El Matador State Beach Reviews

Great rocks on the beach making this a fun stop views wee fantastic and the beach uncrowded. They were filming a tv show but no issues

This was my fav. beach that I have visited so far close to LA. When we came there weren't too many people around and it was a very pretty nature beach with nice sand and rocks/rock formations and cliffs. I guess this would be a great location for a photo shooting.

This beach is amazing! Its a hiding gem! It was my husband and I's first time in California and we were looking for the best beaches near L.A. We were not disappointed! The beach is beautiful! The natural beauty of this beach attracts people to not only enjoy it swimming but taking pictures as well. During the hour that we were there we saw aspiring models having their pictures taken there, pregnant woman having her maternity pictures taken there, tourists like us, photographers chasing the perfect picture of the sunset and a couple who just eloped taking pictures there with their wedding party.
Next time that we visit CA again, we'll definitely go back but at this time, in the morning because the traffic back to L.A. around 5pm sucks!

We arrived shortly after 8:00. There were only a few people parked in the lot that could probably fit about 60 cars. By the time we got out and paid for parking, 1/3 of the lot was full.

We were just stopping by on our way to Santa Monica to check it out, not to hang out or anything. The beach is small and you could keep your visit under an hour if you wanted.

When we left around 9:15, the parking lot was full, but there looked to be street parking.

Well, from what I could see. There is a steep incline down to the actual beach from where you'll park your car. I did not go all the way down. But what I could see was lovely. If you have children - be very careful!!! But the rock formations are awesome!!

If you want to stop and get on the beach this one fit the bill. Not overly crowded. Did have to park on street but rock formations were very neat.

Simply spectacular views... breathtaking In fact. However parking on the Pacific Coast Highway - if the lot is full... feels like you are playing Frogger. It can be a bit of a treck so keep in mind if you have young kids or elderly folks. The hike up would be demanding for those who have physical struggles or are in bad shape...but if you can handle it please visit - you will see a lot of photographers and wedding couples.

This was a nice beach to visit. Not too crowded, which is probably governed by the amount of parking spots (paid). There is a trail and steep steps to get you down to the beach. Some spots we tight and do not allow for two way people traffic. There is enough sand and some large rock formations that have been carved out by the natural elements.

Wear sturdy sandals! Clean and peaceful! A little crowded but not bad at all. I parked on the street. Google maps sent me to the right location as there are other sets of stairs that are closed. Check tide levels before coming as there may not be a beach!

Absolutely breathtaking! Wish the weather was warmer so we could have went in the water and sunbathed here.

Good view and interesting rock formations along the beach. The biggest detractor for me was that it was kind of dirty and more garbage than I would have like to see. It got my blood pumping going up the stairs to get back to the car and was good exercise.

The beach was very pretty. Today was chilly and little windy so there was a bit nippy. However with sun setting, it was a very pretty. There was very little crowd, because it was windy. This is a wonderful taste of Malibu.

Please take your trash with you. There are portapotty in the parking lot... dirty. So do your business before you get to the park. The lot is small (holds 40 cars max). So best along the East side the PCH.... Watch the traffic before crossing.

Again, take your trash with you!!!! keep our local park clean.

Getting here is not a problem, in spite if the LA traffic. Parking is another story. There is a small - tiny parking for about 20-30 cars, and if you are coming in the afternoon then you are in for a good hike. We had to park on the main highway aproximatelly 1mile from the beach. That wasn't that bad. If you expect this beach to be somewhat "secluded gem" then forget about it. I don't think I saw such crowd on Venice beach. It definitely looks a lot better on pictures then in real life. If you think this is smth special then save the ride and spend some time in Santa Monica beach.

It was part of a Malibu day trip and 1 of the 2 beaches we visited. It is very pretty and different than the idea of a traditional beach with the high rocks it has. To avoid any confusion there is plenty of sand and it is very nice. I will go back and recommend it.

We wish we had brought a blanket to spread out and just enjoy the view. Simply gorgeous and my kids enjoyed going down the path to the beach.

Gosh, I took a zillion images there. But be aware: If you want to shoot professionally there (and that means already bringing professional equipment), you do need a permit by the California Film Commission (as on all other public places).

My fiance and I came here on Sunday morning to take engagement photos. It's a beautiful, unique location! There were a few other photographers there as well taking photos, but it definitely wasn't crowded by any means! We left around 10am, and there were a few more families and photographers arriving, so maybe it gets a little busy in the afternoon? Also, you have to pay for parking by the hour, and it's a little hike to get down to the water. It's definitely worth it!

This is a very unusual beach for SoCal and was fun to see. The other reviewers are correct: parking lot is very small! We didn't luck out and get a spot and traveled north on PCH. Fortunately just past the beach we found some (free) street parking. Also warning, there are port-a-potties. The beach itself is small here, for us it was just a hike down the stairs to walk around a look, about 20-30 minutes total was good for us! The hike down to the beach may not be appealing to some.

It is a gem off the hidden path. its a hike down but it offers you great views. They have a picnic table that you can eat there with the most spectacular views. highly recommend it.

We love this place! The kids wanted a beach that also had tidepools, we saw lots of anemones and even a starfish!

We were driving through Malibu and wanted to catch the sunset. Someone told us El Matador was the beach. We arrived just before sunset and took the steep stairs down to the beach. It was beautiful! The rock formations did not disappoint. There were several professional photographers there doing sunset photo shoots.

We went one afternoon to walk through El Matador after spending all day in Malibu since it is only a few minutes away. We had already seen some photographs of the place but when you look at it from above and start to go down the stairs to the beach you are really entranced by so much natural beauty. This place is ideal for taking beautiful photos with your partner and family. Also beautiful place to spend the day and have a picnic. Must visit if you are near Malibu.

El Matador State Beach is a prize to professional and amateur photographers alike. Very pretty beach with interesting rocks. You can catch a nice sunset there in certain times of the year.

It was 105F in North Hollywood and 75F at El Matador State Beach.
Parking was tight, but we arrived in the afternoon as some people were leaving, so 10 minutes wait got us a parking spot in the lot.
The beach is beautiful with rock formations making for a more interesting and varied visit than the normal sandy beaches in the area.
It's not great for swimming, but playing in the waves and sand was good enough for us.

Lots of couples come to this beach for their wedding photos because of the beautiful sandstone rock formations. Also parking is cheap and street parking is free. Stairs required to navigate to get down to the beach so you better be strong if you have an ice chest in tow.

Really cool place to spend some time but not an all day thing. We stopped by driving the coast from LAX so it was a cool stopping point to chk out the views, the ocean, rocks and caves. Great pics opps

Very long hike to get down and then back up to the beach nevertheless it was worth it.
The Rocks, the Water, the Sand, Just a Perfect place to Take a Picture

I used to enjoy an occasional trip to this beach. Since it's rocky, it isn't great for swimming or bodyboarding, but it is scenic and used to be quiet. But that all seems to have changed since the masses discovered it. It's almost impossible to park anymore, and most of PCH nearby is marked by no parking signs, and I heard they ticket there. The steep path down to the beach is now strewn with trash. It makes me furious that people would come to this beautiful place and leave dirty diapers all over the place. I wanted to walk amongst the rocks and tide pools, but there were so many people with their selfie sticks, that it's not even enjoyable to do that here anymore. I was getting glared at by the people taking selfies (not to mention those in line to take their own selfies)! Makes me so sad what has happened to this little spot that was like paradise 15 years ago.

Not much parking - but if you can get a spot - stay for 1-2 hours - really nice to walk around in the water - nice birds etc. Beautiful

It's a quiet beach and not much crowded. Good place to just chill out with family or SO.

PS: Bring your own mat if you come because it's a little dirty.

Pros: usually not crowded, great views, away from the public beaches. Cons: decent drive into Malibu, very short walk from one side to the other, and if there are crowds, it feels more crowded. Worth a quick trip though!

I’m born in Hollywood and have been to every beach in Southern California. Lately every beach I’ve been to... from Long Beach to Oxnard, I’m left with tar stains on my feet! It’s for sure tar as you can smell it! Takes forever to wash it off as you have to use an oil and scrubber to get it off. It’s very sticky and thick. Disgusting!

Earlier this year, I traveled along the Great Ocean Road from outside of Melbourne to The Twelve Apostles in Victoria. While that place is unique and amazing, it reminded me a lot of the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the beautiful beaches there like Leo Carrillo and El Matador State Parks. Getting to El Matador Beach requires a descent down two long sets of stairs but it’s worth the trip. Once down there, you will see beautiful rock formations and scenery. The place is simply breathtaking and is my favorite picturesque beach in the Los Angeles area.

Fantastic picture spot - tide pools - not good for boogie boarding, if that's your interest.

Parking in the lot is about $8 for the day. Free parking along PCH, but then you have to run across the street so be very careful.

We stopped here after lunch and didn't make it down to the beach but the view from above were so awesome. Really enjoyed just sitting and listening to the ocean and the birds.

After seeing all of these great reviews, we decided to check it out yesterday. The parking lot was full, so we parked on the PCH, somehow missing the No Parking sign. $125 ticket to go to the beach, and we were nearly run down by cars trying to cross the highway, as there is no cross walk. It's a steep cliff and very challenging to access the beach. We ended up doing more beach clean up, than sunbathing, thanks to the ridiculous amounts of litter left on the beach. Zuma is way better, also Point Dune, safe access, better parking and NO Tickets. Save yourself the headaches, trust me.

This beach is stunning. The formations of the rocks, the cliffs, and the waves all together just make it. It's also a very interesting scene as there are many models, photographers, wedding photos, painters, etc. When in Malibu this beach is a must in my opinion. Zuma beach is also amazing but if your looking for a smaller and quiet beach atmosphere this is definitely a go to.

When I make it out to the beach I like it to be a simple process.
This beach is located off a very fast moving highway, looking for the entrance can be difficult while zooming along PCH.

There is a fee to park in the lot and free to park on the street. I never did like parking on the street, the cars zoom by quickly making me feel unsafe walking along the side of the road.

The beach is tiny, and when the tide is high, it just about disappears. It has become more and more crowded every year and it is noticeable by the trash left behind.
This beach is low on my list of beaches to visit. There are too many variables that do not make it worth my drive anymore.

This beach was really hyped up a lot to me, and even though I really enjoyed the short hike down and the beautiful rocks/caves by the ocean, it was extremely crowded. I don't think I got a single good picture here because there were people crammed in every cave and place possible. Parking was also rough, and I witnessed a very loud verbal parking dispute in the parking lot. I read that Instagram and social media in general has taken away the solitude this place once had, and I think that could definitely be true.

That being said, maybe going on a day that's not so hot and no one else has the same idea would be a better time! It was scenic and beautiful, I only wish it wasn't so crowded. I only stayed for maybe 10-15 mins max here.

One of the most beautiful beach in South Los Angeles, California. One destination to add in your bucket list.

