I always enjoy a great beach for the pups! The beach itself is a mix of sand and smooth rocks, so bring sturdy sandals if you're picky about where you step. The water is really clear here, and on a calm day it's perfect for wading or just sitting at the shoreline. Lots of surfers in the mornings, so it has that laid-back local vibe instead of the packed tourist energy you get at Santa Monica or Venice. My favorite thing is the view cliffs on one side, wide open ocean straight ahead, and those classic Malibu sunsets that look like they're filtered even when they're not. It can get windy, and the rocks make it less ideal for classic beach lounging, but if you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax, walk, or watch surfers, this is a solid choice. read more

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Small. Dirty. Not much to see. Off an extremely busy road so it's super hard to get in out of. There were 4 off leash dogs running around barking at everyone so it kind of topped the already sucky beach. Was able to get a nice sunset picture though. read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

A small stretch of beach just right off Topanga canyon and pch. There's a paid parking lot right about as well as street parking. There's a stairway from parking lot as well as street ramp down. It's a good stretch of beach for family as well as surfers. I believe it is dog friendly which is great. They do have a lifeguard station as well as showers and restrooms. Also did notice that some fire pits were built. Depending on time of day you visit, they have little tide pools to stroll along. Waves aren't crazy near the shores so swimming is great. read more

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Can you say Surfers!!! This was a cute spot to watch the surfers or just relax. You can enjoy the wind in your hair with the sunshine on your skin! We came to lay back. Plenty of room for you and the family or just the girls. Easy to get to. Parking is easy if you get there early. Can't wait to go back. Clean and relaxing!!!! read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

Topanga Creek flows into the ocean here, forming a lagoon where the creek backs up behind the sandy beach. The parking lot is conveniently located on Pacific Coast Highway, just west of the intersection with Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Free parking spaces are also available along PCH outside of this lot. For dining options, Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant is situated right on Topanga Beach at the east end, offering oceanfront views. As of today, January 5, 2025, the weather forecast for Topanga Beach indicates If you're interested in checking the surf conditions before heading out, a live surf cam is available. Whether you're looking to catch some waves, enjoy the sun, or explore the natural beauty of the area, Topanga Beach offers a convenient coastal retreat near Los Angeles. read more

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I always have a wonderful time here - though I suggest going early if you want to bring along your doggo, since there can be a lot of kids later in the day. Just be sure to be careful after parking!! People do not drive like there are people around. read more

Decent parking The water was kind of dirty It's next to the highway so some cars drive wreckless read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

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Beautiful beach. There's a lot of parking areas so that's not an issue. The morning I went it was a little cloudy and cool. There were so many ppl out this morning to my surprise. Everyone enjoying themselves. I parked near the shore and enjoyed to ocean away from the crowds read more

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Beautiful So. Cal. Beach day! Free parking off PCH. Quite (except for the PCH traffic) Clean A bit of a "hike" down the rocks. Easy for kids. Not so much for adults with mobility issues. Kids had a great time! read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

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Located on PCH and Topanga Canyon. This is a beautiful beach, popular for surfers and families with small children. There is a paid parking lot. Handicap parking is free Monday through Friday and non holidays. They have a large lifeguard station that sits atop generally clean bathrooms and outdoor cold showers. They have an additional small handicap parking lot on the beach below the cliff. Entrance is easy to miss. You can only access it going south on PCH just before the light on right side. There is a hair pin turn down the incline. They also have a sturdy foam walk path to get halfway down the beach. Perfect for wheelchairs and people who have difficulty waking in sand. There are beautiful tide pools when the tide is out. This beach us perfect for kids and parents can feel as little safer, allowing children to play in water, observe the oceans creatures and build sand castles without fear of a big wave coming in and sweeping them away. Of course, you always need to watch your kids. But it's a great spot to relax a bit more than beaches with big surf breaks! There are a few tables (that go fast), a couple shade spots and an every changing lagoon to watch water fowl. Not sure if play in it, but some do. Lots and lots of kids! So if you're not into that, this is not your beach. Waves are great for beginners, but it does get some great big waves with the right conditions. And great for those that like a right wave. I enjoy this beach more I the winter when there's less kids. Some of the parents are oblivious to non kid adults trying to relax and don't teach their kids about personal space. It's not uncommon to get kids running over your towel and kicking up sand 6" from your chair. So just be aware. read more

