net is the place to be.

Zuma Beach, California

Remember this: Zuma Beach is a well-known destination in Malibu, California. It’s famous for its wide sandy beach and great surfing conditions. Zuma Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, known for its clean water. Visitors can enjoy amenities like restrooms, restaurants, showers, volleyball nets, and a bus stop. In the 1990s, it served as the set for the popular TV show Baywatch and continues to attract many celebrities living in nearby Malibu.

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