Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to October
About El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of three small pocket beaches that make up Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach in western Malibu, along with El Pescador and La Piedra, on the Pacific Coast Highway. It sits below a sandstone bluff about 150 feet high and is known for its sea stacks, arches and small sea caves, which make it one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California, especially at sunset. The beach is a narrow band of sand between rock formations that shrinks sharply at high tide. It is a regular, clothed state beach, busy with photographers and sightseers. Some guides report that nude sunbathers occasionally use the quieter corners among the rocks, but nudity is not permitted and there is no established nude section. The water has surf and currents, and dogs are not allowed.
Getting there
The entrance is on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway in western Malibu (signed address listed variously as 32215 or 32350 PCH) and is easy to miss. The small state park lot holds about 25 cars with a parking fee (reported at $3 per hour or $8-10 per day; state park passes accepted). Free parking is on the inland side of PCH where signs allow, which means crossing the highway. A short, steep dirt path and several flights of stairs lead down the bluff; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Portable toilets at the top. No convenient transit.
What visitors say
Visitors overwhelmingly praise the rock formations, caves and sunsets and describe it as busy with photographers. The common complaints are the tiny lot, crossing PCH from street parking, the steep stairs, and sand disappearing at high tide. Nudity is rarely mentioned in reviews.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
El Matador is a California state beach where nudity is not permitted; Los Angeles County ordinances also prohibit public nudity. California State Parks generally cites for nudity on complaint. No designated or tolerated nude area exists as of 2026.
Naturism at El Matador State Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 34.0380, -118.8747
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is El Matador a nude beach?
No. It is a regular state beach; occasional nude sunbathing has been reported but nudity is not allowed.
Where do I park?
In the small paid state park lot off PCH, or on the inland side of the highway where signs allow.
When is the best time to visit?
Low tide and late afternoon for sunsets; at high tide much of the sand disappears.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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