Located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, Zuma Beach is one of the largest and most popular county beaches in Los Angeles County. You can easily access this wide coastal stretch directly from Pacific Coast Highway, positioned between major access corridors such as Las Virgenes Road/Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan-Dume Road to the southeast, and Las Posas Road to the northwest.
The beach is famous for its long, wide sands, pristine open terrain, and consistently clean water conditions. As a surf haven with excellent wave action, you will find optimum wind conditions nearly daily in the late afternoon. The waters are protected by the Lifeguard unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, featuring 14 lifeguard towers across the sand and a central Section Headquarters.
With its flat terrain and broad sandy shores, Zuma Beach accommodates a vast array of coastal enthusiasts. It is an ideal spot for surfers, bodyboarders, windsurfers, kiteboarders, and families looking to play volleyball or stroll along the wheelchair-accessible walkway. Because of its expansive layout, it also serves as a designated emergency evacuation center for the region.
Directly bordering Zuma to the southeast is Westward Beach, located at Malibu's westernmost promontory, Point Dume. Visitors should note that rip currents are prevalent at Zuma, particularly between Towers 8 and 9 near Lifeguard Headquarters, where swimming and surfing are strongly discouraged.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Car | Accessed directly off 30000 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), between Las Virgenes Road/Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan-Dume Road to the southeast, and Las Posas Road to the northwest. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Strong rip currents are common; avoid swimming or surfing between Lifeguard Towers 8 and 9.
- Parking is available in a large 2,025-space fee lot (including disabled and EV spaces) or along PCH.
- Seasonal food stands, outdoor cold showers, and restrooms are available on-site.
- Adjacent Westward Beach has a steeper sand shelf and heavier wave crunch, recommended only for strong swimmers.