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I love this beach!! It's right after Santa Monica, heading into Malibu. There is a paid parking lot but I have ALWAYS found free street parking either right in front or within steps to the parking lot. I come here weekly in the summer. There are 2 staircases in the parking lot leading down to the beach. There is an additional ramp one can drive down that leads to handicap parking I believe. There are also handicap beach wheelchairs available by request from the lifeguards which is awesome! From what I've seen, there are 2 parts of the beach separated by the lifeguard tower and bathrooms/showers. One part is where you can go into the water, boogieboard, etc. and the other is mostly for surfers, though you can put your feet into the water there as well. As I usually go to tan or relax, I go to the surfing side and it's a perk for me as I watch the talented surfers! Depending on the tide, the beach can be very rocky by the shore or the rocks can be covered. I've seen both- as you can see from my pictures. When it is rocky, I would just suggest walking further down the beach, if you want to go in and play. There are a few picnic tables before the sand too. I have never seen the beach too crowded, the bathrooms are standard beach bathrooms (love that they are so close by) and I also love that there is a walkway to get further down in the sand. The beach is also not too far out from the parking lot so not much trudging through sand. Whether you come here to surf, play or relax- I love this beach!! read more

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March 17, 2018: St. Patrick's Day. The day that is filled to the brim with green, leprechauns, Irish jigs, and alcohol. Green, green, everywhere! I'm a rebel, though, and bluntly green is not really my color. So, I decided to go blue. Blue skies, blue water, blue everywhere! Where did I fill my anti-green quota? Topanga Beach off the PCH near Topanga Canyon and Malibu. Finding Topanga Beach was something that the California coast Gods bestowed on me as it was a pure accident. I happened to be up in the canyons of Malibu and ran out of gas so stopped at the first gas station on the PCH. As I was driving along I coast, I see a strip of beautiful beach and rocks. Holy moly! Everyone is aware of Santa Monica Beach, Will Rogers, Zuma...but what was this?! Topanga Beach is the strip of ocean coast located off Big Rock Rd and headed East towards Santa Monica (you can see the pier in the distance). There is plenty of street (free) parking alongside the PCH but be careful because the drivers here are nuts. However, dealing with the cuckoo drivers is worth it cause Topanga Beach is gorgeous! Topanga Beach is the place of postcard-esque photos. You will find giant rocks in a rockwall along the edge that are perfect for your social media photos and staircases leading down to the more sandy spots. You can't miss the 'big rock' jutted out from the sand at Big Rock Rd as it figuratively waves hello. To top it off, some greenery and trees pepper the beach. This contrast in topography is stunning and makes Topanga Beach breathless. The water itself is also beautiful at Topanga Beach. The deep hues of the ocean reflecting the smog-less blue sky will put any paintbrush and crayon to shame. It is unequivocal. Another great thing about Topanga Beach is that it isn't overflowing with tourists. It is more of a sleepy spot, so great for those who get claustrophobic and have social anxiety in crowds. It also means Topanga Beach is an ideal spot for romantic walks. A delightful perk at Topanga Beach? You can see ocean animals here! At other beaches, dolphins and seals generally pop-up in early earning morning hours but I had the lovely pleasure of seeing a seal bobbing and "hanging out" at about 5pm before nosediving back into the water. This literally made my life complete as I have not seen a seal in the ocean in almost a decade. Thank you, Topanga Beach! A downside for those kiddos (and adults too) who are on the search for a seashell heaven: Topanga Beach isn't really the place for that. You WILL find shells but they aren't overly abundant like some other beaches (I'm talking about you, Sunset Beach in Orange County!). Despite this, Topanga Beach is still a good beach choice for children as it is quite clean and will induce smiles. If you want to make a date or day of Topanga Beach; there are several restaurants in the immediate vicinity on the PCH. Basically, this area is lovely, quaint, and will remind LA residents of the beauty available to us. So, if you are in need of some blue in your life (and not the negative, sad kind); then Topanga Beach is your savior. It is perfect for photos, isn't overly populated, and you can possible spot a seal or two before heading to grab a bite at the neighboring restaurants. Topanga Beach is definitely recommended as a substitute for the more touristy beaches nearby. You won't regret it! read more

