Which beach matches my wish list?

Question

I'm looking for a day trip beach day from Monrovia. In order of importance, I'm looking for a beach that has:

1. Rocky cliffs in the background

2. A place to rent boogie boards nearby with parking close to the beach so we don’t have to carry our gear a long way. I would like a parking spot where we can park the entire day and not have to worry about time limited meters.

3. I'd love to have sea caves or arches to explore

4. Lifeguards present with a restroom at the beach.

5. Tidepooling spots

6. Waves to boogie board, but more open spots where we don't have to crash into rocks on the boogie board.

7. Blue, clear water

8. Crashing waves with a sandy shore where I can relax and read some of the time.

9. Surfers to watch

Honestly, I was thinking about going to Laguna Beach, but the parking options seem really difficult there. As I researched more, there are so many beautiful beaches in Malibu!!!

Do any Malibu beaches check all of my boxes (or most of them?) Thank you!

Answer

Malibu is an excellent choice for a day trip beach from Monrovia, especially if you are looking for dramatic scenery, rocky cliffs, and a mix of activities. While no single beach will meet every requirement perfectly, several Malibu beaches come close and could suit your wish list.

Here are some options that match most of your criteria:

El Matador State Beach: This beach is famous for its stunning rocky cliffs, sea caves, and natural arches. It has tide pools and excellent photo opportunities. There is limited parking at the top of the stairs to the beach, but it’s metered and can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. There are no lifeguards, and the sand area is smaller, but the scenery is incredible. Boogie boarding is possible in the waves, but watch out for rocks.
Point Dume State Beach: Point Dume offers a large sandy beach, clear blue water, tide pools, and rocky cliffs in the background. There is ample parking along the cliffs above the beach (paid lots and street parking), lifeguards, restrooms, and a safer area for boogie boarding and swimming away from the rocks. You can also enjoy walks along the cliffs for views of sea caves below, although direct access may be limited.
Leo Carrillo State Park: This beach features long stretches of sandy shore, rocky outcrops, and several small sea caves to explore. Parking is available in the state park lot (usually paid but sufficient for a full day), and lifeguards and restrooms are present. The waves are moderate for boogie boarding, and tide pooling is possible near the rocky areas.

Considerations and tips:

Laguna Beach has incredible scenery and tide pools, but parking is challenging, especially for a full day. Malibu beaches tend to have easier full-day parking options if you arrive early.
For boogie boarding, Point Dume and Leo Carrillo are safer than El Matador due to open sandy areas and fewer rocks in the main surf zones.
All three beaches have stunning cliffs for views and photos. El Matador is more dramatic but smaller, while Point Dume and Leo Carrillo provide more open sand and recreational space.
If you plan to explore sea caves, El Matador is best, but for relaxing with waves and reading on the sand, Point Dume or Leo Carrillo are more comfortable.

Overall, if you want a balance of safety, amenities, parking, and scenery, Point Dume State Beach is likely the best match for your day trip wish list. If your focus is photography and exploring caves, El Matador is exceptional, just plan for a shorter stay and early arrival for parking.

Which beach matches my wish list?

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