Dan Blocker Beach: Bonanza Stars' Memorial Gift to California

How to get there

Dan Blocker is on Pacific Coast Highway between Solstice Canyon Road and Corral Canyon Road.

About Dan Blocker

As a county beach, Dan Blocker has restrooms, picnic tables and lifeguard service.  Bus stop are nearby. There are free parking along the PCH so just park there and walk down the hill to the beach.  If you come in RV, RV parking is available.

Fishing, swimming, surfing and scuba diving are popular here. Alternatively, if you are on the PCH and look for a short break, just sit on the bench and enjoy the view.

The Bonanza Memorial Story

Dan Blocker Beach carries one of television history's most touching friendship stories. This beautiful mile-long stretch of Malibu coastline was donated to the State of California by **Lorne Greene and Michael Landon**, beloved stars of the legendary TV series Bonanza, in honor of their dear friend and co-star **Dan Blocker**, who portrayed the lovable giant Eric Haas "Hoss" Cartwright.

When Dan Blocker passed away unexpectedly in 1972, his Bonanza family wanted to create a lasting memorial that reflected his generous spirit and love for the California coast. Their gift of this pristine beach ensures that Dan Blocker's memory lives on through the countless families and visitors who enjoy this peaceful stretch of Malibu coastline.

Perfect Family Beach Experience

As a **LA County beach**, Dan Blocker provides comprehensive family-friendly amenities including clean restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and professional lifeguard services during daylight hours. The **free PCH parking** makes this particularly accessible for families seeking a complete beach day without the parking fees common at other Malibu destinations.

The beach's **one-mile length** provides ample space for various activities while maintaining an intimate, community feel. **RV parking availability** makes this ideal for extended family gatherings or camping enthusiasts exploring the Malibu coast.

Diverse Recreation Opportunities

Dan Blocker Beach excels in providing activities for all interests and skill levels. The **protected waters** and **sandy bottom** create ideal conditions for safe swimming and beginning surf instruction. **Scuba diving enthusiasts** appreciate the accessibility and interesting underwater topography, while **shore fishing** yields consistent results year-round.

For visitors seeking relaxation over adventure, the **scenic viewpoint benches** offer perfect spots for enjoying Pacific sunsets, reading, or simply watching the constant parade of surfers, swimmers, and marine wildlife that characterizes this active stretch of coast.

The Ultimate Scuba Diving Destination

Among Malibu's diving destinations, Dan Blocker Beach stands out as **one of the premier scuba diving locations** along the Southern California coast. The protected waters and interesting underwater topography create ideal conditions for both beginning and experienced divers seeking to explore the vibrant marine ecosystem beneath Malibu's waves.

The underwater landscape features a fascinating mix of **sandy channels and rocky reef formations** that support diverse marine life. Divers regularly encounter **bright orange Garibaldi fish**, California's official state marine fish, along with **leopard sharks, bat rays, and schools of yellowtail**. The kelp forests here provide shelter for countless species, from tiny nudibranchs to playful sea lions that often approach curious divers.

**Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 feet**, with the best conditions usually occurring during late summer and early fall when storms are less frequent. The **relatively shallow depths** (ranging from 15 to 40 feet in most areas) make this an excellent training ground for new divers while still offering enough complexity to engage seasoned underwater explorers.

Shore Fishing Paradise

The rocky sections of Dan Blocker Beach create **exceptional shore fishing opportunities** that draw anglers from across Los Angeles County. The varied underwater structure provides habitat for numerous game fish species, making this one of Malibu's most productive fishing spots accessible without a boat.

**Popular catches include halibut, sand bass, rockfish, and seasonal runs of yellowtail and white sea bass.** The rocky areas are particularly productive for **calico bass and sheephead**, while the sandy sections yield **corbina, surfperch, and occasional halibut**. During summer months, **mackerel and bonito** often move close to shore, providing exciting action for surf anglers.

The best fishing typically occurs during **dawn and dusk hours** when fish are most active. **High tide periods** often produce the most consistent action, as deeper water allows larger fish to move closer to shore. Local anglers recommend using **live bait such as anchovies or sardines** for larger game fish, while **sand crabs and bloodworms** work well for smaller species.

**Fishing licenses are required** for all anglers 16 and older, and California fishing regulations apply. The rocks provide excellent casting platforms, but anglers should exercise caution on wet surfaces and be aware of changing tide conditions.

Tide Pooling Wonderland

The rocky intertidal zones at Dan Blocker Beach offer some of Malibu's finest **tide pooling experiences**. During low tide periods, particularly **minus tides that occur during new and full moons**, visitors can explore a fascinating world of marine creatures adapted to life between the tides.

Common discoveries include **sea anemones in brilliant greens and purples**, **hermit crabs scuttling between rocks**, **sea stars in orange and purple hues**, and **mussels and barnacles** covering the rock surfaces. **Chitons, sea urchins, and various species of periwinkles and limpets** add to the diversity of this dynamic ecosystem.