El Matador has some of the coolest rocks and caves right up to the ocean. The kids were exploring and crawling in and out of crevices as the tide went out. There were lots of anemones in the rocks and mussels galore. Just when you think you’ve reached the end of the beach, you can shimmy around another rock and find a whole beach waiting to be explored! Sadly, you can see where the fires came right to the cliff edge here.

Parking is limited, and you pay by machine either by the hour ($3) or for the whole day ($10)(enter your license plate). Yes, they do come around to check!

There is a moderately steep walk down that comes to a bunch of stairs to the beach. (Maybe 3-5 minute walk down) Know your abilities...if you get down, you need to be able to get back up!

Be aware, this place is photo shoot central, so there will be professional photographers snapping pictures of clothing models, wedding parties, or whatever all over this gorgeous backdrop.

Never a big crowd. There is always a spot from which entire beach seems to be just yours, but try to come during the week and you likely will be the only person there.

Great beach, great nature, not too crowded wham arriving early; fantastic views. Attention - you have to pay for the parking (limited in time) and there is little space available. Rocks, d'un, ses ans ICE cold water!!!

Considering the name Malibu, we had to take a trip out to see the area and experience it for ourselves. I must say that I found this beach to offer beautiful scenery and views of the area. Great place to spend the day.

As a photographer I wanted to find some
hidden gems for taking sunset photos and happened to get this recommendation so we decided to try it out.

The amount of photographers coming in as we arrived told me it was definitely the place to be.

We got our photos and what an experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing photo location.

I wouldn't recommend for spending day of swimming with all of the rock however.

THEEE most amazing beach of all time. Arrive early for a good parking spot - it's $10 for all day, and you'll want to stay. Get stocked up on snacks/coffee at the small shopping plaza nearby & set up camp for the whole day. What a beautiful place to take pictures. Not too crowded because it's a hidden gem. There are locals & tourists alike...plenty of space for everyone. Lots of professional photoshoots happen in early AM & later in the evening for sunset.

My sister & I were visiting from MI and wanted a stereotypical California beach & this delivered + MORE! Malibu itself is incredibly beautiful...and this beach is absolutely stunning. One of those situations where every step you take you want to take a new picture because it just gets even more beautiful.

All kinds of people were here - families, small children, teenagers, middle-aged -- it's perfect for anyone & everyone. The walk down is definitely steep & there are many steps...the way back up definitely makes you huff & puff a little....so make sure you're aware of this!

Incredible....I will let my photos do the rest of the convincing for you ;)

Nice little beach not too crowded. We just took a break from driving to get our feet wet. it was fun.

El Matador State Beach in Malibu is a stunning hidden gem with dramatic cliffs and beautiful sea stacks. Accessing the beach requires navigating a steep set of stairs, which can be challenging but is worth the effort. Once down, you’ll find a serene atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and exploring tide pools. The beach is relatively small, and the water can be deep with strong currents, so caution is advised. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot for breathtaking views and a relaxing escape!

so glad we visited here, it was a cloudy Sept day but that didn't stop us getting some wonderful photos and ever lasting memories of this beach. A special place along the PCH - well worth a look. imagine it would be even better at sunrise / sunset

It is a Beautiful beach in Malibu. The amazing rock formations, the tide pools, uncrowded, clean, the flowers and greenery, the people watching, the waves everything makes this beach a must visit.

Don't understand how this beach has gotten such a good rating. I went this weekend, and my toddler stepped on a hypodermic needle. There are a lot of IV drug users and homeless that camp out here. The bathrooms are horrible. To top it all off, I got a parking ticket! The parking lot is ALWAYS full, and like everyone else I parked on the PCH. The entire row of cars, along with mine, got $125 parking tickets! The trail down to the beach is also extremely dangerous, last month my cousin sprained his ankle in the rut that has formed from the rains last winter. Point Dume is right down the road and is such a nice place, don't waste your time at Matador.

El Matador Beach and its neighbors are beautiful beaches. It was so fun to spend time (finally) in Malibu. After the beach we visited the Village Grocer and ate lunch nearby. Definitely a fun day!

It’s a small beach in Malibu. Right before Leo Carrillo beach. Very small parking lot for which you have to pay for the whole day. But if it is full, people park on the street on pch. If the tide is high, there is no sand for beaching. But if you get there when tide is low, you get to enjoy an amazing beach with beautiful rock formations. A lot of photo shoots take place there...

It was over 15 years since I went there before last week and it sure was different. It still has probably the best panaramic view of Malibu (maybe even S, oCal)....BUT this is NOT a beach you go to to have a beach day. I am writing this because I saw so many people bringing umbrellas and volleyballs and large groups trying to lay out. This is not that type of beach. It is very short and disappears at high tide; it has a lot of rocks so laying out is uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there is now a lot of trash and parking is difficult. This is a place to go for a nice 20 minute beach walk and take some pictures. Even the surf is rough and kelpy so no good for kids. If you want a beach day, go a mile down to Zuma beach or down to the Malibu pier where you can see some good surfing and get a meal near by.

I was born and raised in southern CA. This is one of my favorite beaches in the Los Angeles Area. I prefer coming at low tide so that I can walk from El Matador to Lechuza Beach. But any time is a great time to go.

Beautiful beach to stay for an hour or the day. Parking is limited but available on road if not in the lot. No services available except port-o-potties. Two long sets of stairs and uneven paths of dirt down to the beach so not accessible if you have mobility issues. But absolutely gorgeous stretch of sand, beautiful rock formations, and the water was pristine. Highly recommended!

I love coming here to feel the crisp wind in my hair <3 It was a little less crowded back in the day but still a good spot.

beautiful views and beach. small but gorgeous. easy to get to. great for taking pictures. another gem along the PCH

It used to be fairly quiet even on weekends and now it's turned into a selfie taking backdrop. You can't walk more than 10 feet without having some idiot bump into you because they're staring at themselves on their phone. You might even have to wait to go any further as full photo production crews take up giant portions of the beach. It's sad.

We spent the day at El Matador and were not disappointed. Parking lot is small ($10 pay and display) so get there early. We arrived at 11:30 to get the last spot.

The walk down is a bit tricky - the path at the beginning appears to be under construction with a bulldozer and lots of dirt. Definitely wouldn't pass health and safety in Canada.

Beautiful rocks once you get down on the beach. Lots of great places to take pics.

Beach is clean (it was rough when we went so there was lots of dried seaweed, a few lost shoes).

You'll find beautiful seascapes at El Matador, but beware...parking is limited in the metered lot and there are steps to the beach-LOTS of steps!
Beach is small (most people go there just to take pics) and can get crowded with everything from film crews to families. Definitely worth a stop to see some of the most beautiful seascapes California has to offer.

If you need a place to walk, sit and watch the tides roll in, El Matador is a great place. The park offers paid parking, and you can always park on the PCH for free. There are lots of rock formations, and if you're into people watching, there's always a photo shoot going on.

Lived next door to this beach for 10 years on encinal bluffs. Best part of the beach is to the right down in front of encinal bluffs. Walk in to caverns and caves and come out the otherside on semi private encinal bluffs beaches.

Though parking is a bit treacherous along the highway due to the lack of space in the lot, this free beach was really lovely. A bit crowded as there is not so much room between the rocky cliffs and the sea, it's fun to walk through the rocks in the sea. We were surprised by the huge amounts of massive seaweed on the day we went, wrapping around our ankles, but the waves were great.

Truly a beautiful beach to spend a few hours exploring. I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who has difficulty walking or going up and down steps as you have to walk down very steep steps to get down to the beach. But otherwise this beach is definitely a must!

This is a lovely beach but it's always packed which takes the enjoyment away. Nice place to see the sunset.

Finally made it to El Matador on this visit. Definitely worth the trip. Very beautiful place. We loved it, even with the late morning fog. Definitely would go back. Lovely beach and area.

A beautiful beach! We came to walk on the beach and hear the ocean sounds and watch the waves come crashing in. Saw a couple of starfish and at least one crab. Enjoyed walking around and through the caves/tunnels.

The day was cool and overcast so I wished that we had dressed a little warmer - we arrived around 8:30am and stayed a couple of hours. It did warm up some and I enjoyed walking in the surf.

The beach was almost empty.

There are quite a few stairs/steep decline down from the parking lot - no problem for us but just want to make others aware just in case it would be for them.

There was a row of porta-potties in the parking lot - disgusting as usual but a welcome relief at the same time!

At one point as we walked far down the beach (not into the area that was posted as private but at the opposite end) there was a "security" person there that said that some filming was going to be happening and that we needed to move out of that area. No idea if this was legit or a common occurrence but we moved back the other way.

Arriving just after the beach opened we were able to get a parking spot right where we wanted to be.

I love El Matador for a couple reasons. First, it's a bit further north in Malibu so it's never as busy as the beaches further south. Second, it's a bit more secluded and feels like it's for people more in the know! Finally, it gives an excuse for a nice drive down the PCH to get there.

I don't usually find a beach worth a review, but this one is for sure worth the stop!

El Matador State Beach has become a very popular destination for everyone from photographers to adventurers looking for more than the standard, lazy day, sandy beach experience.

What was once perhaps the best kept secret in Malibu, is now a crowded little strip of a beach - even on a mid week winters afternoon. Still, if you're a local who has yet to visit our a visitor front out of town, you must see what all the fuss is about at El Matador Beach.

Amazing rock formations? Check.
Beautiful seaside cliff views? Check.
Wonderfully adventurous seacaves? Oh Yes!

As a hobbyist photographer I'm a little disappointed the secret is out but, everyone needs too see this place. Do yourself a favor. If you ever find yourself anywhere near Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, make absolutely certain to stop and see El Matador State Beach. You will not regret it.

limited parking, crowded (for some reason the young gang-bangers have latched onto this place), and a treacherous dirt trail down to the beach. once you get to the sand, it's kind of just another beach. porta-potties are like ovens and a bit gross. there are better choices in malibu.

Great views all over with huge oceanic rocks and caves. Definitely a place to take great pictures and appreciate nature. Highly recommend a weekday visit, can be too crowd on weekends. Its incredible.

It was pretty overcast when we visited, misting rain, and we didn't get to see any of the cool caves or peep holes in the rocks due to the weather and tides, but it was still a nice beach to visit. Like others said, a little walk and lots of stairs down from the parking lot, so be prepared. It was pretty deserted when we visited.

Beautiful beach. To get down to the shore is rocky and sandy. The views are lovely and offer some amazing photo ops.

El Matador State Beach is a must see if in the LA/Malibu area. Located right off of the PCH, After some great views from just past the parking lot, it's just a short hike down a series of steps to the beach. The rock formations and the cliffs are so picturesque and need to be seen in person. Great place to have a picnic or enjoy some surf.

We stopped for an hour before dinner based on other reviews. $3 per hour parking or $10 for the day. Not very much parking. Loved the views with the rock formations, must be a wedding picture spot as two brides/grooms were there taking pictures. It is a few steps to get down to the beach and in two spots there were steps.

