If you’re looking for a seaside destination that offers beautiful scenery and the perfect beach vibes, then Zuma Beach is the place for you! It's one of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles county and offers something for everyone.

Located in Malibu, Zuma Beach is surrounded by tons of fun – making it the perfect place for a beach vacation. Whether you're looking for adventure or you're dreaming of a peaceful getaway, you can find it at Zuma Beach.

Let's check out everything there is to know about Zuma Beach, including its history, how to get there, things to do, and answers to common questions.

History of Zuma Beach

Interestingly, the history of Zuma Beach is a little obscure. However, it's pretty certain that the beach came to be in the 1940s. During World War II, the military used the nearby Point Dume as an observation point. Spotting Japanese submarines forced Malibu to maintain strict blackout restrictions until the mid-40s.

As Malibu's popularity grew from the 1940s to the 1970s, the oceanfront developed more and more. Before long, Zuma Beach gained recognition as Southern California grew into a booming tourist destination and a hotspot for celebrities.

Another reason Zuma Beach has grown so much over the years it's because it's been a go-to surfing spot in the Los Angeles area. Even today, surfers flock to Zuma Beach for its infamous swells.

Today, Zuma Beach is known as a Los Angeles County prime beach. It boasts over 100 acres of pristine property and offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Not only has this beautiful beach grown into the ideal seaside destination, but you can also find various attractions nearby. It has everything an excellent beach can offer, plus some.

Getting to Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach is about 40 miles or 1 hour from downtown Los Angeles. It's quite easy to get to via Interstate 10. Drive west and follow signs for Santa Monica. It eventually turns into the Pacific Coast Highway, which you'll take past Malibu until you get to the beach.

Once you arrive at Zuma, you'll find plenty of parking that leads you to the ocean. You can find some free parking along the Pacific Coast Highway and several paid parking lots with many spaces. Access to the beach itself is free and open from sunrise to sunset.

Tip: Head to the beach early to avoid traffic and to find free street parking.

Where to Stay

Malibu is a great place to stay for a beach vacation, and there are many accommodations. While there aren't many places right on Zuma Beach, there are various hotels, inns, and vacation rentals close by.

Note: If you prefer to stay right on by the ocean, there are waterfront accommodations at other Malibu beaches.

Zuma Beach Activities

As a sandy beach with plenty of space, Zuma Beach has something for everyone. It attracts swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, anglers, and more.

With so many activities, along with conveniences like restrooms, showers, and lifeguard stations, it's easy to spend a day (or several) at Zuma Beach.

Water Adventures

While water conditions vary at Zuma, it's usually a great place to enjoy getting out into the water. Visitors enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, and skimboarding. Lifeguards are on duty to keep an eye out and to let you know about up-to-date conditions.

Zuma Beach is also a popular spot to go surfing. Best of all, you can find the best waves during the warm summer due to offshore winds from the Northeast. With that said, the short waves can be tricky for beginner surfers at Zuma Beach, so be sure to check out local surf lessons.

Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular at Zuma. You can find several paddleboard rental shops, lessons, and guided tours around the beachfront.

Beach Volleyball

Zuma Beach is a volleyball player's paradise. You can find 10 public volleyball nets on the southern end of the beach. There are also volleyball events and camps held at the beach.

Triathlons

If triathlons are your thing, you'll love Zuma Beach even more. Regular triathlon events and festivities take place at the beach. Learn more here!

Events & Activities

You can find various events and activities in Malibu at and close to the beach. There's always something fun for everyone, from the Malibu Arts Festival and marathons to museum tours and summer camps.

Explore Malibu

If you're looking to get off of the beach for a bit, Malibu is an exciting coastal town with lots to do. Check out the iconic Getty Museum and the charming Adamson House Museum. There are also shopping malls and the beautiful Point Dume State Beach and Preserve.

Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier is a local icon that's been around since the early 1900s. Although it's about 10 miles from Zuma Beach, it's well worth a visit. You can easily walk it for hours as you visit shops and food stands. It's also a fantastic place to catch fish and watch the sunset. If you're lucky, you may even spot dolphins playing in the water!