Dawn patrol surfing in Malibu

Malibu, California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Malibu means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 10 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:47 AM
First Light: 6:17 AM

Day length: 12h 29m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:47 AM

First light: 6:17 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Last light: 7:45 PM

Data from County Line · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:16 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Day Length

12h 33m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:18 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Best dawn patrol spots in Malibu

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Featured Beaches(10)

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.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Beginner friendly

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

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.

Malibu Second Point

Intermediate

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

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.

Malibu Third Point

Advanced

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

Point Dume

Intermediate

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

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.

Dawn patrol access guide for Malibu

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

County Line
point
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.

Early access

Paddle out from the beach near the point or along the shore for the beach break. Watch for submerged rocks at low tide.

Parking

Free parking is available on both sides of the Pacific Coast Highway near Neptune's Net; arrive early on weekends.

Latigo Point
point
intermediate

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

Early access

Access via unmarked trails from PCH pullouts. Scramble down to the beach.

Parking

Limited pullouts along PCH - be very careful with traffic. No formal parking lot.

Leo Carrillo State Beach
beach
beginner

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

Early access

Easy access from the parking lot directly to the beach. Short walk to the main peaks.

Parking

State beach parking ($12) with ample spaces. Camping reservations fill months in advance.

Malibu First Point (Surfrider)
point
beginner
5.0(1)

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.

Malibu Second Point
point
upper-intermediate

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

Early access

Paddle from the main beach or work your way up from First Point during your session.

Parking

Same parking situation as First Point - arrive early or be prepared to walk from PCH parking.

Malibu Surfrider (First Point)
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.

Early access

Easy access from the parking lot. Walk across the lagoon bridge or along the beach to the point.

Parking

Large paid parking lot at Surfrider Beach fills early on weekends. Arrive before 8am or use PCH shoulder parking.

Malibu Third Point
point
advanced

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

Early access

Paddle from the beach during a lull or work your way out through the channel.

Parking

Park in the main lot and prepare for a longer paddle out to reach Third Point.

Point Dume
reef
intermediate

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

Early access

Hike down the trail from the parking area - expect a 10-15 minute walk and paddle.

Parking

Park at Point Dume State Beach lot ($12) or along Westward Beach Road.

Topanga
point
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.

Early access

Walk from the parking area down to the beach and paddle around the point. Wear booties if the cobbles hurt your feet.

Parking

There is a pay parking lot on the ocean side of PCH and limited roadside parking on Topanga Canyon Boulevard; bring cash for parking.

Zuma Beach
beach
beginner

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.

Early access

Easy access directly from the parking lot to the sand. Pick a peak and paddle out between sets.

Parking

Ample paid parking in large county lots along Zuma Beach. Arrive early on summer weekends as the lot fills quickly.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Malibu

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Malibu

Dawn patrol in Malibu typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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