Malibu Lagoon Trail
The Malibu Lagoon Trail is a flat, accessible nature path that follows the edge of Malibu Lagoon from the parking lot at Cross Creek Road to the beach. California State Parks measures it at 0.46 miles each way, out and back, on compacted soil. It has wildlife-viewing spots and interpretive panels along the way. Dogs are not allowed on it.
The Trail at a Glance
The Route
Start at the State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road light on Pacific Coast Highway. The trail skirts the lagoon and ends at the state beach, near where Malibu Creek meets the ocean. Turn around and walk back the same way, for just under a mile in all.
It is a short walk, not a hike. Most of the time goes to stopping for birds and reading the panels.
What It's Like Underfoot
State Parks gives these details:
- Surface: compacted soil, usable all year.
- Grade: generally flat, under 5%, with one 101-foot stretch at 6%.
- Cross slope: about 2%.
- Width: about 6 feet on average, 5 feet at the narrowest.
Strollers and wheelchairs can use it. See Accessibility.
What You'll See
LA County calls the lagoon a resting and feeding stop for more than 200 species of migrating and native birds, and one of the last saltwater marshes of its kind in Southern California. Save The Waves notes pickleweed in the brackish wetland and black-necked stilts feeding on the mudflats. The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society counts about 35 species in June and 60 to 75 during migration and winter.
State Parks says the panels along the trail highlight the area's natural and cultural resources.
Picnic Area
An accessible picnic area with four tables sits along the trail, about 500 feet from the trailhead.
Restrooms
There is an accessible portable restroom in the lagoon parking lot. Restrooms and showers are at Surfrider Beach, run by LA County.
Make a Morning of It
From the parking lot, walk east across the bridge and follow the dirt lane about a quarter mile to the Adamson House, whose gardens look out over Surfrider Beach. The Malibu Pier is just east of the house. When the lagoon's outlet to the ocean is closed, the Audubon walks sometimes continue east around the lagoon to the Adamson House.
Good For
- Families with small children: the walk is short and flat.
- Strollers and wheelchairs: compacted soil and gentle grades.
- Bird watchers, especially in winter and during migration.
Maybe Skip If
- You want a long hike. The whole trail is under a mile round trip.
- You are bringing a dog. Dogs are not allowed on the trail or the beach; see Dogs.
Malibu Lagoon Trail FAQ
How long is the Malibu Lagoon Trail?
California State Parks measures it at 0.46 miles each way, or just under a mile out and back, from the Cross Creek Road parking lot to the beach.
Is the Malibu Lagoon Trail wheelchair accessible?
Yes. State Parks lists it as accessible: compacted soil, mostly under a 5% grade with one short 6% stretch, and about 6 feet wide. Accessible parking and a portable restroom are in the lot.
Can you bring dogs on the Malibu Lagoon Trail?
No. California State Parks does not allow dogs on the Malibu Lagoon trails or the beach. Dogs are allowed only in the parking lot and, on leash, on the Adamson House lawns.
Where does the Malibu Lagoon Trail start?
At the Malibu Lagoon State Beach parking lot, entered at the Cross Creek Road light on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.