We were on a coastal road trip and stopped just for a couple of hours this is an amazing beach to visit.

Without a doubt a most beautiful and charming beach. However, the weekend visitors leave such an abhorrent mess that that's all you see. I feel bad for the state workers who have to deal with the incessant garbage week after week. Also, the parking is limited so one is forced to park on the very busy Hwy 1. You're better off traveling a few miles further north to one of the other beautiful Malibu beach nooks. Otherwise, bring a trash bag and help us keep this beautiful spot beautiful.

This beach was not meant to handle the crowds that it draws. Legitimate parking is extremely limited, so by parking illegally you risk getting a ticket (those "no parking" signs aren't just for show), plus I've seen so many people crossing the huge highway without even paying attention to the traffic whizzing by them. No wonder people have been getting killed! Do yourself a favor and visit a beach where you don't have to cross PCH to get to it.

Beautiful day at the beach . Water is cold, waves are not to crazy. Nice road , beautiful views. Not so easy access, steep hill. Chemical bathrooms. Free parking if u park on the highway.

I only had a small amount of time before work to check out this beach. I was able to find parking for free on PCH and had no trouble walking down to the entrance. The view is beautiful. You can walk along the top or you can take the steps down to the beach to view the rocks. There were plenty of people there to relax on the beach. I didn't have the right beach clothes so I just took the steps down and walked on the hard sand to take some beautiful photos. I did go on Labor Day weekend and it was not that busy. The breeze feels amazing and you have an amazing view of the whole coast from the top.

Spectacular views there and it is a peaceful beach to relax and take Instagram photo-worthy moments at.

An interesting beach, great rock formations and plenty of photo ops.
Pay to park in the lot and it fills up, you can park on PCH.
Toilets by the parking lot.
A decent walk down to the beach.
Would recommend.

Well down below street level with some steep stairs and paths. Ocean carved rocks and caves with plenty of room to spread out.

Definitely worth the visit! Pay a little to park and enjoy the steep descent to the waters edge where land meets water in random outcroppings scattered along the shores edge. Great for families and romantic for couples. Don’t advise for elderly due to steep descent but they can enjoy magnificent views from parking lot.

To be honest..I thought it was going to be more spectacular. If is true is cute...its very touristic and kind of not clean and parking is almost impossible so..it you are passing by I would stop..otherwise don't bother. But I guess sunsets could be cool.

This may be the most extraordinary beach in Malibu. The rock formations on the shore give the beach the look of some parts of Cabo or Barbados.

I was SO disappointed by El Matador! Not only is there VERY limited legal parking (and BOY do they love to hand out the parking tickets!), the beach itself is small, way too crowded, and the steep cliff walk down and back was actually too much for someone in my party. Plus, there's so much litter!

To make it worse, people drive like maniacs on that stretch of road. I just read that this year alone three pedestrians have been killed crossing to This Beach from their illegal parking spaces.

So many better beaches, so much closer to home.

My family (2 adults and 2 children) spent a week in LA for spring break. One night after dinner we stopped here for a sunset walk. The beach is breathtaking and unique. Highly recommend.

I am so glad I did some research and found this beach to visit on our trip to Malibu. The sights are spectacular and lots of great photo ops with the different rock formations. It was fun to wade in the water and find shells between the waves washing in. It was a bit of a trek coming back up the stairs and hills in 30+ degree heat, but definitely well worth it.

I love this beach but be prepared for lots of people on weekends especially in warm months. It is a very popular place for photo shoots so you will be sharing the space with a variety of professional and amateur photographers. Fun to explore at low tide when you can keep walking around and through arches in rocks

Easy to find and a bit difficult to get to. A very steep slope with many stairs. We didn't go to enjoy the beach, but only to view. And the views were incredible. If you go for the day, bring refreshments, but not a big cooler. It is tough to get up and down the cliff. Plenty of free parking and a small lot you can pay to be in. Bring a camera.

For those who love the sea this is a beautiful beach
For all tastes, thanks to the cliff the sound of the sea is great and relaxing

Matador State Park/Beach is about as peaceful as they come. One reviewer complained about seaweed on the beach. Well duh....it's on the Pacific Ocean. Easily strollable, the serenity is overwhelming, in spite of the sea weed.

Before heading here, you should know this beach is hard to get to. You have to climb down several flights of stairs and a somewhat precarious stretch of trail on the side of a cliff to get to the water. There are picturesque vistas on the way down, but I would opt for blankets and a thermal bag over beach chairs and a cooler if I was going again. We went around noon on a holiday weekend and it was packed, but we still felt like we had a nice spot to ourselves. We picked a spot near the cliff and luckily so because when the tide started coming in a lot of people closer to the water started losing their stuff. Overall, it was a great place to spend the day.

Must Do!!! The drive is worth it, the horrible parking is worth it and the view you will never forget!!! There are picnic tables at the top you can view the cliffs and people down below. There are steps down and areas that you can stop and breathe if you aren’t the most athletic. View from the bottom is amazing too. If you see a sunset it’s beautiful and then once the parking lot closes at sunset drive to the left and then right up the hill and find another lookout point where the sunset will take you’re breath away. See all my pics to see what I’m talking about.

Beautiful nature , great for photography , not overly crowded and the rock structures make it so unique. Loved our visit here.

We took Route 23 to this Beach from the Simi Valley area. What a ride! Twists and turns on a narrow road. There is a small parking lot that you pay at the machine (bring your plate number!). Nice places to take photos just beyond the parking lot. But I agree that it is not an easy beach to get to -- as there are numerous stairs. The tide was strong but the rock structures are worth it. One resembled a dragon's head to us. Fun stop!

this beach was once a lovely haven, but over the years has been turned by humans and their animals into one massive litterbox. add the threat of parking tickets to the pain, and leo carrillo beach suddenly sounds like a much saner alternative after all.

Well worth the drive from LA. The scenery and beaches around this area are stunning and very picturesque.

This beach was absolutely beautiful! It was easy to find and parking was not a problem as long as you get there before noon. The views from the cliff going down to the beach area was spectacular!

This beach is beautiful and very important to people who live in Malibu as are all of our beaches. This beach has no "life guard", no food service, and no easy access to the bathrooms. They are at the top of a step hill/walk way. There is limited parking in the lot and it costs to park. Get there early as parking on PCH can not only be dangerous, you will get ticketed and/or towed. People who go there and throw trash, urinate everywhere, and don't respect the wildlife all in the name of a selfie should just stay way. So others who have respect and want to see an amazing part of malibu can enjoy it. The homes on the beach there do have legal beach rights and you are not allowed under the homes or in front of them so keep in mind the public part of this beach is not big.

If you go early enough, you can park on the street (on the PCH) and walk in and save about $10-12.00 daily parking rate. better to go early morning or late in the afternoon to catch the best light. there is a steep but short climb down to the beach. many beach goers arrive early to catch a great spot to stay for the day.

Your length of stay depends on what you are visiting the beach. If you are taking pictures this can be easily done within 2-3 hours depending on the time of day, before either the lighting gets too harsh or too dark. If hanging out on the beach, to swim or sunbathe, depends on each individual person and how long they want to stay.

There is no food here so you have to bring your own liquids and food.

Great beach and less populated than Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice.

This beach / cove kept popping up in social media as the number 1 place to see and now I see why. The sand, rocks, waves, Cliffside and setting make it one of the most stunning places I have ever seen.
Nike were even doing a photo shoot here at the time we visited.
Parking is around $3 an hour.

Hands-down favorite beach to visit for beautiful sand and rock formations! Small but affordable parking area (may have to wait for a space) atop an overlook to El Matador Beach. Following a climb down a series of steep stairs, the beach had many beautiful rocks to climb through and around. There were two or three photo shoots happening in the hour or so amount of time we visited. It was very unique and rather different than the massive beaches (beautiful also) to the south near Santa Monica.

Extraodinary beach! Beautiful view!
Be careful with the rocks. Not so good for swimming. It is the most beautiful beach in the coast

Crowded, not good for kids due to rocks and beach was more trashed than I would have believed. Parking is a total nightmare. We ended up on PCH and the traffic speeding by while trying to talk to the beach entry is very dangerous. There are other beaches in Malibu that are a much better beach experience.

If you want a place for beautiful photographs, this is it. It is a small beach, lots of rocks in the water, but a nice sandy area on shore. Stays busy - even at sunset. Not readily accessible for small children or people with mobility issues- there are many steep steps to make it down below from the small parking area.

3.00 to park for a hour, $10 all day. Nice view! Very steep and tiring walk back to the car. Make sure you have time to walk slowly. Beautiful place to take photos and relax before a flight and wasn't very crowded. It didn't look like a good place to swim because of the many rocks.

This beach is beautiful but me and my boyfriend will never go past a certain poitn again. We became curious and decided to go further and we lost track of time and ended up getting stranded because the tides were really strong and high. We got stuck in a cave and the water kept knocking me against the rocks and I hit my head a few times and got a bunch of cuts everywhere. Me and boyfriend could have drowned if we didnt escape the cave. My point is dont go far if you are expecting to be at the beach for awhile, privacy is nice but being alive is much more important.

Great beach. Went on a weekday so it wasn't too crowded. Lots of stairs with a little one and beach gear. But if youcan pare down it is beautiful.

This is the place to be to catch that California sunset.
Just a little warning:
There are a fair amount of stairs to actually get down to the beach from the parking lot.

This was a worthwhile hike down the hill for all the beautiful pictures and rock formations! Very picturesque!

The views here cannot be beat! Worth the torturous stairs that you have to hike to get out. There's parking and a restroom but it is up those stairs...

This is a great beach for photos. In fact, the two times I've been there, I've seen multiple professional photo shoots happening (with models). There are beautiful rock formations, a nice stretch of open beach, and amazing ocean views. The beach can get crowded on weekends. There is a small parking lot with a kiosk for printing parking passes. I think the day-rate is $8, and you have to enter the license plate number of your car. This must be to prevent people from passing the parking ticket onto the car that takes their spot when they leave. Also be advised that there is a semi-steep dirt path that leads down to a wooden stairway to the beach. I would not recommend this beach for anyone that has mobility issues.

A nice beach with beautiful view and easy access from the cliffs. Parking is paid and a bit overpriced. It is also pretty crowded with tourists.

Easy to miss but a must-see! The view is what you come for, the beach is why you stay (if accessible and you're prepared for the walk down there). It's no wonder this is a favorite spot for so many photo shoots.

Very scenic but
---> NOT a good swimming beach. The waves crash onto hidden rocks which makes swimming in the water very treacherous.
---> The descent to the beach is not for feeble people.
---> Even at low tide there is very little dry sand to sit on.
---> There are no showers.

This site is more like a nature hike, it is not a typical visit to a beach.

If you want to swim at the beach try, for example, Zuma Beach nearby.

