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Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.

Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.

The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.

Getting Here

Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.

If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.

*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project