The **best tide pooling occurs 1-2 hours before and after low tide**, when the maximum rocky area is exposed but pools still retain water and marine life. **Morning low tides** often provide the calmest conditions and most active marine life, as creatures haven't yet been disturbed by daily beach activity.

Seasonal Activity Guide

Dan Blocker Beach offers different experiences throughout the year, with each season bringing unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps visitors plan the perfect beach experience.

**Spring (March-May)** brings the most spectacular tide pooling opportunities, as winter storms have recharged the rocky intertidal zones with nutrients and marine life reproduction peaks. **Gray whale migration** can often be observed from the scenic viewpoint during March and April, making this an excellent time for whale watching.

**Summer (June-August)** provides the warmest water temperatures for swimming and diving, with visibility often at its annual peak. Beach activities are most comfortable during this season, though parking becomes more challenging due to increased visitation. **Early morning visits** help avoid crowds while still enjoying excellent conditions.

**Fall (September-November)** offers perhaps the most pleasant overall beach experience, with warm air temperatures, calm seas, and excellent fishing as game fish prepare for winter. **Sunset viewing** is particularly spectacular during fall months when the sun sets directly over the ocean from this vantage point.

**Winter (December-February)** brings the most challenging conditions but also the most solitude. **Storm watching** from the safe elevated viewpoint can be thrilling, and **tide pooling after storms** often reveals new treasures washed into the rocky areas. This season requires careful attention to weather and wave conditions.

Photography and Sunset Magic

The **elevated scenic viewpoint** at Dan Blocker Beach provides exceptional photography opportunities, particularly during the **golden hour before sunset**. The westward orientation offers unobstructed Pacific views, making this one of Malibu's premier sunset viewing locations.

**Landscape photographers** will find endless compositions combining the rocky coastline, expansive ocean views, and often dramatic cloud formations. The **varied textures** of rock, sand, and water create compelling foreground elements, while the distant **Santa Monica Mountains** provide a dramatic backdrop.

**Wildlife photography** opportunities abound, from **shorebirds feeding in the tide pools** to **dolphins and whales** that can often be spotted offshore. The **rocky areas attract seabirds** including cormorants, pelicans, and various gull species, while the **sandy sections** host sandpipers, godwits, and other beach birds.

For **optimal sunset photography**, arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to scout compositions and wait for the magic hour. The **benches and viewing areas** provide stable platforms for photography equipment, though a tripod is recommended for the best results during low-light conditions.

Scenic Beauty & Accessibility

The newly constructed **scenic viewpoint** provides elevated perspectives of the coastline and serves as an excellent photography platform for capturing the beach's natural beauty. The easy access from PCH makes this beach particularly welcoming for visitors with mobility limitations or families with young children.

**Convenient bus stops** near the beach access points connect Dan Blocker to public transportation networks, making it accessible for car-free beach visits. This combination of accessibility and comprehensive amenities reflects the generous spirit of its namesake and the Bonanza family who made this gift possible.

Combine Beach and Mountain Adventures

Dan Blocker Beach's proximity to **Solstice Canyon** makes it ideal for combining coastal and mountain experiences in a single visit. The **Solstice Canyon Trailhead**, accessed via Corral Canyon Road just uphill from the beach, offers a **2.5-mile loop trail** through one of Malibu's most scenic canyons.

The trail leads to the **ruins of Roberts Ranch**, a 1950s tropical getaway complete with palm trees and stone structures that survived devastating wildfires. Along the way, hikers encounter **Solstice Creek**, seasonal waterfalls, and diverse plant communities ranging from coastal sage scrub to riparian woodland.

This **beach-to-mountain combination** creates a perfect day itinerary: morning tide pooling and beach activities, followed by an afternoon hike through the canyon's shaded trails. The contrast between the marine environment and mountain ecosystem showcases the incredible biological diversity that makes Malibu special.

**Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market**, located immediately adjacent to the beach access tunnel, provides the perfect post-adventure meal. This local institution serves **fresh-caught fish** in a casual patio setting where diners can watch the waves while enjoying fish tacos, grilled sea bass, or their famous fish and chips.

Marine Wildlife and Conservation

The waters around Dan Blocker Beach support a **remarkable diversity of marine life**, reflecting the health of this portion of the Santa Monica Bay. The rocky reef structures provide crucial habitat for fish nurseries, while the kelp forests serve as underwater highways for migrating marine species.

**Seasonal wildlife highlights** include gray whale migrations (December-April), dolphin pods year-round, and occasional visits from **blue whales and humpback whales** during summer months. The rocky intertidal zones support over **300 species of marine invertebrates**, making every low tide exploration a potential discovery experience.

**Sea lions** frequently use the rocky areas as haul-out sites, particularly during pupping season (May-August). Visitors should observe these marine mammals from a respectful distance, as they are protected under federal law and can be dangerous when approached too closely.

The beach participates in various **conservation efforts** including beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, and marine life protection programs. Visitors can contribute by following Leave No Trace principles, properly disposing of all waste, and reporting any marine mammal emergencies to local authorities.

Related information:

• Official website: here
• City of Malibu
• California State Beaches

 

Here is Dan Blocker Beach on the map.