80°
Sunny
0%
54
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 · 25 mph wind · 80°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 80. North northwest wind 10 to 25 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 72. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- 25 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 74°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — wind advisory issued november 6 at 8:50pm pst until november 7 at 2:00pm pst by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
54 /100
ok
40 Swim
60 Sunbathe
77 Walk
73 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.7 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
Wind Advisory issued November 6 at 8:50PM PST until November 7 at 2:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Red Flag Warning issued November 6 at 3:14PM PST until November 7 at 6:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Sunny
Wind
10 to 25 mph
NNW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
25 Good
Ozone · NW Coastal LA
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
74°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:25 PM
4.1 ft · in 1.9h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
14s · WSW swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:20 AM
Sunset
4:57 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:06 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 7:25 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 2:16 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 8:25 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:33 AM | Low | 1.7 ft |
| 7:51 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 2:52 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 9:07 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:58 AM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 8:16 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 3:28 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:51 PM | High | 3.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:22 AM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| 8:42 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 4:05 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 3.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:46 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:10 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:44 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:30 PM | High | 3.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:10 AM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 9:39 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 5:28 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:33 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 3:34 AM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 10:13 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:16 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410840, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
0%
74
80°
Sunny
0%
82
81°
Sunny
0%
86
81°
Sunny
0%
86
78°
Sunny
1%
85
75°
Slight Chance Light Rain
17%
72
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 10 to 25 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°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