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Usitour
Sightseeing

Leo Carrillo State Beach

📍 Los Angeles · USA
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4.2/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Los Angeles
Category
Sightseeing
Coordinates
34.0450, -118.9350

Introduction

Leo Carrillo State Beach sits along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, stretching about 2.4 kilometers of Southern California's most unspoiled coastline. The park is named for Hollywood actor Leo Carrillo, who advocated for California coastal preservation. Divided into north and south stretches linked by a sea-arch rock formation, the north beach is famous for dramatic sea caves and tide pools where starfish, anemones and hermit crabs appear at low tide; the south beach is popular for surfing and sunbathing. The park also offers camping, hiking trails and equestrian paths that climb the coastal bluffs, making it one of the few South California beaches where you can drive on the sand, ride horseback and camp overnight in one place.

✨ Highlights

1
Sea Caves and Tide Pools
North beach reveals caves and pools at low tide with starfish, anemones and hermit crabs.
2
2.4 km of Wild Coast
One of Southern California's least developed stretches, far from commercial clutter.
3
Surf and Sun
South beach offers steady breaks popular with beginner surfers and sunbathers.
4
Camping and Equestrian Trails
Campground and horseback trails climb the bluffs for a unique experience.
5
Film Location
Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates shot scenes here, a Hollywood favorite.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time：Summer-fall for surfing; low tide for tide pooling
→Getting Here：Drive PCH about one hour from downtown LA
→Facilities：Changing rooms, showers, restrooms, picnic tables; reserve campsites ahead
→Opening Hours：Beach 8:00-sunset; campground 24 hours
→Ticket Information：Day parking about USD 12; camping about USD 45/night

💡 Tips

• Tide pools and caves need low tide; high tide is dangerous. Check NOAA tides before going.
• Strong sun; use high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
• Summer sites fill fast; reserve up to six months ahead via ReserveCalifornia.
• Combine with Zuma Beach, Point Dume and Malibu Pier for a full coastal day.
• Follow local surf etiquette; beginners should stay on the south stretch.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Leo Carrillo State Beach?

Beach 8:00-sunset; campground 24 hours

How much is the admission for Leo Carrillo State Beach?

Day parking about USD 12; camping about USD 45/night

Any practical tips for visiting Leo Carrillo State Beach?

Tide pools and caves need low tide; high tide is dangerous. Check NOAA tides before going. Strong sun; use high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.