Point Dume, El Matador, or Leo Carillo up the PCH?

Question

We will be traveling from LA up the Pacific Coast Highway on a Sunday afternoon in July. Our final stopping spot will be in Ventura. I've never been up the PCH (or to California!), so I'd appreciate your help!

We want to make two stops along the way. One of them will be Neptune's Net for dinner. I can't decide between Point Dume, El Matador, or Leo Carillo for the first stop.

What matters:

1. Beautiful ocean views with cliffs

2. I'd love to see seals, but not a must.

3. Possibility of getting parking on a Sunday afternoon in July

What doesn't:

1. Paying to park

2. Hiking a bit, but not extremely challenging hikes for my daughter with asthma

3. We don't plan to swim, so access to a beach where we can swim doesn't matter.

Thank you in advance for your help. I'm open to another option too!

Answer

Traveling the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Los Angeles to Ventura offers some of the most scenic coastal views in California. Choosing stops can make your trip truly memorable, especially when looking for cliffs, ocean vistas, and minimal hiking.

Comparison of Your Options

Point Dume:
- Beautiful cliffs and panoramic ocean views, often considered less crowded than other Malibu beaches.
- Parking can be challenging on a Sunday afternoon in July, but there is free parking at the bluff lot above the beach; however, it fills up quickly.
- Short, gentle walk to the viewpoint; accessible for someone with asthma.
- Seal sightings are less common than at El Matador or Leo Carillo.
- No swimming required; paths are easy to manage.
El Matador State Beach:
- Iconic coastal cliffs, sea caves, and large rock formations – arguably the most photogenic of the three.
- Small parking lot with paid parking only; free parking along the PCH is limited.
- Short hike down to the beach is moderate; may be slightly challenging for a daughter with asthma, but manageable if you take it slow.
- Occasional seals can be seen near the rocks.
- Highly popular on summer weekends; can be crowded.
Leo Carillo State Park:
- Beautiful cliffs, tide pools, and sandy beach access; often less crowded than El Matador.
- Free parking along the street is sometimes possible, but the state park lot has a small fee; plenty of space if you arrive earlier.
- Gentle trails along the cliffs with minimal effort needed; very manageable for young children or anyone with limited mobility.
- Seals occasionally seen along the coast.

Additional Option to Consider

Malibu Bluffs Park: Offers stunning coastal views with cliffs, no steep hikes, and free parking. Less touristy, easy for a quick stop to enjoy the ocean view.

Recommendation: If your priorities are beautiful ocean cliffs, minimal hiking, and easier parking, Leo Carillo State Park is likely the best balance for a Sunday afternoon in July. If you want iconic photo opportunities and don’t mind a short hike and possible paid parking, El Matador is excellent. Point Dume is ideal for a quick, gentle viewpoint stop with free parking if you can find a spot.

Since you’re planning Neptune’s Net for dinner afterward, any of these stops are convenient along the PCH on your way to Ventura. Arriving early in the afternoon increases your chances of snagging a parking spot at free or lower-cost lots.

Point Dume, El Matador, or Leo Carillo up the PCH?

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