Zuma Beach in Malibu has 1.8 miles of beach frontage on 105 acres of county property, with about 2,000 parking spaces across eight lots, according to LA County Beaches and Harbors. Food stands, restrooms, showers, volleyball nets and beach wheelchairs are on site. This guide covers what the beach offers, where its name comes from and what to check before a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Zuma Beach sits at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway and has 1.8 miles of beach frontage.
- The lots and street parking are open 6 am to 10 pm, while lifeguards work daylight hours only.
- Food stands operate at each end of the beach, and beach wheelchairs are available.
- Bus 534 stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Morning View.
Zuma Beach by the Numbers
Zuma Beach covers 105 acres and has about 2,000 parking spaces. These figures come from LA County.
Detail | Zuma Beach |
|---|---|
Beach frontage | 1.8 miles |
Property | 105 acres |
Parking | About 2,000 spaces across eight lots, plus street parking |
Parking hours | 6 am to 10 pm |
Lifeguards | Daylight hours |
Address | 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 |
Bus | Bus 534 at Pacific Coast Highway and Morning View |
Amenities at Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach has food stands at each end of the beach, so a meal does not require a trip back to the lots. Other amenities include:
- Restrooms and showers
- Volleyball nets
- A bus stop
- Beach wheelchairs
- An access mat, listed by the county for April through October
Local Tip: LA County notes that the water at Zuma is a little colder than at other Los Angeles beaches.
Where the Name Zuma Comes From
The name Zuma derives from the Chumash word for “abundance,” according to the National Park Service. The agency adds that perennial streams in Zuma and Trancas Canyons give rise to an abundance of animal and plant life. Brian Merrick covers more of the area’s past in his post on the history of Malibu.
Zuma Beach in Film and Events
Zuma has long been a filming location. Wikipedia names Planet of the Apes (1968), Barton Fink (1991), Indecent Proposal (1993) and The Fabelmans (2022) among the productions shot there. The swim leg of the Zuma Beach Triathlon starts at Zuma.
Homes Near Zuma Beach
Point Dume and Malibu Park are neighborhoods near Zuma, and each has its own page on Brian Merrick’s site: Point Dume and Malibu Park. Buyers can browse current Malibu homes for sale, and anyone planning more beach days can start with the posts on the best outdoor activities in Malibu and a guide to Malibu parks.
Before You Go
A few practical details before heading to the beach:
- Parking: The county runs eight lots along the beach. The lots and street parking are open from 6 am to 10 pm.
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours, so swimmers should plan around those rather than the parking hours.
- Bus: Bus 534 stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Morning View, for anyone who would rather skip the lot.
- Access mat: The county lists an access mat from April through October.
- Underpass: The county’s Zuma page carries an update on the Zuma Beach underpass, which the county says it is working to reopen, with temporary closures possible throughout the year. Check that page before heading out.
Questions about buying or selling near Zuma Beach? Brian Merrick has represented Malibu real estate for over 30 years. Reach out to start the conversation.
