Best Surf Beaches in Malibu

3.8·30 reviews
10 beaches
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Plan the next Malibu session

Use the city guide for spot choice, then move into timing, water temperature, or tide context.

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Featured Beaches(10)

Point Dume

Intermediate

Point Dume is a scenic reef break at the southern end of Zuma Beach.

County Line

Intermediate

County Line, on the border of LA and Ventura counties, features a right-hand cobblestone reef break at the northern end and 500 yards of beach break to the south. Conditions range from peaky lefts and rights to heavy closeouts. On larger swells, currents and rips become strong and the point turns into an advanced wave.

Latigo Point

Intermediate

Latigo Point is a right-hand point break that offers a less crowded alternative.

Malibu Surfrider (First Point)

Intermediate

Malibu First Point is one of the most iconic surf breaks in the world. This cobblestone point produces long, peeling right-handers perfect for longboarding.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Beginner friendly

Leo Carrillo is a family-friendly state beach with a gentle beach break.

Topanga

Intermediate

Topanga Point is a right-hand point break over a cobble and sand bottom interspersed with rocks. The wave can be hollow and fast, offering fun rides for all levels, though beginners should be cautious at low tide. It works on most tides and picks up both south and northwest swells. Crowds and passionate locals are the norm.

Zuma Beach

Beginner friendly

Zuma Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand with multiple peaks that break over a sandy bottom. The beach offers consistent, forgiving waves that suit beginners on smaller days and transforms into a powerful shorepound during big winter swells. On any given day you'll find peaks breaking left and right, with plenty of room to spread out.

Malibu Third Point

Advanced

Third Point is the outermost and most powerful section of Malibu.

Malibu Second Point

Intermediate

Second Point is the middle section of the famous Malibu point break system.

Malibu First Point (Surfrider)

Beginner friendly

Malibu First Point (Surfrider) is a point break in Malibu, CA. It is well suited for beginners and those learning to surf. Watch out for rip currents, rocks, sea urchins.

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Malibu

Malibu has 10 surf spots. They break down by skill level: 3 beginner, 5 intermediate, and 1 advanced.
The top-ranked surf spots in Malibu are: 1. Point Dume (4.3/5), 2. County Line (4.3/5), 3. Latigo Point (3.8/5). Rankings are based on community ratings, reviews, and recent surf intel.
Yes, Malibu has 3 beginner-friendly spots, including Leo Carrillo State Beach, Zuma Beach, and Malibu First Point (Surfrider). These spots offer gentler waves suitable for learning.
Water temperatures in the area range from 55-72°F. In summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is typical. In winter, bring 4/3mm.

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