I spend a lot of time in Malibu. As a local to Los Angeles, I can say I've seen multiple people declared dead on the side of the road here. Very dangerous spot to park, and it tends to get extremely crowded. Better places both up and down the coast that are much less frequented.

I was there in September driving from LA to Santa Barbara and read online this was a great beach to see. This was so picturesque and worth the trip to see. There is a bit of a walk down the hill but worth it.

I visited in the morning (around 9:30am), it was beautiful! You follow the sandy trail toward the beach, then once you turn the corn and see the stairs... It's amazing to see how those huge rock formations and somewhat romantic, movie-scene like beach that was rather private. There are a couple sets of stairs, but the scenery makes up for it.

Huge rock formations on the beach make even for more scenery and privacy, perfect place for photography or swimming (I swam and was only able to go about thigh deep, with unpredictable waves). Waves vary drastically in height from barely none to the kind that knock you over, even thigh deep, but it was still great! I step in something, though that was sticky (maybe it was tar); it still didn't dampen my experience.

My dad just stayed just before the first set of stairs (and you can still see the beach and rock formations, too). Scurry among the rocks behind you are rare lizards (see photo), we saw these same lizards on Point Dume.

This place is fascinating. Plenty to explore. The hill going down is quite steep. Make sure to have good shoes on. There are many awesome picture spots. There are caves and beautiful rocks along the beach shore. Absolutely recommend!

Beautiful and scenic! Got there early to avoid parking crowds and very glad for that! Use caution as I stepped in a few tar balls which was horrible. Left sticky and covered in black tar. There are no rinse off areas either so your car will get full of sand and tar unfortunately.

Loved this beach. We arrived close to sunset and thoroughly enjoyed our walk and the view of the ocean and rocks. There were other people but not a huge crowd, which was nice. There is a $3 fee and parking can be a little tricky. I think we were fortunate to not have to wait too long.

We traveled to this beach on a weekday, late morning and it was low tide. There were some people, but not crowded at all. Although we were unable to, this is a great place to bring a blanket and just relax with a picnic basket. The scenery is gorgeous!! (For those with mobility issues, there are steep steps that can be slippery to access the beach from our location.)

My husband and I recently drove PCH on our honeymoon and this was our favorite beach along the way. Stunning views. Beautiful rocks/cliffs. We went during the week so it wasn't crowded at all!

There is cliff top parking and a steep walk down. Difficult to get parking at both places. There are no facilities on the beach, just a toilet by the car park. Beautiful rock formations on the beach and the sea is more gentle. Sunset View is Good

We drove up the PCH and stopped here for a bit to explore. There is paid parking but there are about 30-40 spots which fill up real quick. You can park on the highway for free and walk over. This is not a good spot for folks with mobility issues. There are lots of stairs and the stairs are covered with sand.

Beautiful beach though with some stunning rock formations.

My friends (who are California natives) and I opted not to go to beaches dominated by tourists but rather this one located 20-30 minutes further away from Malibu and we were not disappointed.

The beach and the surrounding areas were truly stunning!

We visited El Matador beach for sunset and it was absolutely gorgeous. There were definitely other people there, but I wouldn't consider it "crowded." There is a parking lot that is cheap and easily accessible directly off of the 101. You will need to walk down a long set of steep stairs to access the beach, so I wouldn't consider this accessible for people in wheel chairs or those with trouble walking or climbing stairs.

This is my favorite beach because of how secluded and picturesque it is. You have to hike down quite a bit to get to it and I love that part. Also leaving the beach is pretty much uphill so if you have mobility issues this may not be the beach for you. The views are definitely worth the drive!

El Matador is one of three beaches that make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It is the only section I visited and there were a few other people there. While the website states there is parking along PCH, I didn’t find any (lots of no parking signs on both sides of the road), so instead I paid to park in the beach lot. The parking lot is in need of a little work, so drive slow. I almost bottomed out my rental going over this one bump. This area of the coast is mainly cliff. I took the first set of stairs down to a lower level and walked down to the other set of stairs which leads to the beach. The water level was high and the beach had a lot of debris in it from the storm. I was mainly impressed with the rock formations and the plants growing along the cliff. It was a pretty place to visit and well worth a stop.

Sure, El Matador is very pretty. But it is small and not really meant to take on the crowds that go there now. The parking lot fills up almost immediately, even on weekdays. And don't even think about parking on PCH as most of it is marked No Parking. Trust me, you will get a ticket. Also, factor in that that stretch of PCH is very dangerous. I've witnessed multiple accidents there. As an alternative, I recommend Point Dume to the south or Leo Carrillo to the north.

The beaches on the east and gulf coast don't have the awesome rock formations. This is a great beach for photos and looking for sea life.

There is a pay machine for parking. It was $8 when we were there.

Walking rugged terrain and lots of stairs are required to access the beach. We wore sneakers to better navigate our way up and down.

There are a lot of beaches in California, but this one must not be overlooked. Just off the Pacific Coast Highway is the entrance. I would recommend going during the week as parking is limited to 20 spots. There’s a pay station to pay for parking. The first hour is 3.00 and 10.00 for all day. There’s 5 port-o-potties at the entrance to the beach. There is a bit of a decline trail followed by two sets of stairs that lead down to the beach. There are lots of photo opportunities here as the view is simply amazing. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful beach!

Crowded but stunning! Nice stop for sightseeing while in Malibu. Rock formations were very pretty!!!

This beach is a one time and done type of place...park on hwy 1 or get lucky finding a spot in the parking lot like we did ($10 for the day or $3 an hour). Hike down a few stairways and you arrive at a narrow beach area full of people with huge rock formations and cave like areas to get cool pics. SO MANY PEOPLE though...and when the tide starts to come in around 4pm the beach area gets even smaller and everyone crowds on top of everyone and it's just very strange. Literally had a space for 2 beach chairs and a blanket out front and people just piled on top of us when the water started rising. The trash left on the beach was atrocious and so sad. We saw 2 lifeguards and 2 sheriff deputies patroling this beach and they were handing out tickets! Unlike most beaches in the area you can't have alcohol or pets on this beach. You will get a ticket! The beach is so small it's good that no pets are allowed as I watched a dog do his business on one of the only open patches of sand there was. The police were soon on their case b/c again dogs are NOT allowed! The music is loud and people of obnoxious on this beach. I just don't recommend it other than to go, see the rocks, get your picture and get out. Don't hike down with all your gear and set up shop for the day...it will not be enjoyable. Try Point Dume or Zuma for a more realistic beach experience.

Just happened on this beach while roaming around Malibu one afternoon. Favorite features: the rock formations, the tide pools, uncrowded, clean, the flowers and greenery, the people watching, the waves.

Get a good view of the Sunset from the top. Trek down to the beach for a stroll. Lots of photo shoots happening so you know it is good for photo opportunities. It has a parking lot else one can park on the shoulder of PCH.

We visited by recommendation of hotel concierge and were not disappointed! Beautiful beach area with plenty of rock formations for exploring. We actually went to Zuma after and wanted to go back to El Matador because it protected you from the wind and you can find some shade when needed! Totally worth the small trek up and down the cliff side.... the stairs are in good condition. Thanks El Madator for a great day!!!

I've been here multiple times in the past and never had an issue until recently. The pockets of tar in the beach are terrible. I didn't even notice until I got back to my car. It was all over my sandals and my friends feet! Watch your step!

We lucked out and were able to find parking and yes there are lots of stairs but it is very worth the trip! This is a beautiful beach with amazing rocks and all kinds of areas to explore! We saw dolphins in the distance as soon as we arrived and the kids had fun watching the seagulls, pelicans and crabs!

I've been out to Malibu four times and this was my first visit to El Matador Beach. It was beautiful! Great scenery and the rock formations were fabulous! Go for a walk! Great place for pictures! Good hiking up and down the hill. Very steep so take shoes! Rocky path but good workout!

Dangerous and dirty beach. El matador was beautiful 15-20 years ago but no longer. Parking is impossible and pedestrians are getting killed running across 4 lanes of 55+mph traffic. Massive crowds descending on a tiny littered beach with filthy port a potties. Avoid this beach. There are much better beaches to visit.

There are many beaches to stop at between LA and Malibu, but thanks to the photos on Trip Advisor, I selected this one -- I'm glad I did! The views were gorgeous, and it actually took my breath away. After coming from the flat sandy beaches of Venice and Santa Monica, I thought the rock formations were absolutely stunning. If you have just 20 minutes, pull off the highway and take a look -- you'll be glad you did!

This is a beautiful quiet and small beach with picturesque rock formations. It's $3 for one hour parking, and $10 for the day (make sure to get your license plate # before you go to the meter). Some people recommended to park on the street to avoid paying fees. The walk from the parking lot was short on a sandy downhill path and then some stairs.

My husband and I stayed in Santa Monica for an anniversary trip and decided on our actual anniversary to drive to Malibu. We found El Matador State Beach and stopped. It was beautiful and we loved the views as well as the caves! Lots of steps and steep hills to go up and down though so make sure you have the right pair of shoes!

I was driving from Northern California to Southern California on the Coast waiting for my designer to meet me with some new idea's.I had to stop because I knew she left me roses by the shore.This is a must see El Matador State Beach maybe my friend will leave her family home for 2 days so we can finish our sweet romance.This is a place you need to see at least once in your life.-Anthony

Wonderful Beach nestled between multi million-dollar homes. When the tide comes in it does crash right up against the Rocks. So Beautiful to they were people taking wedding photos there on the day we visited. Even if parking is crowded there tends not to be a crowd at the beach. Highly recommended for a much less crowded alternative to Venice Beach or Santa Monica.

Spectacular views from up high and even better when you go down all those steps to the sand. Waves pounding, gulls flying, rocks holding firm. Worth it for those sites alone. I went on a Friday and there happened to be two photo shoots with lovely models underway on the beach. Just an added attraction!

After reading all reviews on how crowded it become, we decided to go early on Sunday morning, yet the parking lot is full hence it's a small lot. You have to went down on stairs to reach the beach from the parking lot. I won't suggest this place for people with knee problem or at old age who can't climb. I saw many people struggling with their coolers, tents, etc. It's not a good idea to bring heavy stuffs. No Pets! So please make sure don't bring your fluffy friend. Watch for No parking sign on the streets, we saw many cars were ticketed on our way back to our car. We parked on the street that is designated for parking.

If you want some amazing Malibu photo opportunities, head to this beach about 1 hour before sunset. It is legit gorgeous! You do have to pay to park, but it's only $3 I think for an hour. Definitely recommend!

The best Malibu beach for photos and sunset IMO. Not recommended for swimming. Also the descent is a little steep and can be slick. It's also pretty far from Santa Monica, so expect a long commute if traffic is heavy.

We visited on a weekday and it wasn't too crowded. Mostly young couples or groups of friends. Not the best beach for kids because the waves are large. There are also rock formations in the surf so you have to be mindful of the tide and where you're swimming. Otherwise it was clean and peaceful.

