Plan Your Visit

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is small enough to see in half a day. Park in the State Parks lot at the Cross Creek Road light ($3 an hour or $12 a day, 8 a.m. to sunset), walk the short Malibu Lagoon Trail to the beach, then head east along the sand past Surfrider Beach to the Adamson House and the Malibu Pier. Come Wednesday to Saturday if you want to tour the house.

A Half-Day Plan

1. Park at the lagoon lot at Cross Creek Road when it opens at 8 a.m.
2. Walk the Malibu Lagoon Trail to the beach, about a mile round trip, looking for birds on the way.
3. Watch the surf at Surfrider Beach from the sand.
4. Tour the Adamson House at 11 a.m., noon, 1 or 2 p.m. (Wednesday to Saturday), then the free museum.
5. Walk the Malibu Pier and eat at Malibu Farm Restaurant.

Pick Your Day

• Wednesday to Saturday: the only days for Adamson House tours and the museum.
• Fourth Sunday of the month: the free Audubon bird walk at 8:30 a.m. (adults) or 10 a.m. (families). See Bird Watching.
• Rainy days: the house and museum close in the rain, and LA County Public Health says to stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain.

What It Costs

• Parking: $3 an hour or $12 a day in the State Parks lot; the LA County Surfrider lot charges its own fee; free parallel parking on PCH when you can find it.
• Beach, trail and pier: no fee.
• Adamson House tour: $7 adults, $2 ages 6 to 17, free 5 and under.
• Museum: free.

Full details: Hours & Fees and Parking.

What to Bring

• Binoculars for the lagoon.
• Sun protection.
• A way to pay for parking and the house tour.
• A towel if you plan to swim near a lifeguard at Surfrider.

Before You Go

• Pier closure: the end of the Malibu Pier is closed for repairs until at least the end of January 2027. The rest of the pier is open.
• Dogs: not allowed on the beach or trails. See Dogs.
• No camping: California State Parks lists no camping or lodging at Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
• Groups: groups of 25 or more need a Special Event permit; see Weddings & Events.

Getting Here

About 13 miles west of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway, or through Malibu Canyon from the 101 at Las Virgenes Road. Metro Bus 534 stops at PCH and Malibu Pier. See Parking & Directions.