Zuma Beach

Zuma is 1.8 miles of wide Malibu sand with 14 lifeguard towers, some of the cleanest water in LA County, and real surf with rip currents to match. The water runs a little colder than at other LA County beaches. Swim in front of a staffed tower, avoid the rip-prone stretch by headquarters between Towers 8 and 9, and go before the near-daily afternoon wind.

Directions

Photo: Dave Parker · CC BY 3.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 86/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 22°C, wind 7 km/h, UV 8. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Wind comes up nearly every late afternoon (kitesurfers use the north end), so mornings are the calmer window.
Getting in: County beach at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, reached from PCH between Kanan-Dume Road and Las Posas Road. Bus 534 stops at PCH/Morning View.
Parking & transport: Eight fee lots with about 2,000 spaces (6 a.m.–10 p.m.), plus parking along PCH.
Lifeguards: LA County Fire Department lifeguards staff 14 towers and a section headquarters at the center of the beach; on duty during daylight hours.
Water quality: LA County surf-zone monitoring for fecal indicator bacteria. Heal the Bay 2025–26: Zuma Beach at Zuma Creek A+ summer dry and A+ wet weather; 50 yards east of Trancas bridge A+ both.
Who swims here: Zuma has long hosted the swim start of the Malibu Triathlon, since rebranded the Zuma Beach Triathlon.
Watch for: Rough surf and frequent rip currents; LA County lifeguards use Zuma to illustrate rips
Rip-prone area in front of Lifeguard Headquarters between Towers 8 and 9
Water a little colder than other LA County beaches
Westward Beach to the southeast has a short, hard-hitting shore break recommended only for strong swimmers
Facilities: Restrooms · Cold outdoor showers · Food stands at each end · Restaurant · Volleyball nets · Picnic tables · Beach wheelchairs · Access mat (April–October)