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Such a delightful scenery to just park and watch the people surf and do there things. Coming from San fernando Valley this is a much quicker way to go to many of the beaches from Topanga down to PCH. On this day the surf was flat. However the kids where having a great time. Always fills your at peace when you here the water crashing against the rocks. Great spot to enjoy the Sunset. Depending on the time of day you come,parking can be an issue,if you decide to park on PCH. I would park on Topanga Canyon,facing northbound and walk across the street.So much easyier. Must of PCH the parking is free on top if you can find a parking spot.There are parking lots to park at,however there is a fee. 026/100 Yelp challenge.(2016) read more

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I love this beach, its never crowded and always clean. Anytime I have a chance visit I do. read more

Topanga Beach - Life guard on duty. - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

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One of my favorite beaches in LA. I love the chill atmosphere. I usually find parking along side the highway, next to the Reel Inn restaurant. Topanga beach is much nicer and less crowded then the city beaches. There are restrooms and showers. Lots of surfers. It's calm, quiet and clean. There are no loud music or homeless people (unlike Venice beach). read more

I LOVE this beach. It is the closest beach to my home from the west side of the San Fernando Valley. I am so happy its close by for those much needed days. On a busy day i would suggest parking on Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga Beach's shore line is a great place for adults and children. On a regular basis you can find surfers here which are pretty cool and nice. I wanna learn how to surf!!! There is also a connecting bridge on PCH so as a pedestrian you dont have to wait for the street light. Sunsets are quite beautiful here. Right across from this beach is reel inn restaurant. read more

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I love this beach. It's so convenient and easy to access! Unlike so many other locations, parking isn't a fortune or a nightmare. The surfers are always out in force and there's an actual bathroom (Not a porta potty, ew) located on the beach. It can be rocky depending on recent tides which I've had some people complain about but it you can work around it if you're willing to traverse the sand a bit. If you head north and wrap around the crescent, you can access an even larger/wider/less rocky portion of the beach on the opposite side of the Topanga Creek washout. Because of the drought, not much is coming down from that stream. Another great aspect to this beach is you have Reel Inn, Rosenthal's Wine Bar and Cholada's all immediately across PCH. And if you happen to be driving by on a beautiful day and don't have a suit, stop at American Apparel and pick one up! I've literally done that. It's a great beach. It's not as wide and scenic as Zuma or some sections of Santa Monica but because of that, it's also not as crowded. read more

Topanga Beach - Beautiful day in Topanga 84 already - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

It's one of my favorite beaches in LA it's 4 miles from Santa Monica right on the pacific coast highway and you can park along the side of the highway or there's paid parking. It's less crowded than the city beaches. The beach is really clean and has restrooms plus showers it all so has a lifeguard building. Lots of beach area also lots of surfers read more

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Nice usually uncrowded beach right across from Rosenthal Winery where you can use the pedestrian tunnel to cross over for some wine/cheese after your beach day. Paid lot is pretty big although you probably can find some free spots if it's not a perfect weekend beach day. Lots of surfers here but you can swim too and hopefully see some dolphins or seals. NOT dog friendly but if you go the right (North) for a few minutes you'll pass a sea wall and there is nothing but expensive private houses where you do see some doggies especially if it's low tide. Not technically legal -- but LA has no official dog beaches which is a shame. So if that make me a criminal for wanting my dog to have fun in the water so be it. read more

Beautiful at low tide, very rocky and pldnty ofshells to find. There are crabs and other creatures living in the rocks so be careful where you step! Otherwise makes the best beach photoshoot space. This photoshoot was from before covid, however I went recently to watch the waves from my car and no one was wearing a mask read more

I liked this beach. I was looking for a not so crowded beach on the way back from Malibu, and saw this one before getting into Santa Monica. I was also able to find a spot along PCH right in front of the pay parking lot....score!! When you leave the parking lot and walk down the stairs, you arrive at the center where the restrooms, showers and first aid area is. Off to the right is a small beach with some rocky areas. If you go to the left of the building, there is a much more expansive beach, but it will require walking about 500 feet. When you are done at the beach, come back and use the showers on the back of the building, side facing the water. Only 2 of the 4 showers worked. On a Sunday afternoon, I was surprised to see hardly anyone at the beach.....if I'm in the area, I'd consider coming back again. read more

Topanga Beach - Quiet beach on a Sunday - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

