Malibu Lagoon State Beach FAQ
These are the questions people ask most about Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Surfrider Beach, the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House, answered from California State Parks and the other official sources for each place. Each answer links to the page with the full details. Prices are 2026 rates.
Visiting
See hours and fees, parking and plan your visit.
On the Beach
See Surfrider Beach, surfing, swimming, dogs and rules.
Around the Park
See Malibu Pier, Adamson House, Malibu Lagoon Trail and bird watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malibu Lagoon State Beach free?
There is no fee to walk onto the beach. Parking in the California State Parks lot costs $3 an hour or $12 a day. Free parallel parking on Pacific Coast Highway is sometimes available.
What are the hours at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
California State Parks lists day-use parking from 8 a.m. to sunset, every day. The Adamson House grounds keep the same hours; house tours run Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where do you park for Malibu Lagoon?
In the State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road light on Pacific Coast Highway. The LA County Surfrider Beach lot, next to the Adamson House, is closer to the surf and the pier.
Are dogs allowed at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Only in the parking lot and, on leash, on the Adamson House lawns. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or the Malibu Lagoon trails.
Is the Malibu Pier open?
Partly. Malibu Pier Partners lists the pier as open sunrise to sunset, but the end has been closed since January 2025. Repairs are due to finish by the end of January 2027, with no reopening date set yet.
Is Surfrider Beach part of Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Yes. Malibu Lagoon State Beach takes in the lagoon, Surfrider Beach, the Malibu Pier and the Adamson House.
How much is the Adamson House tour?
$7 for adults, $2 for ages 6 to 17, and free for 5 and under. Tours run Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the hour. The Malibu Lagoon Museum is free.
Can you swim at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Yes, at Surfrider Beach near a staffed LA County lifeguard tower, in daylight hours. Stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain, as LA County Public Health advises.
Can you surf at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
Yes. Surfrider Beach is a right-hand point break that works best on south swells from spring to fall, and the first World Surfing Reserve.
Do you need a fishing license on the Malibu Pier?
No. California does not require a sport fishing license on a public pier. Size and bag limits still apply.
Is the Malibu Lagoon Trail accessible?
Yes. California State Parks lists it as accessible: 0.46 miles each way on compacted soil, mostly under a 5% grade, with accessible parking and a restroom in the lot.
Can you camp at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
No. It is a day-use park with no camping or lodging.
Who runs Malibu Lagoon State Beach?
California State Parks, through its Angeles District. LA County provides lifeguards and runs the Surfrider Beach parking lot. Malibu Pier Partners runs the pier's restaurant and shops.
When are the bird walks at Malibu Lagoon?
The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society leads free walks on the fourth Sunday of every month: 8:30 a.m. for adults and 10 a.m. for families.