35000 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
parks.ca.gov
Description
A stunning 1.5-mile strip of coast, Leo Carrillo Sate Beach is great for everything from beachcombing to swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. It’s also got tide pools, coastal caves, and reefs, and land-lubbers can take advantage of hiking and sycamore-shaded campgrounds.
Dogs need to be kept on leash and stay away from the busiest stretch of beach, between towers two and three. (The best spot for canines is on the northern end among the tide pools.)
The park is named for actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, who starred as Pancho in the television show Cisco Kid and helped the state of California acquire Hearst Castle. The beach itself is also famous, having appeared in various Hollywood productions from Grease to Point Break to Baywatch.
Read about more dog-friendly beaches in Southern California.
Directions
There is no really easy way to reach Leo Carrillo without a car. It’s best to fly into Santa Monica and rent a (hybrid) car to drive up the PCH to the beach. Once there, however, you can enjoy nature without moving your car.