On a recent trip to the Los Angeles area my girls and I decided to explore Malibu. We normally don't stray far from our favorite beach area in Newport but we were staying near Santa Monica and Malibu seemed like it would be fun to explore. We were happy with out choice.

We had a tip from our Airbnb host that Matador State Beach was a good one to visit. The drive up the coast was short and sweet and we stopped at a few places along the way. It was easy to find the beach and there is a pay parking lot at the top. You will have to walk down some stairs and a path to the beach - which also means you will have to walk up at the end. The path isn't hard but it could be too much for very young or older visitors.

The view from the top is so beautiful but once you get down to the beach and start exploring its even better. There are lots of rocky pools and when the tide is out you can all kinds of little crabs, sea anemones, and sea slugs. It was fun checking them out.

The beach is clean and beautiful and we enjoyed walking for over an hour and just checking out the water, the little shells and rocks, and the sea life in the small pools. There were really pretty photo ops and not a lot of people.

I'm so glad we explored the Malibu beach area - in the future it would be a great place to pack a picnic and hang out on the beach for the day. If you aren't into crowds check it out!

We go to many state beaches in Malibu and this is one of our favorite. Every time we go here for amazing sunsets you never know what you may see. Everything from sea life to celebrities taking photo shoots to film crews shooting their next big screen picture. The views over the ocean are one of a kind no matter where you see the sunsets. We enjoy taking a picnic and hearing the waves crash over the rocks and beach! Cool place for any event or just a great day at the beach!

The internet hype about the sunsets is real! The colours are unreal! The sound of the ocean next to you, and of course there are dolphins out playing! It's a bit of a hike to get down to the beach, but its worth it for sure!

This place is not as well known as some other PCH (Highway 1) stops, but I am so glad we pulled in to the small and rustic parking lot. The only "facilities" are porte-potties so be aware of that. This is a "cliff-side" parking area but there is a path all the way down to the water. The views from here are simply amazing. We got some of the best photos of our entire LA trip right here at El Matador. A great memory!

First of all driving on Pacific coast Highway had been my dream for years, although missed my family. The most scenic setting when you are driving along the sea. It could have been more fun looking around then concentrate on driving. Immense natural beauty on the El Matador beach. Although parking was limited and paid. Wonderful life time experience and long lasting memories of the drive to Malibu!⭐️

We visited El Matador with my family. Place is easily accessible and has paid parking place where there's only short walk to the beach. The views from the beach and from the hills are breath taking.

Enjoyed this beach for photos. Small parking lot but people moving in and out regularly so didn't have to wait long for a spot. Don't let the walk down discourage. It is worth it.

Can't wait to return! I came here on a high surf day, but was struck by the beauty of the vistas. Although I lost my prescription ray bans, I still thought is was amazing.

very nice beach! So calm and so beautiful. I was there in December and it was about 20 degrees and almost no people

This place is soooo beautiful! We spent an hour to two hours walking this beautiful beach. It is $3 an hour to park here. We did not know this. GREAT place for families, couples, and you can picnic here as well.

El Matador Beach is tucked down below a dirt parking lot. It is a little challenging to get down to the beach. I would check to see when low tide is to be able to see the most beach area. It's very nice to see tide pools during low tides.

It is really pretty, but very popular. If you are looking for a secluded area or a place to take pictures, it is not the place.

I grew up in Los Angeles so I know Malibu well. There was a time when El Matador was the perfect little secret beach and very beautiful! Well, apparently the secret has gotten and and I'm sad to say all those people have ruined it! So disappointing to see trash everywhere .... $10 to park and a dangerous risk on PCH. Don't bother!

Wait a little for parking unless u go early...it's worth it. Bit of a walk down...but the views and the water are well worth it. This place is out of the way, but you will love it, get ur camera ready from the moment u start walking u will start shooting. I'm sure u will recognize diff. movies having been shot here. Must see, must do, even if ur not going in the water. Lifeguards are on duty, waves did not look very rough. Probably the most beautiful beach around.

Lovely place. But make sure you reach early. They may tape the gate before 30-1hr before the closing time.

We went to El Matador for sunset in mid January and I could not have been more pleased. The views are unbelievable. The rock formations make for great shadows and the colors of the sunset were wonderful. We saw two couples shooting engagement photos...one proposal...and a couple of just straight up fashion shoots. Somehow, even with all of these people on the beach....you still feel awash in the splendor of the natural setting. Parking on the street is easy in the winter, but might be very difficult in summer. The parking lot is very small and always full.

Amazing rock formations. Beautiful cliffs. Parking is limited but 10 dollars all day is well worth it. People do park on main road, I don't know if they give tickets or not. I parked on road last time because the lot was full and didn't get a ticket. Walk both directions from the stairs.
Most only venture north but south is also amazing.

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beautiful cliffs.

Omg! I love Malibu as it is. I googled nice picturesque beaches and El.Matador came up. What a beauty!! I took great pics. A nice secluded beach. I went there right b4 noon July 5th. It's more of a stop and go beach to take in the views and great photo opps. Little hidden treasure that my LA friend never knew about it lol!! He loved it. Try to go b4 noon. As we left more ppl started coming in. A must when in Malibu

Breathtaking rock formations stud a narrow strip of sand about a football field in length and half as wide. We went on a weekday afternoon and it was busy but not unmanageable. My parents, who are in their 70's navigated the step stairs carefully but without a problem. There is a small pay lot with honey buckets. For us, a place to take amazing photos and hang out for a few hours. A very enjoyable afternoon.

Perfect for a photoshoot but be prepared to climb down! Quiet and exotic looking beach. Kids had a great time exploring the rocks and caves.

El Matador State Beach is worth the stop if you find yourself in Malibu. Be prepared to pay for parking and climb down a lot of stairs. The rock formations are beautiful. Theres lots of little caves and rocks to climb under around. It was very eerie and foggy when I visited. Be careful of the tides because you can get stuck down there during high tide.

You have to walk down a cliff to get to the beach but there is a cut path and it is easy walking. It is not as crowded as the easy access beaches and it is so beautiful. My husband actually proposed to me on the cliff because the view is so magnificent

Beautiful beach and beautiful views. Great scenic vistas for pictures. Rocks and rock caves at bottom. I could not get to the bottom because of how steep it was and I had a panic attack. Yes, I am an adult who is afraid of heights. Had it been an easy sloping way to the bottom, I could have done it. The fellow travelers that I was with went and had a lovely time. I stayed at the top and enjoyed the breeze. It is a steep stairway to get to the bottom.

Was at this beach last week and it was near perfect - no major crowding, unusually diverse group, nice variety in the topography of the beach/coast line (not just a stretch of sand). The short "hike" up and down the stairs was a nice little work out for us non-fit folks. Waves were breathtaking, but made swimming - even immersing - difficult! Unless you were out there riding the waves. I'm told the beach just north of this one is even better (less crowded, more sand?) . But this one was great!

This place used to be an escape. A beautiful beach, free from the crowds of Zuma, Paradise Cove, and Surfrider, where you can explore striking caves and rock formations. Not any longer.

I have visited the beach twice this summer, and I do not plan to ever come back. Here are the reasons why.

---- Parking is an absolute nightmare. Not only is the lot always filled, but PCH is jammed for over half a mile in each direction. Furthermore, the Malibu parking enforcement mafia is driving around ever 5 mins, ticketing any car that dares to stick out one inch past the "No Parking" signs, or is 14 feet from a fire hydrant instead of 15 feet (the legal limit, obviously not mentioned on any signs). So trust me, it isn't free parking.

---- The beach is crowded beyond belief. It is very difficult to get a place to sit, and if you do, you will have people all around you. I went on both a cloudy day and a sunny day, and both were jam packed.

---- Cops roll through on a regular basis, and will hand out open-container tickets to anybody who dares to bring a beer to sip on the beach. We saw over 10 people get cited in one round, none of whom were disruptive in any way. Amazing, they actually come down on foot and just hand out tickets. “To Protect and to Serve”, LOL!

Overall, the City of Malibu has managed to ruin what was once a beautiful beach with their authoritarian tactics. I urge everybody to avoid this place, and if you choose to visit, be very careful.

The best thing I’ve seen my entire trip. It’s the most unique beach I’ve seen. The drive there was amazing, all along the coast. Natures natural beauty is so overwhelming and mesmerizing. Make sure you are able to hike down to the beach it’s not all a stairway path. You have to pay for parking. You can swim there.

Someone from work recommended I visit here versus the "normal" hot spots. The views are breathtaking to say the least.

It was very quiet, bit of a walk down to the beach but certainly worth the effort.

When in Malibu, this is a worthwhile visit to explore the shoreline and take in the scenic views. Expect more visitors on weekends than weekdays.

We were staying in Santa Monica and decided to drive out of our way on the journey back to LA to visit this beach. It was a cloudy Friday morning but the beach was still beautiful. We visited several beaches on our trip and this was the favorite of both my teen boys. The rock formations and caves were fun to explore. There was a state park ranger in the parking lot who was friendly. We paid about $3 to park for a couple of hours. The hike down to the beach offered fantastic views. It is a bit of a hike and a couple of steep stair cases to get down to the beach but it's worth it.

very cool rock formations down below on beach after long cliff walk descent makes it a great destination to drive to . Small parking lot so that can be a hassle . you will take a bazillion pictures here inside the small caves . do not try the walk to beach if you have elderly people or disabled as its steep and twisting ( but quite safe ) .

It is quite a climb to get to and from this beach. But once you are there it's really nice.
Halfway down the stairs you can see dolfins if you're lucky as we were.
The rock formations are like the ones you can find in the south of Portugal and Italy and are very popular with "destroy the dress" photoshoots. We saw at least 4 couples in the surf.
The surf itself is quite wild so be careful getting into the water.

Those who travel on Hwy 1 knows fog can be an issue. Not all days will be clear and sunny. A lot of beaches loses it's scenic appeal on foggy days. However, El Matador is one of a few beaches that is still stunning on a foggy day and the fog actually adds to mystic with it's rock formation. We had a great visit here in March on a foggy day. Water was still cold but this area is so scenic that it doesn't matter. Lots to see, the view is stunning, beach after beach area to explore. There is paid parking at the beginning of the trail going to the staircase the lead you down to the beach area. Amazing view and photo op there. Once you head down, just enjoy the scenery and all the rock formation as you walk along the beach. Worth the visit regardless of weather.

Great beach, in good shape with a nice set of stone formations. Parking is either in the parking lot or directly on the highway. Waves very pretty nice when we went.

We went there for a Malibu day visit and found this beautiful spot to hang out. We didn't stay long but there were people doing picnic and preparing themselves for a long stay.

We live close by and used to visit often. This beach used to be a gem. Now it is turd. Thanks to online media, this beach is getting WAY more people than it can handle. The parking lot fills up fast and it is supposed to be no parking on PCH. People park there anyway and get ticketed. Spoke with a Sheriff's Deputy a few weeks ago and he said they wrote 448 tickets at at that location in one day! In the last two weeks, three people have been hit crossing PCH - one dead and two critical.