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Such a lovely destination to visit on a summer day! Parking can be tricky, but I'd suggest you park somewhere on Topanga Canyon... and in case you forgot refreshments and snacks, there's a food mart at the intersection of PCH and Topanga Canyon. The beach has a lifeguard so safety is assured. This place tends to get packed during the weekends, but there's always a spot you can lay your towels down. It's a clean beach with bins, let's keep it that way! ;-) read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

Beautiful location and so easy to get to from anywhere in the valley. Parking can be tough but thats everywhere lol. Lots of surfers and families. Brought my mom here with a cup of coffee read more

I like this beach because it's a little more private and less packed than others. We usually stay on the right side and if we want to go in the water, we walk over to the left side where there's more sand. This is one of my favorite spots to tan (and nap). read more

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Absolutely LOVE this beach! Topanga State Beach is my favorite beach in Malibu to visit cuz it's clean, sometimes secluded, and very family/kid-oriented. LOCATION & PARKING Located off the Pacific Coast Highway across from Reel Inn Fish Restaurant. When you see the stoplight at Topanga Canyon Road, the beach can be found a little after that light. Parking is available and FREE along the side of the PCH. There's also parking lots, but those cost money and not too sure of pricing. **TIP: Early morning (especially on weekends) is the BEST time to find parking along the PCH. But DO NOT PARK along the PCH between 10pm - 5am cuz parking is prohibited! SETTING There are three ways to get down to the beach: Two stairways OR climbing through the big boulders. **TIP: Take the time to walk the extra mile to go down the stairs for the safer route! Restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard station are located near one of the stairways. **TIP: The bathroom isn't the cleanest as expected and there's no soap, so bring hand sanitizer! Sand is super soft and cool and perfect for sandcastle building. Water is clean, but cold! Some seaweed on the beach, but not an overwhelming amount. Beach is generally very clean, yet they only keep trash bins by the life guard stations. Dunno why they don't put trash cans along the beach for people to dispose their trash. Weird. Finding a good spot on the beach is easy cuz it's never too crowded.The usual crowd is friendly and usually includes families with children, couples, and groups of friends. Popular beach for those who like to surf, boogie board, or paddle board. Kid-friendly but NOT dog friendly, so keep you furry ones at home! Overall, I always leave happy and relaxed after spending a day at Topanga State Beach. So looking forward to more beach days there cuz summer is just around the corner! read more

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Easily one of my favorite surf spots! Parking is always super easy for dawn patrol. Plenty of free parking along PCH, and the parking lot is pretty much always empty and unlike the other places on the westside, this parking lot only charges $3. Staircases leads down to the beach. There are showering facilities as well as enclosed bathrooms that are very clean. This beach is very rocky and getting into the water can be challenging especially at low tide. I still have a huge scar on my foot after slipping on the reefy rocks. I highly recommend booties even in the summer time. The waves always have great shape due to the rocky bottom and it gets especially fun when the swell reaches 5ft or higher. Highly recommend! read more

Easily a local favorite as this is the ideal surfer's spot and is located right between Santa Monica and Malibu. For non-surfers like myself, you are allowed in the water without a surfboard. Parking is nearby the beach where there is a nice swim area and can be quite rocky at times. Views of the Santa Monica Mountains are absolutely stunning as the view from Topanga is scenic in every way. Surf's up dude! read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

Did some surf fishing, but didn't catch anything. There are some rusted out walls right on the beach, right where the American Apparel Store sits. Just ignore them, because beaches are public. The stretch of beach is quite empty as most people think this stretch of beach is private. The beach and waves have some rocks and lots of kelp in the surf. This could make for some dicey entering and playing in the water. Low tide exposes some interesting sea life like anemones and hermit crabs. Due to the limited access and few people on the stretch just North of American Apparel, some people let it all hang out for that no tan line look. read more

Topanga Beach - Best things in life are free - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

How can you give a beach less than 4 stars? Anywhere you can walk along the edge of where the ocean meets the land just like you're walking on a wire in a circus ( thanks Duritz ) is awesome by me. Not that I'm a beach expert yet. Maybe if there was raw sewage washing up or something. Yuk. But there's not. This is a nice beach that feels farther removed from LA than it actually is. Enjoy. read more

Good spot for a quick beach trip. Check the tide before going. Parking is ok. Pay or park on PCH. I find a lot of people pass their parking sticker on to new cars pulling in which I do also. Pass it on is what I say. No beach house facilities which they have to work out sooner then later. Need a shower, bathrooms etc... Good beginner surfing beach also. read more

