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Zuma Beach › Los Angeles beaches › Leo Carrillo State Beach

Leo Carrillo State Beach: Your Ultimate Sea Cave & Camping Adventure

Location: 36000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Camping: $45-60/night | Day Use: Parking fees apply | Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily

Best For: Sea Cave Exploration, Camping, Tide Pools, Beach Fires, Family Adventures

🏕️ Essential Visitor Information

  • Hidden Grotto: Access sea caves during low tide for spectacular exploration
  • Camping Reservations: Call (800) 444-7275 or visit ReserveAmerica.com
  • Beach Fires Allowed: One of few Malibu beaches permitting fire pits
  • Dog-Friendly: Northern section welcomes leashed pets

The Hidden Grotto: Malibu's Best-Kept Secret

Discover one of Southern California's most spectacular natural wonders - the hidden sea cave grotto at Leo Carrillo State Beach. This mystical coastal formation, accessible only during low tide, offers visitors an unforgettable adventure through dramatic rock arches and secluded chambers carved by centuries of Pacific waves.

The Grotto Experience: Time your visit with low tide to explore the magnificent sea cave that has become legendary among local photographers and adventure seekers. The grotto's cathedral-like interior, with filtered sunlight streaming through natural openings, creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

🌊 Grotto Exploration Tips

Best Access Times: Check tide charts - low tide provides safest access

Safety First: Never turn your back on the ocean, wear appropriate footwear

Photography: Bring waterproof camera gear for unique lighting effects

Local Secret: Early morning visits offer the most peaceful experience

Tide Pool Wonderland: Marine Life Discovery

Leo Carrillo State Beach features some of the most accessible and diverse tide pools along the Malibu coast. During low tide, these natural aquariums reveal a fascinating ecosystem of sea anemones, hermit crabs, starfish, and colorful marine plants that captivate visitors of all ages.

Educational Adventure: The protected tide pool areas serve as natural classrooms where families can observe marine life in their natural habitat. Interpretive opportunities abound as you discover the intricate relationships between different species in these miniature ocean environments.

🐚 Tide Pool Etiquette & Discovery

  • Look but Don't Touch: Observe marine life without disturbing their habitat
  • Best Timing: 2-3 hours before and after low tide for optimal viewing
  • What to See: Sea anemones, starfish, hermit crabs, mussels, and sea urchins
  • Education: Perfect opportunity to teach children about marine ecosystems

Premium Camping Experience: Ocean Views & Giant Sycamores

Leo Carrillo State Beach offers one of Southern California's most spectacular camping experiences, with 130 sites nestled among towering giant sycamores just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Choose from standard sites or upgrade to premium ocean-view locations for the ultimate coastal camping adventure.

Camping Options & Pricing (2025):

  • Standard Campsites: $45 per night - Perfect for tents and small RVs
  • Premium Ocean View Sites: $60 per night - Wake up to spectacular sunrise views
  • Group Campsites: Accommodates up to 40 people with advance reservations

🏕️ Camping Facilities & Amenities

Essential Amenities:

  • Hot showers and clean restrooms
  • Coin-operated laundry facilities
  • Propane sales on-site
  • RV hookups available

Unique Features:

  • Beach fire pits permitted
  • Giant sycamore shade trees
  • Two separate camping loops
  • Direct beach access

Reservation Information: Advance booking essential, especially for weekends and summer months. Contact ReserveAmerica at (800) 444-7275 or visit ReserveAmerica.com to secure your oceanfront camping experience.

Campground encompasses two sections of beach along a loop road with 127 sites for tents and vehicles. Provides coin-operated laundry facilities, propane, video game room and spa.

A picturesque fun beach you will find here below the cliffs a variety of rocks, caves and tide pools.  And all without the busy crowds.  For a small beach the facilities are excellent, and including lifeguards, picnic facilities real restrooms (with flusing toilets) showers and food stands.

It is one of the few beaches with firepits allowing you to have a fire or flame BBQ right next to the beach.

With RV parking here it is a poular place to come for an short break if you have a suitable van.  Toilets, showers, electricity etc are all available with appropriate fees.

To find out more about reserving camping spots contact: ReserveAmerica by phone at 800.444.7275 or www.reserveamerica.com  

leo carrillo state beach

Drinking beer on the beach is accepted by the lifeguards here though they will ask you to only drink from cans to avoid the dangers of broken glass that nobody wants on a sand beach.   

 

LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH (27)

The northern part of the beach is also a dog beach, specifically a dog-on-the-leash beach though not everybody obeys this last part all the time.

 

Here is Leo Carrillo State Beach on the map.


 

Nearby Attractions

While most people visit the beach just for a day of sand, sun, surf and fun, there are actually many interesting attractions all within easy reach of the beach. So if you want to combine some activities in a day in the area, or simply want to allow some members of your group to do different things, then consider some of these nearby attractions.

Point Dume - At the end of the beach, visible as you look all the way to the left while facing the sea, Point Dume is a rocky promontory that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The point, a long bluff, forms the northern end of the Santa Monica Bay. It is most interesting as a rock climbing location as the rocking mound forms a natural climbing wall with very moderate single pitch rock climbing routes that are perfect for the beginner or training, or simply for those simply wishing to try out natural rock climbing.

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