The beach itself is nice, if you can find a spot among all the people. When the tide is low you can walk north for a long way. When the tide comes in you may be trapped. In some places the beach disappears in high tide. The beach shows the unfortunate signs of over-use: trash, cigarette butts, graffiti. There is a similar beach just a couple miles north that have not yet been discovered: El Pescador. I recommend going there instead.

My husband and I LOVED this beach! We stopped here on our way down PCH. It was really fun to look at the rock formations and explore them. We were here on a Thursday mid-morning, and it wasn't crowded at all. (but when we drove past some of the other Malibu beaches they were super packed). I definitely would not want to bring down a lot of equipment though as the stairs are steep to get down to the beach. The parking lot is small, but you can park on the road, too. We have some of my favorite photos of our trip from here!

Spent a couple days stopping at beaches along the PCH. Based on a recommendation from a local, we made El Matador State Beach a priority. We were at the beach in February at around 11. Tide was out and we were able to walk on the beach and view in the pools of water left behind. It was quite the walk down, and more challenging walking back up! We took lots of pictures with all the rocks, water and sky as a background.

Parking was easy - and paid by the hour. Of course, in February, it isn't as busy as the summer!

We enjoyed the beach and the view and would recommend it to others.

This is a great beach to visit for taking pics and playing around the rock formations - they’re beautiful natural formations and you can get up close and even walk through and under!

The beach is lovely and has tons of cool rock formations and natural arches to play around. I was there right around low tide and there were lots of exposed rocks with mussels and anemones clinging to them! Not too many actual tide pools though. It’s pretty crowded - probably the most crowded beach I went to this day so I didn’t stay long. But it was still a good time!

The “hike” wasn’t what I’d really call a hike - more like one small incline, a short trail to and in between some stairs, and 2 sets of stairs for a total of about 80 stairs so not bad at all - the first set has 44 and the next 36 or something like that. They weren’t steep at all, but some were in a very bad state of disrepair so be careful.

Once you get to the bottom of the stairs, there a ledge of sand you have to kind of jump down - it’s a lot shorter of a jump the further to the left you go. Then you’re on the beach!

Parking is definitely an issue here. The lot was small and completely packed with cars continuing to pour in, driving around and around waiting for spots, only to end up driving out and parking on the street. The lot is a pay-to -park and there are little machines to the side but I’m not sure how much it is. I parked out on the street which seemed to have plenty (and is free!) and it’s an easy, paved walk to the trailhead - just be careful of the traffic on PCH.

They also had many port-a-potties that were in ok shape. There are some picnic tables right next to them which was kinda yuck imo - I definitely wouldn’t wanna eat right next to the potties. But there are a few more off to the right of the trailhead if you walk a little further past the parking lot.

Overall I’m glad I came to at least see the cool rock formations but I probably won’t be back - there are so many other beached around that are way less crowded and offer similar views, tide pools and the like.

My wife and I traveled to the Malibu area in Summer 2017 in search of beautiful beach areas. El Matador was one of the popular ones I found online. On the weekend, parking was tough here. We ended up parking in a nearby neighborhood with about a 15 minute walk. The neighborhood was cool to look at houses and flowers though. We ventured down the staircase to the beach to find cool features and plenty of photo spots. This was the most crowded beach we visited on the trip, so getting that perfect picture or time alone we take some patience. Overall, it wasn’t our favorite beach spot on the trip. Be sure to check out Leo Carillo State Park or Point Dume first!

Overwhelming otherworldly exploration. A spot can will transport you geographically and temporally. A short drive up the PCH will take you light years away.

Really beautiful, thin strip of beach. There are a few entrances to the beach, looks like they all include wooden stairs. Parking lots (paid parking) are small but the beach wasn't extremely crowded.

Just the most beautiful beach in Los Angeles. Just look at the pictures and you will see! This is where I shoot most of my couples and family photography sessions when I am not in Santa Monica!

This is a cool hidden treasure along the Pacific Coast Highway that sports some breathtaking views. The rock formations along the stretch of beach are picturesque. I wish we could have spent more time here. Make sure to take in the views from above before heading down for a closer look.

We stopped here on whim while driving down the PCH. Boy was that a good decision. Parking in the lot is hit or miss but be patient and it can happen. Walking along the beach has plenty of opportunities to explore cool rocks, take photos, look in tide pools for sea life, and talk to happy locals. It was a cooler cloudy day and it was perfect weather to get your feet wet. My friend says she is remembering this spot for the future.

A small but lovely beach worth a visit if your passing not with a stroller or wheelchair though ! There's a steep path a wooden staircase down to the actual beach with car parking at the top $3 an hour or $10 for the day . Great views from the top and lots of nice photo opportunities !

This beach is really amazing, it is not too crowded and the view from the top is beautiful. You can take wonderful photos here, and of course take your time to relax with the sound of the waves 🌊. I miss it.

this was one of the coolest beaches i have ever been to . very unique , but also very crowded and only one set of stairs up and down , it is waaaay up and down . but worth it

This was a beautiful beach to visit. We did only go for a short time. Would not want to make this a location to beach for the day but great to explore! It is fairly small and on a Saturday was pretty hectic. Many of the rocks etc that we wanted to explore were being utilized by photographers and people getting photographs making it difficult to truly explore. It is a bit of a hike from the parking area but very doable. We had kids with us and they were fine making the trek.

We went to this beach in the late afternoon to watch the sunset. There were many people getting their photos taken by professional photographers on the beach (people in wedding suits, beauty queens in peasant dresses, pregnant women, instagramers) but it was not busy to the degree of discomfort. It was in a way fun to people watch but I suspect it will be difficult to swim or relax at the beach due to the crowd. The rock formations looked impressive, the waves crashing on the beach beautiful and the water clear. Best of all, the sunset from this beach was stunning!

pros.....takes your breath away spectacular majestic views of the coast and ocean...sunset was incredibly beautiful

cons...parking lot and beach were very crowded...

but worth it overall...

Went with my kids on memorial weekend and it was not that crowded. Parking is $10 but we parked on the street. Its an easy walk down towards the beach. Saw a lot of photo shoots grom weddings to engagements here. It was a cool day and the water was cold. We just brought out beach mat and layed it near the rocks for shade. Kids had fun walking around the caves. We waited till sunset and left. Fyi,there is no faucet to rince your feet or legs but there are porta potties on the area.

There is a paid parking on the top. The beach is nice and suitable for a short walk. When i was there the weather was good and there were not too many people.

I was lucky to come on a sunny day in November when there were few people here. It was easy to park in the small lot at the top. The climb down to the beach is not as bad as it looks and you will be rewarded with a great walk on a sandy beach around some amazing big rocks. There were lots of professional photographers taking pictures here. You can see some the amazing Malibu Ocean Front homes from here.

Travelling from the East Coast we were excited to check out the California beaches. But, my God, the traffic and all the people! We just kept driving past Venice and Santa Monica before finding this GEM. Relatively uncrowded compared to sardine-like situation on the other beaches as we drove up the coast. It was a little tricky to find parking on the street as the parking lot was full on a Saturday afternoon. Beware there are a few flights of sand covered stairs to get you down to the water--not suitable for those with mobility issues.
For those that make it down, you will be rewarded with a chill vibe and the ability to take that nice walk on a relatively unspoiled beach with that special someone. Highly recommended!

This was on my “To do” list while we visited California for my birthday(May-4) and I’m glad we did. Despite the cardio work it took for us to get to the beach it was well worth it. I even did a photo shoot lol.

So, this beach is stunning! But it was so crowded and there was so much seaweed (literally huge clumps taking beach space) that we couldn’t stay. We took some nice photos and then moved to another beach for the kids to play and us to sit.

Friends wanted to go to this beach because of the good review. So badly overrated!! So much trash, super crowded, no where to park, so we drove around and around looking for street parking after giving up on the tiny lot (we were still early!), almost got hit running across the road with traffic going way more than 50mph ....then we had to navigate this steep downhill trail which needed better shoes than flip flops. So sad all the litter - It was so crowded and overused. And we got a HUGE parking ticket. Social media - you were wrong. So many nicer easier beaches. Bummer Sunday!

Very nice, free parking... A little too over crowded for me, went during the week snd too many people taking wedding, maternity, bikini, engagement pictures... Had to wait to get cool pictures... But its a must if driving down the coast

Breath taking beach. Spend a hour or a day on the beach in private coves, relaxing and listening to the sound of the roaring surf. Spend the day walking into and around spectacular caves carved by the surf. Or do both. This was a beautiful beach. Has porta-potties in the parking lot. Parking fee reasonable (10.00) Caution for some, there are many steps down from parking lot to the beach.

went with family to this beach on recent Friday . while the beach is awesome & unusual with rock formations etc for Los Angeles. Parking is the PITS we got there early about 10a, there wer no spots left! within minutess lucked out someone left, but after that nothing was left, after having been on beach for couple of hours, went back to car for something, people literally attacked me for my parking space, & a couple of people were having words over another parking spot, go early or dont go in summer!!!

Perfect place beautiful scenery. Absolute peace. Great for taking pictures or listening to the water. Other then the stairs super easy to get there. The water was cold, but then again it was late November. An awesome experience parking was great and super cheap. The porta potties were clean.

El Matador presents a unique formation of rocks and semi caves nestled by the ocean providing a very unique and impressive beach. You can simply enjoy the variety of rock formations while getting wet on the shore. Lots of visitors enjoy laying in the sun as well as getting photographed among the rocks and the water. I saw many visitors who come to pose for modeling pictures.The dirt parking area is limited and you can pay by the hour or by the day. Going down from the parking area to the beach is demanding as you take several levels of stairs, maybe as much as climbing up and down a 5 story building. The views are fantastic and it is worth the effort.There are few picnic tables and mobile toilets next to the parking area.

This beach spot is heavily populated with photographers and people wanting portraits, engagement photos etc at sunrise/sundown. It is a beautiful, photenic spot.

The beach was dirty and parking was impossible. We had to walk alongside a very fast speed strech of PCH then walk a long way down to the water. A long and dangerous walk to only find an overcrowded and dirty beach. Not a #2!

We have lived in Malibu for over 40 years and know every inch of beach. This tiny beach has been ruined and is not worth the parking headaches and accessibility problems. Stick with beautiful Zuma/Westward beaches...so much nicer and more accessible. Can’t believe how many out of town folks are duped into thinking this is an undiscovered gem. It is very disappointing.

We went early on a weekday morning and had the beach to ourselves. We took tons of photos, it was really lovely. Took a walk up and down the beach, beautiful way to spend a morning.

This beach is pretty, and every time I visit there is a photo shoot going on. You need to climb stairs to down to the beach and back up. It is a pretty beach to visit and people watch, not much surf though.

Lovely semi private less known public beach. Prepare for a hike to get down to it. You pay for parking only.

