Topanga Beach: Your Gateway to Family-Friendly Surfing & Coastal Adventure

One of the more quiet beaches that still has proper facilities. A great place to go with the family and take the kids because it is quiet and safe.  Surfers also like this beach as a place to train or for beginners to learn. You won't find experienced surfers here as much as at Surf rider, but there are still some great waves due to the shape of the ocean floor here.

There are three ways to get down from the road down to the beach, two of them are proper stairways and the other is climbing through the rocks that separate the road from the sand.  Near one of the stairways is the restrooms, showers and lifeguard station.

The stairways are wide, concrete steps with proper handrails and easy to navigate and not dangerous unlike some of the more remote beaches.

Want to boogie board or paddle board with your kids? Then this is the place to come.  It is not a dog friendly beach though so leave the pooch at home.

You will also find people windsurfing and kayaking off the beach which is all allowed.  People who have been hiking the hillsides nearby often end up on the beach to cool down afterwards.

The first real beach in Malibu is rocky and narrow. A popular surfing spot but too rocky for safe swimming. Beach wheelchairs available.

Parking lot map: West Lot, East Lot

Parking fees: Winter $3.00 to $8.00; Summer $3.00 to $14.00 (NOTE: 2025 Update - parking lots temporarily closed due to wildfire recovery; street parking available along PCH)

Beginner-Friendly Surfing Paradise

Welcome to Topanga Beach, Malibu's premier destination for families and beginning surfers seeking the perfect introduction to California's legendary surf culture. This unique stretch of rocky coastline offers gentle, consistent waves that create ideal learning conditions, making it a favorite among surf instructors and families throughout Los Angeles County.

The Perfect Learning Environment: Unlike the challenging breaks at nearby Surfrider Beach, Topanga's ocean floor configuration generates moderate, forgiving waves that build confidence in new surfers while still providing enough excitement for more experienced wave riders. The beach's protected location creates consistent conditions throughout most of the year, making it an excellent choice for those first surf lessons.

The Getty Villa: World-Class Art Meets Beach Culture

One of Topanga Beach's most unique advantages is its proximity to the renowned Getty Villa, creating an unparalleled opportunity to combine beach relaxation with world-class cultural experiences. This magnificent museum, housed in a recreated Roman villa, offers free admission and showcases an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts.

Perfect Day Combination: Start your morning with a peaceful beach walk and surf session, then transition to exploring ancient civilizations at the Getty Villa. The museum's beautiful gardens and Pacific Ocean views create a seamless connection between your beach and cultural experiences, making this area a truly unique destination in Los Angeles County.

Premium Dining: Mastro's Ocean Club

At the eastern end of Topanga Beach, visitors will discover Mastro's Ocean Club, an upscale dining destination that has become synonymous with luxury coastal dining in Malibu. This sophisticated restaurant offers an elevated culinary experience with spectacular ocean views that perfectly complement the beach visit.

Oceanfront Fine Dining: Mastro's combines fresh, high-quality ingredients with expert preparation and presentation, creating memorable dining experiences that range from casual beachside lunches to elegant special occasion dinners. The restaurant's prime beachfront location makes it possible to watch surfers and sunset views while enjoying world-class cuisine.

Family-Friendly Beach Facilities

There is a food concession on the beach itself and also picnic tables if you want to bring your own food here.

Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours and will ticket you if you take a dog here as this is not a dog friendly beach.

Here is Topanga Beach on the map.