Topanga Beach - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

Let me walk you through the quintessential Topanga Beach surfing experience. It's around 9pm -- late enough to check the surf report. Of all the mediocre forecasts, Topanga is most promising. 2 - 3 feet at low tide. You know what lies in store, but there isn't really a better alternative. The surf elsewhere is nonexistent. You wake up early, around 5 - 5:30. Arrive at 6:30 ish. After finding a parking spot, you descend down the stairs sand to the beach. If you're lucky, there won't be any locals perched along the stair steps, eyeing you with a territorial aggression. By now you've made it to the water's edge. The only thing between you and the point are 30 feet of rocks. This part kind of sucks, but it's worth it. Carefully cross the rocks, avoid any barnacles, and try not fall. You're in the water. Perfect, smooth rights keep on rolling off the point. Here's where it gets sketchy. The second you catch a wave, the locals start hollering. They're athletic enough to rip, and old enough to be your dad. Or your mom. Or your grandma. Topanga has a gnarly wave hierarchy. Tourists aren't exactly welcome. When you can grab a wave you're absolutely stoked. They'll take you down the full length of the beach. It's easy to spend three hours at Topanga, soaking in the sun and the view. Most beaches in SoCal don't compare in their scenic beauty, or their wave shape. But yeah, the locals aren't great. At Topanga you'll get the full package. Take it or leave it. read more

A GREAT option if you're looking to hit the beach without having to deal with all the crazies, bums and crowds at Santa Monica Beach. Located right off of PCH a few miles up from SM, Topanga State Beach offers lots of street parking with no fees. I usually park next to The Chart House and hike down the rocks to the mini beach as I'd like to call it. I love how secluded and clean this area is and like I said, how it's not too crowded. Wear sunscreen, bring an umbrella and dip your toes in the water. Happy Beaching! read more

We saw dolphins! Great little beach with surfing waves and a gorgeous sunset! read more

The beach. You always picture it as a clear, beautiful paradise, but then you actually show up and realize there is rotting seaweed everywhere, and people who wear all of their gold jewelry while in swimwear. Topanga State Beach is not like that. Seaweed? Yes. Lots of it. But if you are just being a land pirate, you'll see majorly hot dudes all over this beach, which makes up for having really disgusting seaweed in the water. read more

Beautiful place to catch mind-blowing sunsets, right outside of the Getty Villa. You can clamber down pretty easily from the side of the road down to the water if you're just visiting for a short time, or there are paid parking lots where you can leave your car if you plan to spend the day there. Definitely stop and enjoy the view here some time! read more

Topanga Beach - Amazing January sunset at the north end of Topanga State Beach by Getty Villa. - Beaches Near Me - Malibu, California

Smaller beach most suitable for beginning/intermediate surfers. There is sand where you can tan on, but once you hit the water it is mostly all rocks, thus not a swimmers beach. I think the left side of the beach may have been less rocky because there were less surfers and more swimmers. There is a bathroom near by and with a lifeguard on duty. There are stairs you have to walk down to get to the sand. Honestly, not my favorite beach. I would have rather drove down a little farther to Malibu. Parking: There is a lot with a fee or you can try to find street parking. I believe the parking people said that you had to reserve the handicap spots ahead of time in order to park there. read more

This is a beach that is less crowded than most. There are not too many perks but if you want to surf and find inexpensive parking this mighy just be your go to spot. You might actually find so few people that it will feel private. read more

Love it here! One of the not so busy beach along PCH. Definitely my spot to hang out. read more

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Disclaimer: I didn't go in the water. Not because I have a phobia of L.A. water. I just have a phobia of L.A. water temperatures in March, and I don't own a wetsuit. (Yet.) Anyway, stopped here on a pleasant afternoon to read in a more interesting location than the armchair in my living room. Parked along PCH (rather than the paid lot) and hung out on the sand for a few hours, having literary adventurers and admiring the always awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean. Beach is rather narrow, but on the plus side it wasn't that crowded, even on a Saturday afternoon. read more

The dead lobster beach. The dead lobster on the rocky rock beach. The dead lobster graveyard rocky tombstone rocks the waves crash so hard against you beach. The dead lobster graveyard rocky tombstone rocks the waves crash so hard against you and yet actual fish swim in the water it's true I saw so myself beach. Fresh fish scare me because that just means sharks are abouts. o.o read more