More of a photo op location. Beautiful stop, great for pics.
Parking limited. People arguing over our parking spot as we were preparing to leave.

Great natural beach. We were there early and it wasnt crowded at all although we grabbed the last parking spot so get there early and be ready for a hike.

Please don't even think of trying to park on the landside of PCH (opposite the beach). The H in PCH stands for Highway, cars regularly do 10+ MPH over the posted 55MPH speed limit, and oncoming drivers can't always see you trying to run across the street. That's why so many people have died at precisely this spot. Thank you California Coastal Commission and CalTrans for maintaining conditions which regularly risk visitors' lives.

There is a reason why photographers go to this beach. Great rocks, beach and ocean make for an amazing memory.

This beach is absolutely beautiful. There is very limited parking and you pay by the hour which is very affordable if your not spending the entire day. The view from the top is breathtaking. There are picnic tables where you can sit if you decide not to go all the way down to the beach. The dirt path going down to the staircase does not have a rail to hold on to. This caused a bit of anxiety for my husband who I are afraid of heights. The staircase down has 2 handrails and feels very safe. Once we reached the beach it was amazing. Not very crowded, clean and perfect for pictures. Totally worth the climb down.

Our hotel concierge recommend we visit this beach on our Malibu Beach swing on the Pacific and boy were were glad we did! As beaches go, this one offered an alternate view from the traditional Sandy beach - this one offered cliffs, boulders and rough terrain and a narrow shore line of clean sand and waves.

Parking is a minimum $3 for an hour which was more than enough time for a quick visit to venture down the 2 sets of metal rail and wooden steps, take pictures and return to your car. The stairs were very sturdy but sand builds up on the steps so it would be a good idea to wear runners or shoes that grip and hold on to the rails while descending and ascending the cliff. The parking lot can hold about 100-120 cars depending on how efficiently everyone parks. There are port-a-pottys off to the side of the parking lot so use it before you go down to the shore. The parking ticket machine will ask for your license plate so know it before you start paying for your ticket.

If you like to take pictures of a shore that's not boring and flat - don't miss this beach. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

This is a small but dramatic beach with various stone formations. Must see! There was a same-sex wedding photoshoot there. Parking was a problem. There was a small parking lot down the hill with $3 per hour parking, but it was full! Some people parked along the road despite the sign "No parking - tow-away zone"

Loved our stop here! The beach was lovely. Lifeguards were picking up garbage on the beach to keep it clean. Very picturesque. The water was warm. We didn’t spend much time here but it was a nice stop. The only downside was the top: The parking lot bathrooms were dirty and needed to be emptied and The garbages were over flowing. It would be nice to see the money from the parking lot being used to empty the garbages and the outhouses faster before they become a problem.

Stunning view of the sunset at El Matador Beach. Be prepared to be amazed. This is one of the three Robert Meyer Memorial beaches. In the summer time this place is packed and it’s impossible to find parking. But you can find parking along the PCH, but prepare to walk a long way to reach the beach.

Parking is on a cliff, so to get to the beach, you have to walk a few hundreds steps to get down. Once you’re down on the beach, the scenery is stunning.

Beautiful sea stacks are on the beach and in the surf. This is a popular spot for pro photographers to shoot swimsuit models and stunning sunsets.

Definitely check out the north part of the beach to explore the caves and arches in the rocks. The largest cave faces the ocean at the bottom of a huge flat rock that is connected to the base of the bluff. It’s best to visit these natural features at low tide. Continuing your walk north leads to La Piedra State Beach. If you walk south you will pass in front of stunning homes on your way to Lechuza Beach.

It’s best to go around sunset time. The only thing is that there will be a lot of people there to take photographs of the sunset too. So be quick to scout out a spot and then take your picture quickly.

After the beach, you can have a relaxing dinner in one of the well known restaurants along coast in Malibu and enjoy the ocean view at night.

Not just a regular beach! It’s a hike down to it but worth it! Great rock formations, tide pools, wild life, beach, parking, etc. we didn’t bring a lot of stuff with us but if we were for the day, it would have been difficult to carry everything down. Lots of steps. Portable bathroom at top by parking. No vendors, so that could be a positive or negative for you. Must see beach

A friend brought us here while we were visiting the area. It's quite a hike down the rocks, but it's a pretty cool beach. There were lots of people on a Sunday evening, some doing official photo shoots. We hiked to the end of the cove and got our feet wet.

This little beach is well worth finding. There is cliff top parking and a steep walk down. There are no facilities on the beach, just a toilet by the car park.
If you need shade - take some!
There are beautiful rock formations on the beach and the sea is more gentle than the Malibu surf beaches.

it was a random trip to this great beautiful beach,it has lots of natural rock designed by sea water.must visit place in Malibu,Ca area on CA 1.
When going don't forget to take your camera as this beach will bring out the hidden photographer of everyone.
great place to be.It has limited parking spots close to beach but no worries if you do not get spot in parking lot,just park on CA 1 and walk to beach area.
carry some snacks and water along.
you can finish this entire beach in quick tour of 1.5 hours with some nice views.

What used to be a nice beach has devolved into a place to avoid. Expect impossible parking, loud music, and garbage strewn everywhere. You will have to fight with for every last inch of this tiny beach. Always over crowded. This summer I realized that I could never return. The sheer volume of people here has really ruined it.

Beautiful but not accessible for people who cannot do stairs, there is quite the staircase up and down but well worth it if you can

The beach was gorgeous when we went mid-afternoon but I would suggest going at sunset for the best photo-ops. If you want to avoid pay parking, park on the side of the highway (watch out for cars when you cross though). There are steep wooden stairs down to the beach so might not be a good idea for older folks.

Got there early on a Monday and had the place to ourselves. It was lovely. I don't think we would have enjoyed it so much if we had had to share it though, as it is quite small. We brought breakfast to eat on the beach. Put the leftovers away and wandered down the beach a bit. Came back to a crowd of seagulls pecking away all over our stuff trying to get to the food. So: go early on a week day, don't leave any food if you go for a walk, and you'll have a great time.

Stunning beach. Very crowded. Small parking lot that you have to pay to park. Beach is down the cliff side, so lots of steps to climb down and back up. Rock formations. So beautiful though.

A very nice beach. Take into consideration that you have to walk down quite a bit and the bad news is that you have to climb it back but it worth it as it is a very nice place.

Off the beaten path but so worth the visit. Parking is available but get there early. Spectacular sunset views. A walk along the coastline is a must.

Not known by many tourists- we loved this gem of a beach. So tranquil and such awesome views. Just a quick short hike.

We are from the South, Alabama to be exact, where you either choose to vacation in the mountains or the beach and here those two worlds come together perfectly. The short hike to get to the waters edge was so worth it! The water was so blue and the scenery did not disappoint!

Caves, stone arches, tide pools and lots of seafaring little creatures in the sand! A great place to wander with children, to take incredible photographs or to just sit and BE.

El Matador State Beach was most definitely worth a stop. You do have pay to park. I may not remember the exact amounts, but I believe it was $3 for the first hour and $10 for the day. Either way, definitely worth the price to spend a little time here. We found the beach very beautiful and unique with its rock formations. There were cave-like spots we could play in. Obviously a very popular place for pictures. Scenery was just spectacular. Beach itself was nothing special. Sand was fine. Not a lot of space for a lot of people. That being said, I would still not pass up the opportunity to return.

We were taken here by a friend. Really a beautiful area. Maybe a little over rated though.
Parking is horrendous, the beach lot is very small. Parking on PCH is dangerous. Traffic whizzes by pedestrians at close distances and half the people are on their phones. I suggest driving into the small lot and dropping everyone off then parking.
If you have small children or older people in your party I would skip this beach all together. There are steep walk down and a lot of steps to contend with. Not a lot of beach area either and there are a lot of rock formations some submerged and some are not.

We arrived here mid morning, still cool and the smog had not yet burnt off yet still it is one of the most beautiful beaches we have visited. There were already lots of people staking claims to areas of the beach and there must have been at least a dozen photo shoots happening. The rock formations and scattered rocks along the beach and out into the surf were amazing. It was possible to get out and walk around the rocks and through the caves which was a lot of fun. The beach itself was very narrow and the sand was wet so not the best for lounging around and the rocky shoreline made it hard to swim or play much in the water. However that said, this still remains one of our favorite beaches of all time.

El Matador used to be a quiet, tiny beach with some pretty caves. Not anymore. It's super crowded even on a weekday. Loud families, gangster types (there's graffiti everywhere), trash everywhere. Someone was killed there a couple of weeks ago. The access route is long and dangerous, with rickety stairs and a narrow, eroded dirt path. That part never really bothered me til there were too many people. You really have to be careful not to fall over the edge. Speaking of crowds, the parking lot fills up almost immediately and most of PCH is No Parking. Yes, you will get a ticket! I saw the parking enforcement just sitting and waiting for people to park illegally. Sheriffs too. Overall it's hard to relax in that kind of environment. The water is pretty with some starfish and other creatures, and the caves are neat, but the tide pools up north or down south are much much nicer and quieter.

I don't think I would take young kids..main access and parking I think would be too difficult..small parking lot. But I can park in PCH. There could be different access point I'm not aware of. Worth a trip for sure!

We have been visiting every beach we can see in the last year since moving to Southern California, and while they are all nice, many look similar. This beach is a rare exception. There are amazing rock formations and caves to see, the waves are not too high. The water was cold, and beach a little crowded but had we walked further there was a lot more empty space. Overall, one of the coolest beaches we have seen and already can't wait to return.

We were there to watch sunset. Saw many couples taking wedding pictures. What a beautiful place with ample parking.

Great views from the top of the hill and you walk down sets of steps to the beach to see the rock formations. Great beach too.

This beach is incredible in beauty. It's not very big and parking is an issue, had to park on the PCH. But the rock formations along the beach are outstanding. It's worth a visit

Lots of steps to go down, but worth it. Places to picnic at the top. Awesome views and photo opportunities. One of the nicest we've seen on the west coast.

Went here with my teen daughter over Easter. It was completely gorgeous. One thing, though, to get to it, you need to wind down a narrow gravel path with NO guard rails! I kept thinking that if my three year old was with, we may not have made it!

Beautiful beach. Went at sunset! It was quite crowded which is fine with me. There were lots of photo shoots going on- maternity, couples, models. Makes a great backdrop for photoshoots!

Make sure to wear sneakers or good shoes when you go- there are lots of steps!

This beach is off a cliff with a sheer drop with stairs leading down. The beach is not very big and secluded with Rocky formations that present an excellent opportunity for photos. In fact if you are lucky you will see some photo shoots happening there.

It was our first day in CA and I found this place on Trip Advisor. We drove about 30 min north from Pacific Palisades to see it. Take the time to go!! So beautiful! Arrived early, around 9 am, plenty of parking, pay and display. Tide was high so waves were crashing against the rocks. Water was cold, but my kids didn't care. Great spot for pictures, saw many professional photo shoots. Glad we found this gem, thanks TA!

