The Hidden Surf Spots Malibu Locals Don’t Want You To Know About
Summer is winding down which means Southern California is about to start experiencing some serious wave swells. You’re probably familiar with the popular Ventura County spots such as County Line, Zuma Beach, C street, and Rincon and your instincts are to paddle out at one of these. Instead, as swells move in and lineups increase, try one of these hidden spots, guaranteed to get you some choice waves.
I grew up in Southern California and have been surfing for years. Having experienced some of the chaos that can occur in busy lineups, I started seeking out the hidden spots of Malibu and beyond. There’s nothing better than perfect waves and empty lineup and I want others to experience that stoke as well! Some of these spots are known under other names or don’t have an official surf forecast for them, so I will be referring to them as I know them and suggesting nearby surf forecasts to look at. Here are some of the spots I’ve had the most success and have had on rotation for a while.
Little Dume, Malibu
Sandwiched between popular beaches, Zuma on the West, and Surfrider on the East, this is one of the best-kept secrets in Malibu. This is a public beach, but it is in front of privately-owned homes and facilities, protecting it from potential kooks passing by. The long shelf offers glassy longboard rides in a lineup of just a few laid back residents.
Getting to this spot is difficult because there are private communities on top of the bluff that protect their access to the beach with key locks. However, you can enter from Paradise Cove. You can pay to park or park up on PCH and take a quick walk down to the beach and then head West to Little Dume. Waves tend to die down later in the afternoon, so aim for a morning session.
Surf Forecast and More Info:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/point-dume/5842041f4e65fad6a7708936
Broad Beach, Malibu
This is another gem hidden from the main roads by homes and buildings. Broad Beach is located West just past Zuma. It shares much of the same waves with half the crowds. During the biggest swells, waves can reach double overhead. Regardless, for much of the year, this spot is defined by its fun shore break.
Access to this beach is located off Broad Beach Road just off PCH. On-street parking is available. Just walk down the path and up the beach towards the cliffsides for the best break. Between the shore break and rocky water, a soft-top funboard or beater is suggested.
Surf Forecast and More Info:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/zuma-beach-north/5b156d394a274e001a11fb62
Leo Carrillo, Malibu
Appearing in movies such as Point Break, this is not so much a hidden spot, rather just an underappreciated spot. It often gets overlooked by surfers, but it offers fun longboard waves on the small days and great shortboard waves for ripping during swells. The unique wave wraps around a large rock straight offshore, then crashes into itself and doubles in size. Allow yourself some time to figure out this wave, but once you get it, you’ll have some of the best waves of your life.
Good thing is, this beach will be easy to spot from the road. There is parking on the Northern side of PCH or you can park on either side of the road. Before choosing your board, you may want to check the surf forecast or just take a gamble. Most boards will allow you to have a good time here so don’t stress it too much.
Surf Forecast and More Info:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/leo-carrillo/5842041f4e65fad6a770893f
Silver Strand, Oxnard
Leaving Malibu and Los Angeles county, Pt. Mugu Naval Base blocks many promising spots along the coast. Silver Strand is one of the first public beaches you come across, but many never encounter it. Unlike most Malibu beaches, there are no nearby major roads. This makes trips out here a little longer, but it never disappoints. Silver Strand consistently delivers 5-foot waves perfect for any shortboard rider.
Once you reach your destination, you can park in the free lot by the lighthouse or along any of the residential roads. Because of the steep waves, a performance shortboard is recommended, but a funboard will also do well in these conditions.
Surf Forecast and More Info:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/oxnard/5842041f4e65fad6a770894c
Ventura Harbor, Ventura
Continuing up the coast, Ventura is known for its surf culture and quality surf spots. Hidden by the harbor and homes, one of the best secrets of this area is Ventura Harbor. Two jetties border either side of the beach, magnifying swells and creating enjoyable left and right breaks. Catch this spot on the right day, you may run into local professional surfers like Parker Coffin and Dane Reynolds.
From the 101, take East Harbor Boulevard to Spinnaker Drive. Follow this road to the end and park in the parking lot or along the road. Because parking is shared with the harbor, it can fill up quickly, so plan to be there early in the morning or late in the day. Head out to the left of the first lifeguard tower. Performance shortboards are ideal at this spot.
Surf Forecast and More Info:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/ventura-harbor/5842041f4e65fad6a7708811
I hope this will help you with your winter sends and to get stoked. Whatever you choose — C Street or Ventura Harbor, morning or evening, longboard or shortboard — Southern California offers a variety of ways to enjoy the waves you won’t find anywhere else, so don’t forget to enjoy your sessions and to be courteous to other surfers, beachgoers, and sea life. Now, get out there and surf!
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