85°
Sunny
4%
62
Los Angeles County, CA · Pacific Ocean
El Matador State Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A small, dramatic pocket beach in Malibu — sea stacks, sea caves, and arch rock formations make it the most photographed beach in California for landscape and engagement shots. Cliff staircase access from the small parking lot above. Crowded at sunset; arrive early.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 75°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 75. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 75°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — extreme heat warning issued september 9 at 8:09am pdt until september 10 at 8:00pm pdt by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
62 /100
good
44 Swim
76 Sunbathe
84 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Weather alert in effect
Extreme Heat Warning issued September 9 at 8:09AM PDT until September 10 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Sunny
Wind
5 to 15 mph
W
Rain
4%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–01 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
75°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:47 PM
6.4 ft · in 1.5h
Wave Height
3.6 ft
8s · SSW swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:34 AM
Sunset
7:11 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 9:13 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 2:42 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 8:47 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:27 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:41 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:26 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 9:30 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:09 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:11 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:25 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:37 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 4:52 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:53 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:51 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:06 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:38 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:15 AM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 6:23 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 5:35 AM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| 12:04 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 7:16 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410840, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
79°
Sunny
3%
87
76°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
85
74°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
81
74°
Sunny
0%
81
74°
Sunny
0%
84
72°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 5 to 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 75°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small paid lot above the cliff ($8/day); fills early. Limited PCH shoulder parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
$8/vehicle.
Address
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at El Matador State Beach today?
El Matador State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is El Matador State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at El Matador State Beach?
$8/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at El Matador State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at El Matador State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at El Matador State Beach?
Amenities at El Matador State Beach include restrooms, no other facilities.
When is the water warmest at El Matador State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is El Matador State Beach located?
El Matador State Beach is in Los Angeles County, CA, at 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS