Sunset sessions in Malibu

Malibu, California

Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.

After-work glass-offs in Malibu can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 10 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.

Sunset

7:15 PM
Golden Hour: 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM

Day length: 12h 27m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:48 AM

First light: 6:18 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Last light: 7:45 PM

Data from County Line · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:48 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 27m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

7:15 PM

Day Length

12h 29m

Wed, Apr 1

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 sunset surf 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.

Sunset session picks in Malibu

West-facing beaches with golden hour potential and evening access.

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.

Beach facing
W-facing (260°)Golden hour
Evening 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.

Beach facing
S-facing (200°)
Evening access

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

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

Beach facing
S-facing (200°)
Evening access

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

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.

Beach facing
S-facing (190°)
Evening access

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

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.

Beach facing
S-facing (180°)
Evening 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.

Beach facing
S-facing (200°)
Evening 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.

Beach facing
S-facing (200°)
Evening 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.

Beach facing
W-facing (260°)Golden hour
Evening 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.

Beach facing
W-facing (260°)Golden hour
Evening access

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

Sunset session tips

  • West-facing beaches for stunning sunset views
  • Often cleaner afternoon conditions
  • Golden hour photography opportunities
  • After-work session favorites

Surf Guides for Malibu

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Malibu

The best sunset sessions in Malibu are at County Line, Latigo Point, Leo Carrillo State Beach. These spots offer stunning golden hour views while you ride.
Yes! Afternoon often brings cleaner conditions as morning onshore winds die down. Plus, the golden hour light and fewer crowds make for magical sessions.

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