Kitesurfers offshore and pelicans flying over the waves at a Malibu beach

Rules & Regulations

Malibu Lagoon State Beach follows California State Parks rules. The ones visitors ask about most: dogs are not allowed on the beach or the lagoon trails, the parking lot is open 8 a.m. to sunset, groups of 25 or more need a Special Event permit, and the end of the Malibu Pier is closed under a posted State Parks order. This page sums them up. Posted signs and rangers have the final word.

At a Glance

Key Rules at a Glance

DogsParking lot and leashed on Adamson lawns only

Day useParking 8 a.m. to sunset

Groups of 25+Special Event permit

FilmingPermit from State Parks

FishingNo license on the pier; CDFW limits apply

Malibu Pier endClosed by District Superintendent's posted order

Adamson HouseInside by guided tour only

CampingNone

Dogs

Dogs are allowed only in the parking lot and, on a leash, on the Adamson House lawns. They are not allowed on the beach, on the Malibu Lagoon trails, or inside the Adamson House. See Dogs.

Hours and Parking

The State Parks lot is open 8 a.m. to sunset. It is a day-use park with no camping.
Pay the posted fee: $3 an hour or $12 a day. Special rates may apply at peak times.
In the LA County Surfrider lot, pay at the pay station and display the receipt on your dashboard.

See Parking.

Groups, Events and Filming

Special Event permit if your group has 25 or more people, if you bring equipment that isn't part of the park (amplified sound, a stage, lights, flowers, chairs or tables), or if payment is collected or a non-State Parks service is paid for. Email malibu.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.
Filming permit for commercial or student filming or photography: (818) 880-0358.
Adamson House groups of eight or more must book a tour 30 days ahead.

See Weddings & Events.

Malibu Pier

California State Parks closed the end of the Malibu Pier in January 2025. District Superintendent's posted order No. 915-25-13 closes the pier beyond the second white gate, and other parts of the pier may close during high surf advisories. Stay out of the closed area. Fish only in the designated fishing areas that are open and follow the posted guidelines. See Malibu Pier.

Fishing

No sport fishing license is needed on a public pier, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Size limits, bag limits and other CDFW rules still apply. See Pier Fishing.

Adamson House

The inside of the house is seen by guided tour only.
The house and museum close when it rains.
No parking on the grounds except disabled drop-off.

Water

Swim near a staffed LA County lifeguard tower.
Stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after rain and away from flowing creeks and storm drains, as LA County Public Health advises.

Who to Ask

For anything not listed here, follow the signs posted at the park and check the California State Parks Malibu Lagoon State Beach page.

A western snowy plover sitting on its nest inside a small wire enclosure on the sand at Malibu Lagoon State Beach

FAQ

Rules & Regulations FAQ

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, the lagoon trails, or inside the Adamson House.

Do I need a permit for a group at Malibu Lagoon?

Yes, if your group has 25 or more people, brings outside equipment like sound, chairs or tables, or involves paid services. Email malibu.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.

Why is the end of the Malibu Pier closed?

For structural repairs. California State Parks closed it in January 2025, and a posted District Superintendent's order keeps the pier closed beyond the second white gate. State Parks expects repairs to finish by the end of January 2027.