Malibu Lagoon
Malibu Lagoon
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23000 Pacific Coast Highway
Los Angeles, CA 90265
888-310-PIER
Good-for-Kids Rating
Beach
Wildlife Sanctuary
Surfing
Fishing
Malibu Lagoon Description
Malibu stretches for 27 miles up the coast, but you don't have to go far to find tide pools filled with anemones, crabs, sea cucumbers, and starfish. Park in the lot on the Pacific Coast Highway then walk to the Malibu Lagoon, where you can stroll over bridges through a bird-filled nature preserve. Once you hit the beach, you can kick back on the sand while the kids scramble over the rocks, looking for nature's treasures. When they tire of the tide pools, the Malibu pier is a half-mile south, where you can fish and check out the local surfers.
Kid Tips
Babies: With the right sun and wind protection, they'll nap for hours.
Toddlers & Pre-K: The tide pools make a great spot for "can you spot the ___" games.
School-Age Kids: They'll love this beach, especially if they're into mining for crabs.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Older kids might like to try their hand at kayaking: an outfitter with a trailer full of kayaks is out in front of the pier on most days. And they'll love the pier, a famous surf spot.
Planning Notes
- Check the tide tables before you go. You'll want to hit the pools at low tide, otherwise they'll be covered (look for Santa Monica on Tidesonline.com). There's a parking lot right next to the lagoon.
- This is a great spot for a picnic. Pick up food from one of the several eateries across the street on Cross Creek Road. In the Malibu Country Mart, you'll find a great fast-food taco stand and sandwich shop, plus a little playground for young children. It's also a good place to have a celebrity sighting.
- Come with the right gear. Kids will need water shoes or sneakers to clamber over the rocks at the tide pools. Bringing pails and shovels is a good idea as long as you follow the local custom of returning sea creatures to their habitat before leaving.
Just the Facts
Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset, daily
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
What's Nearby?
- Adamson House Museum 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-8432 34.03493777777778 -118.68057888888889 - Malibu Lagoon Museum 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-1770 34.03493777777778 -118.68057888888889 - Malibu Surf Shop 22935 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-8508 34.038235 -118.67501083333333




