Bird Watching
Malibu Lagoon is a well-known bird-watching spot on the Los Angeles coast. LA County describes it as a resting and feeding stop for more than 200 species of migrating and native birds. The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society leads a free walk here on the fourth Sunday of every month: adults at 8:30 a.m. and families at 10 a.m.
Birding at a Glance
Monthly Audubon Walks
California State Parks lists the Bird Walk with Audubon Society on its Malibu Lagoon events calendar. The upcoming dates are October 25, November 22 and December 27, 2026.
The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society describes two walks:
- Adult walk, 8:30 a.m. For adults, teens and mature children. Beginners welcome. It lasts two to three hours and moves slowly so everything gets a look.
- Children and parents walk, 10 a.m. About an hour, led by guides used to kids. The society brings binoculars children can use.
Both meet at the metal-shaded viewing area between the parking lot and the channel. Groups of more than seven, such as a Scout troop, should contact the society ahead of time through smbas.org so there are enough binoculars and guides. If you arrive late, the group is probably heading toward the beach.
When to Go
The Audubon society counts about 35 species on its June walks and 60 to 75 during migration and in winter, so those are the seasons to go. The lot opens at 8 a.m.
What You Might See
Save The Waves mentions black-necked stilts feeding on the mudflats and pickleweed blooming in the brackish marsh. The lagoon is also where Malibu Creek reaches the sea, and Save The Waves notes endangered southern steelhead spawning there.
Bring binoculars and a field guide or app. Log what you find on iNaturalist, which keeps a public list for Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
Where to Watch
The Malibu Lagoon Trail is the main route, a flat 0.46-mile path each way with viewing spots and panels. The Audubon walks sometimes continue east around the lagoon to the Adamson House when the lagoon's outlet to the ocean is closed.
Birding Manners
- Stay on the trail and off the marsh.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trails or beach. See Dogs.
- Keep a respectful distance and don't flush roosting flocks.
Parking
Park in the State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road light, $3 an hour or $12 a day, open from 8 a.m. The Audubon meeting spot is a short walk from the lot. See Parking.
Bird Watching FAQ
Is Malibu Lagoon good for bird watching?
Yes. LA County describes Malibu Lagoon as a resting and feeding stop for more than 200 species of migrating and native birds, and the Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society leads a monthly walk there.
When are the Malibu Lagoon bird walks?
On the fourth Sunday of every month. The adult walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and lasts two to three hours; the children and parents walk starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about an hour.
Where do the Malibu Lagoon bird walks meet?
At the metal-shaded viewing area between the Malibu Lagoon parking lot and the channel, according to the Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society.
What is the best time of year for birds at Malibu Lagoon?
Migration and winter. The Audubon society counts 60 to 75 species on walks then, compared with about 35 in June.