Los Angeles County, California
El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is the northernmost of the three Malibu state beaches (El Matador, La Piedra, El Pescador) managed as Point Mugu State Park.
- Day use
- Scenic
About this place
El Matador State Beach is the northernmost of the three Malibu state beaches (El Matador, La Piedra, El Pescador) managed as Point Mugu State Park. The beach is known for its sea caves, rock arches, and offshore sea stacks — coastal geology that makes it one of the most photographed stretches of the Malibu coast. The sand is isolated below tall bluffs, accessible via a steep staircase from the PCH parking area.
The clothing-optional tradition is informal and occupies sections of the beach away from the main staircase access, particularly toward the caves and rock formations at the north end. The beach attracts a mix of photographers, general beachgoers, and naturists who appreciate the combination of visual drama, relative isolation, and Malibu proximity without the crowding of the more accessible beaches closer to Santa Monica.
El Matador is about 35 miles northwest of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway. The parking lot is small and charges a fee — it fills quickly on clear weekends. Arrive by 9am to guarantee a spot. The staircase down to the beach is steep; the tide matters here, as high tide can cut off access to the cave formations.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Malibu day-trippers, photographers, LA naturists who know the informal C/O convention. Mix of general beach visitors and those seeking the C/O section.
How to find it
Drive Pacific Coast Highway about 35 miles northwest from Santa Monica. El Matador State Beach parking lot is on the left (ocean side), just past Encinal Canyon Road. Steep staircase leads to the beach. C/O section is at the north end toward the sea caves.
Things to watch out for
Parking lot is very small and fills early on weekends. The staircase is steep — take care on the descent, especially when wet. High tide cuts off the cave access areas. California State Parks prohibits nudity; enforcement at El Matador is minimal in the less-accessible sections.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
The C/O tradition is at the north end, away from the staircase. General beach visitors and photographers use the whole beach — read the situation. No climbing on the sea caves.
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