Zuma Beach Malibu Day Trip Pacific Coast Highway

Zuma Beach in Malibu is a beach you don’t want to miss when in Southern California. It has been regularly voted as one of the cleanest beaches in Los Angeles County, and for good reason. The beach boasts three miles of white sand and seasonally warm Pacific water, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists.

Zuma, as it’s known to the locals, is a beach that faces south, making it a popular destination for beachgoers throughout the year, particularly during summer weekends. However, it’s relatively quiet during the week, making it an ideal location for those seeking a tranquil setting to unwind. Zuma’s waves are small but consistent, making it a suitable spot for beginner and experienced surfers and renowned for its west and southwest swells.

Zuma is not only a popular surf spot in Southern California but also a preferred location for fishing, swimming, kite surfing, cycling, and running. During the day, many people come to the Zuma beach boardwalk for a brisk or leisurely ride or run while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze. At Sunset, the path becomes a romantic spot for couples walking hand-in-hand along the sandy seashore.

Serving as the set of the popular TV show Baywatch during the 1990s, Zuma is no stranger to the Hollywood elite and attracts many celebrities living in nearby Malibu.

Zuma is also the home to the annual Malibu Nautica Triathlon, which benefits the Children’s Hospital of LA and is known for drawing celeb participants like Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lopez, and William H. Macy.

Despite being an adult playground, Zuma caters to all ages with amenities like a playground for kids and a wheelchair-accessible walkway.

Malibu Wines

If you have extra time to explore Zuma, enjoying a lengthy lunch at Malibu Wines is highly recommended. You can taste their wines and purchase a bottle to drink at the winery’s picnic tables with a picnic basket. Later, you can stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy dinner at the Reel Inn or Taverna Tony, popular among locals.

The Sunset Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach’s Sunset restaurant is a highly sought-after dining spot at 6800 Westward Beach Road. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Sunset also offers a delectable brunch menu on weekends. It’s worth noting that the restaurant is situated on the roadside, and therefore, parked cars may obstruct the view of the beach. One may dine in the upstairs room by a window to get an uninterrupted view.

Paradise Cove Beach

While not in Zuma Beach, the Paradise Beach Cafe is a must-visit. It’s located in the exclusive Paradise Cove area of Malibu Beach and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The Cafe is mainly known for its seafood dishes – the hot combo platter and iced seafood samplers are especially popular. However, remember that the portions here are pretty large but also expensive.

If you plan to visit Zuma Beach, remember that parking can be a challenge, particularly on busy weekends. There is a large public parking lot, but if you arrive early, you can park for free on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway. If not, you’ll need to use the paid parking lot, which has more than 2,000 spaces. To reach Zuma Beach, drive north for 19 miles on Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu or take a one-hour and fifteen-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.

Nearby Zuma Beach

Point Dume

Point Dume Nature Preserve offers one of the most breathtaking views along the Southern California coastline, with stunning vistas stretching from Malibu to Santa Monica on a clear day.

Neptunes Net Seafood

Since 1958, Neptune’s Net Seafood has been serving fresh seafood at its Malibu Beach location. The restaurant has been featured in numerous movies, including Point Break and The Fast and the Furious.

Southern California Beach Destinations

Malibu Beach Day Trip

Santa Barbara Day Trip