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Leo Carrillo State Park: Malibu's Coastal Playground

Explore Malibu's Leo Carrillo State Park: beaches, tide pools, hiking, and Hollywood history on the California coast.

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Leo Carrillo State Park, stretching along 1.5 miles of Malibu's coastline, offers a diverse landscape of beaches, tide pools, and rugged back-country trails. Named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, the park provides a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.

A brief summary to Leo Carrillo State Park

  • Monday 8 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-10 pm
  • Friday 8 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer, to secure parking.
  • Check the tide charts before visiting to explore the tide pools at low tide.
  • Bring a leash for your dog to enjoy the designated dog-friendly areas of the park.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach or in the shaded picnic areas.
  • Consider camping to fully experience the park's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Santa Monica, drive approximately 28 miles northwest on Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). The park entrance is on the right. Parking is available in the park for $12 per day, or hourly rates are available. Free parking can sometimes be found along PCH.

  • Public Transport

    From Los Angeles, take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station. From there, transfer to the Big Blue Bus Route 9, which travels along Pacific Coast Highway. Exit at Trancas Canyon / Pacific Coast Highway and walk approximately 1 mile north to the park entrance. The bus fare is approximately $1.25 - $3.

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Discover more about Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park, nestled where Los Angeles and Ventura Counties meet, is a coastal haven named after Leo Carrillo (1880–1961), a celebrated actor and conservationist. Carrillo, known for his role as Pancho in "The Cisco Kid," also dedicated 18 years to the California Beach and Parks Commission, championing the preservation of California's coastal landscapes. The park's 2,513 acres encompass 1.5 miles of beachfront, tide pools teeming with marine life, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Visitors can explore coastal caves, reefs, and the Nicholas Flat Natural Preserve, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystems. Giant sycamores provide shade to the main campgrounds. Leo Carrillo State Park is a popular destination for a variety of activities. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and surf fishing. The park's tide pools and coastal caves offer opportunities to observe sea stars, anemones, mussels, and crabs. Inland, trails wind through the Santa Monica Mountains, providing hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park also holds historical significance, with evidence of Chumash habitation dating back to 6000 B.C.E.. The Chumash people were skilled artisans, known for their basketry and rock art. In the late 1700s, Spanish settlers arrived, impacting the Chumash way of life. In 2018, the Woolsey Fire swept through the area, causing significant damage to the park. However, the park has since recovered, with campgrounds reopening after cleanup efforts. Today, Leo Carrillo State Park continues to offer a blend of recreation, natural beauty, and historical significance.

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