Consisting of close to two miles of sandy white shores and near-perfect surf, Zuma Beach in Malibu is among the largest and most popular beaches in all of Southern California. The beach is spacious and consistently ranked among the cleanest in Los Angeles. There is a broad range of amenities available to visitors.

Zuma plays host to a number of surfing competitions every year, as well as the annual Malibu Nautica Triathalon, a charity event to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The Malibu Nautica Triathalon began in 1974 and it attracts a number of celebrities and former Olympians each year.

Activities:

Swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, wakeboarding, volleyball, and surfing
Dolphins and sea lions can sometimes be seen swimming offshore, and grey whales can be spotted during their winter migration
Rip currents are prevalent at Zuma Beach, if you plan on swimming or doing any other water activities, take caution. It’s suggested that all swimmers avoid the area between towers 8 and 9 in front of the Lifeguard Headquarters, as rip currents are most prevalent there.

Amenities:

Lifeguards
Restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor showers
Picnic tables
Volleyball nets
Concession stand
Wheelchair-accessible walkway
There are also a number of useful nearby stores along the Pacific Coast Highway
Plenty of parking is available for a fee, and free parking can sometimes be found just off the PCH on Westward Beach Road

Fun Facts:

Zuma Beach has also served as inspiration and lyrical content for various musical artists such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Don Henley, and Neil Young.
Over the years, Zuma Beach, and neighboring Point Dume, have been used as filming locations for various television shows and movies:
- The climax of the original Planet of the Apes from 1968
- The 1991 Coen Brothers film Barton Fink
- The pilot episode of I Dream of Jeannie
- Several episodes of Baywatch

Nearby Attractions

Point Dume in Malibu, California — Point Dume in Malibu. Photo: Kim Davies

Zuma Beach shares a border with Point Dume, the northernmost point of Santa Monica Bay. Point Dume has a number of rock climbing routes that are good for beginners, as well as scenic hiking trails that are home to a wide array of wildlife.

Dume Cove, on the eastern side of Point Dume, has tide pools full of sea anemones, crabs, mussels, urchins, and more. Sea lions can also be seen around nearby Pirate’s Cove.