Least crowded surf spots in Malibu

Malibu, California

Recommendations refresh every 30 minutes based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.

When Malibu lineups stack up, knowing a backup changes everything. These 10 breaks range from tucked-away reef passes to underrated sandbars that stay empty even on weekend south pulses.

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Featured Beaches(2)

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.

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.

Today's low-crowd plan in Malibu

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Top picks

1Zuma Beach
1 ft7 mph
2County Line
1.1 ft5 mph
Secondary peaks and tide windows that thin crowdsParking tricks and walk-in trails most visitors skipForecast cues that trigger locals-only surgesNearby alternates when the primary target turns into a zoo

Crowd & access intel for Malibu beaches

Local crowd levels, parking tips, and access routes to help you find emptier lineups.

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.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Medium crowds; a mix of longboarders and shortboarders. Spread along the beach to find space.

Parking

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

Access

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

Latigo Point
point
intermediate

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

Typical crowd
low
Crowd intel

Less crowded due to difficult access. Locals appreciate the peace.

Parking

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

Access

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

Leo Carrillo State Beach
beach
beginner

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

Typical crowd
medium
Crowd intel

Family beach vibe with surf schools and learners. Spread out to find space.

Parking

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

Access

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

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.

Typical crowd
very_crowded
Malibu Second Point
point
upper-intermediate

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

Typical crowd
heavy
Crowd intel

Less crowded than First Point but still busy. Shortboarders dominate when working.

Parking

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

Access

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

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.

Typical crowd
very_heavy
Crowd intel

Extremely crowded - one of the busiest lineups in California. Respect the rotation.

Parking

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

Access

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

Malibu Third Point
point
advanced

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

Typical crowd
heavy
Crowd intel

Experienced crew when its on. Locals have priority and expect proper etiquette.

Parking

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

Access

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

Point Dume
reef
intermediate

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

Typical crowd
medium
Crowd intel

The hike keeps crowds down. Mostly intermediate surfers and some locals.

Parking

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

Access

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

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.

Typical crowd
crowded
Crowd intel

Expect crowds and vocal locals. Surf early mornings or weekdays to find space, and be polite in the lineup.

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.

Access

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

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.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Zuma's long beach disperses crowds, but the central peaks near lifeguard towers are busier. Walk north or south for more space.

Parking

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

Access

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

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Crowd4/10
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Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Malibu

Less crowded surf spots in Malibu include County Line, Zuma Beach. Early mornings and weekdays offer the best chance for empty lineups and more waves to yourself.
Early morning dawn patrol sessions (before 8 AM) and weekday afternoons are typically the least crowded times to surf in Malibu. Weekends and holidays see the biggest crowds, especially from 9 AM to 2 PM.
To avoid crowds in Malibu, try surfing during off-peak hours, explore lesser-known breaks, check conditions midweek, and be flexible with your surf schedule. Local knowledge and timing around tide changes can also help you find emptier lineups.

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