75°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
3%
77
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 air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A slight chance of rain showers between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — extreme heat watch issued july 12 at 1:46am pdt until july 16 at 8:00pm pdt by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
58 /100
good
39 Swim
72 Sunbathe
83 Walk
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Weather alert in effect
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 12 at 1:46AM PDT until July 16 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Wind
5 to 10 mph
SSW
Rain
3%
Today
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
77°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
8:10 PM
7.1 ft · in 4.9h
Wave Height
2.3 ft
15s · SSW swell
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:53 AM
Sunset
11:08 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:54 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 9:30 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 1:41 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 8:10 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:23 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 10:53 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 3:31 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 9:48 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 4:25 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 10:35 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:46 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 12:15 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:20 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 11:23 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:25 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 6:18 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:13 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:21 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410840, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
77°
Mostly Sunny
7%
78
80°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
80
83°
Sunny
0%
83
78°
Mostly Sunny
1%
84
75°
Mostly Sunny
6%
78
75°
Partly Sunny
10%
80
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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