We got there about 15 minutes before the sun went down. Paid parking at the top. Path/stairs get you from the cliff down to the beach. Breathtaking!

Parking fir a fee only! Know your license plate as you have to type that in.

Gorgeous views, sweeping panorama and quiet! A recipe for a relaxing couple of hours.

Bring a couple of folding chairs, maybe a blanket and chill on the beach enjoying the rhythm of the waves gently crashing on the shore.

You’ll have to walk down a small hillside and maneuver some steep steps - not fir anyone who is not stable.

Option is to stay up top and enjoy the spectacular views. Bring some food and use the picnic tables. Or grab lunch at the nearby Seafood Market in Malibu.

Enjoy!

Went in the dead of winter and were the only two people which was awesome. So quiet and peaceful. There are a lot of stairs but If you love the movie the notebook you have to come here nonetheless.

I had several hours to burn before taking a flight back home so I wanted to head out to a nice, off the beaten track beach with the typical rock formation the California Coast is know for. I was not disappointed. On a weekend this small beach was not crowded and was just wonderfully serene and great for photography.

Beautiful beach along the cliffs. This beach offers a semi-private beach experience along with fantastic photography opportunities. Be sure and pay for your parking, they will ticket you if you don’t. There is no legal parking on the highway, but couple of spots you can park if you are looking to walk down before the sun comes up and the park opens.

Beautiful beach with stunning natural rock formations—perfect for photos! I visited on a weekday morning and it was quiet, with just a couple of families and a lifeguard around. It started to get a bit busier by noon, but still felt relaxed and scenic.

If you find yourself in Malibu I recommend seeing this beach. The rocks add a beautiful look to the beach. Do be careful as it can be a little tricky navigating the steep descent to he bottom. Especially if your a little older. Saw a couple photo shoots going on. Not too many people on the beach. Just a cool place to spend an hour or two...

We will be very worth seeing, it is a beautiful rocky beach. It is not accessible for those who have any traffic problems. She's beautiful and charming.

You can pay to park here, or find free parking along Highway 1 on both sides of the highway. If you choose to do the latter, make sure you park where it is legal - it is very clearly marked - and watch out for cars when walking to El Matador. Stairs and dirt path will bring you down to the beach. You can catch the sunset at the top at the edge of the cliffs, a very short distance from the parking lot, if you like.

You should know that there have been a lot of dangerous incidents there lately including loss of life from crossing the road. This beach is tiny and so overcrowded. When the tide comes in the entire beach dissapears and so will your stuff. Try mugu or Leo Carrillo

I visited in early this beach in November. Beautiful views, not a lot of people perfect chill spot. Seriously worth a trip.

It is a Beautiful beach, the rocks are amazing, and the view is fantastic, Weekends can be a little too crowded, it's a must see Beach in Malibu.

This is a definite stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a beautiful beach with large outcrops of boulders. It is a long way down from the small parking area to the actual beach, with several flights of stairs, and long sandy/rocky inclines. Anyone who has difficulties walking or climbing stairs may not be able to climb down, but the view at the top is just as amazing.

It's a bit far from LA but it's a quiet spot with some nice rocks. Really lovely beach. Only problem is the parking is a bit small. It has one of the nicest views around LA.

Coming from the east coast el matador was absolutely breathtaking. It was a warm foggy day and descending down the rockiest stairs and hill to the beach was quite the (short) adventure. The beach was overcrowded but the view was like something out of the goonies. You 80’s kids will understand. We didn’t stay long and it wasn’t a very swimmy beach but I’m giving 5 stars for the gorgeous views and fog shrouded dreamlike atmosphere.

Beautiful beach. Lots of steps to walk up and down. Parking could be a problem if u go late. Lots of people. But a must to visit.

Great beach with interesting rock formations, abundance of seabirds, and a few wedding parties and social media attention seekers. Worth waiting there for the sunset if weather and time permits.

First I would park across the street like locals do, no need to pay $10.00. This is a great beach for photo's or a walk at sunset. For So Cal it's not really your all day chill at the beach kind of spot. Head down the street to Zuma beach for a classic day at the beach.

I visited on a cloudy day, but found beautiful anyway! a landscape very different from the beaches we are used to.

Absolutely beautiful and not crowded. Would highly recommend. We didn’t see much for restaurants or stands so recommend bringing snacks or picnic.

My favorite beach in LA, El Matador had great waves, good sand, amazing cliffs, and fun attractive people. It's an awesome drive on the PCH to get here, and it will certainly be a memorable relaxing beach day. For travelers, if you're looking to spend a solid day at a beach in LA, El Matador would be very high on my list of recommendations.

love to hike down to this place. Usually there are not many people here and you can relax. I love seeing dolphins there as well!!

Really enjoyed our visit to this rocky shore. The bluffs offer a great view and picnic space. (sparse facilities, not really a bathing beach anyway). A short but steep hike down to the water's edge offer a beautiful walk up and down this little slice of remoteness. Large rocks and shoals can be seen as the tide goes out. (I imagine tidepools would have been seen had we been there during lower tide). A beautiful spot with birds above, crashing waves and hollowed little dugouts from the tide. The beach was full of wedding photos, engagement photos and baby announcement visitors taking pictures but there was plenty of room to walk along and take everything in.

First, this beach is very difficult to get to. There will likely be no parking in the designated lot, but you can park along the US 1 and walk to the lot. There are several sets of steep stairs that you must descend to get to the beach (I don't suggest packing a ton of stuff, although I passed several coolers, chairs, etc... IDK how they did it?!).

But the good part - make sure you BRING YOUR CAMERA (or a phone) because the rock formations are just beautiful!!! Definitely my favorite beach while visiting SoCal.. we observed many "modeling" sessions here too - I'd say it's a Malibu favorite :)

Beautiful...worth stopping even if just for a few minutes. Port-a-potties in the parking lot and can pay for just an hour or two of parking. I think we paid $3 for 2 hours of parking.

Great time with friends on a Malibu trip. It is a must see when going to Malibu. Rock formations were spectacular! Great photo opts for everyone visiting! I would go again in a heart beat!

El Matador State Beach is such a stunning place to be at. This is by far one of the beautiful beaches in Malibu. Over the years, this place has gained so much popularity. The place is full of sea caves, rocks, and breathtaking scenery. During the morning hours, visitors can get a glimpse of dolphins.

If you plan to visit this place, I suggest to go early. There is a small parking lot with a kiosk for parking permits. But once the lot is full, parking can be such a pain. Also, bring minimal things as you would have to go up and down lots of stairs.

Extraordinary site. Breathtaking Sylla line, Malibu beach is even less beautiful than Boulogne-sur-Mer beach,
I invite you to continue on your way to eat about 20 kilometers and visit this site which is just exceptional and beautiful.

located off pacific coast hwy, parking easy for walk down to the beach. great photo ops with the rock formations. great walk down the beach to the other parks as well... recommend several hours

Mixed feelings great rocks formation, great view, Almost no parking, difficult access and crowded.
I do not think this is your regular beach where you can take your umbrella, chairs, and cooler, or play volleyball. Actually. There is not much sand and lots of people. It is pretty crowded and if high tide there is no beach left.
Limited parking, tiny parking lot, and expensive 10 for the whole day or 3 per hour. Your other option is to park on the busy PCH, then avoid get run over trying to cross PCH. There is no pedestrian crossing or stop light.
Access is difficult, need to go down steep stairs to reach the beach. Once you reach the beach, the rocks and the ocean can make a great scenic views.
You better bring water and snacks, there are no services here. There are some portable potties in the parking lot, but you can imagine, the heat and portable potty, it is very disgusting
There are other options around Malibu. Point Dume beach con offer some rock views as well. Parking is slightly better and is not as crowded.
Another option is Zuma each parking is not as problematic. There are services here

El Matador is one of the most peculiar Malibu beaches with its rocks and cliffs that contribute to its rough and wild vibe. The surrounding nature and the ocean are both amazing, so it must not surprise that this place is usually packed (at least on weekends). It can also be difficult to find a slot in the pay and display parking lot, which is pretty small. The other option is to park the car along the PCH.

Great place to be with your family and friends
After that you can go nearby to walk at the mountains

Beautiful beach..

Just a perfect place to watch a magical Californian sunset and to feel the ocean breeze. Also, especially for girls, great place to make a photoshoot , the beach is surrounded by the big rocks and cliffs, so take your favorite beach dress and enjoy!
Come to El Matador with the closest ones to feel the atmosphere in full ♥️
My recommendation : DO NOT GO TO THE BEACH on weekends and holidays ! There is too much people also you can stuck in traffic on the way to it.
The place is around 40 miles far from LA. It will take around 50 minutes by car. Also you can take a bus from Santa Monica , I think it will ride you right to the beach.

El Matador is highly recommended place to visit :)

Every time I've come to this beach (including a rainy Tuesday morning in the off-season) there is no where to park. Walk to the water is very steep, not good for families or the elderly.

This beach has character! Loved the fact that it had large boulders along the beach. Beautiful! Great stop for an afternoon snack!

There were lots of people out doing photo shoots here & it certainly is a beautiful spot. It isn't necessarily handicap friendly though as it is a walk down to the beach & has some steep stairs as well.

This beach is simply gorgeous! The rocks, the cliffs, the ocean...it's just like a painting! I visited here a few years ago and my advice is the same: The path down to the beach is a bit treacherous. Be very careful winding your way down a cliffside with a ton of sand and stairs. If you have knee/walking problems, this probably isn't the climb for you. However, if you're able and up for it, the beach is stunning! There is a small parking lot to the side, but it can be tough to find a parking spot.

My wife, our baby, and I stopped here for about an hour to watch the sunset. Having to pay to park at a public was a little annoying for a person from the Midwest but probably helps keep out the riff raff.

The beach was clean and the large rock formations make for good photos. Great place for sunset photography.

An incredible beach with an amazing overview of the area. There is a very steep, very lengthy stairway from the overlook to the beach and I would NOT recommend this for anyone who will be overworked by exercise. You can still get a glimpse of some of the sea caves from up above. Be sure to check the local tides and plan your visit for low tide. There is a decent sized unpaved parking lot, not good for RVs. There is a fee for parking ($3 self pay), but when I visited there wasn't anyone there checking on who was paid up. This beach is worth the drive up the PCH.

I was looking for a beach that is off the beaten path, with lots of sand area to sprawl out and that's pristine with swimming potential. Well this is the one folks! Though small this is one of my favorite beaches in Malibu area. I go during the week and it is generally pretty busy so I can't imagine how weekends are. Perfect place for self reflection and laying out. Few shade options so umbrella recommended. No showers but do have toilets, if your willing to climb back up the hill on the cliff side to use them...

Nice state park with a small parking area decent trail and steps down. Remember you have to climb up. The inquest rock formations and fantastic views of sunset. It is worth the drive north of Malibu to see.