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El Matador State Beach
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26 reviews for El Matador State Beach
You know, I've always considered myself a beach person, but if I don't feel like I can give El Matador five stars, maybe I should reconsider things. After all, this is my favorite beach in the LA area. I love that it feels hidden and it's teeny, with gorgeous rock formation thingies and a majestic view to admire as you walk down the stairs to the shore.
The complaints I have about the beach are, I suppose, complaints I have about most beaches. The parking is a small pay lot with a weird money drop system, and other than that you pretty much have PCH. This beach in particular seems to have lots of flies all over the place - not the best when you're trying to enjoy a serene nap. And although I won't condone illegal activities while enjoying our state's gems, I do think it's a little silly that I've seen someone get ticketed or arrested (literally handcuffed and escorted off the beach) each time I've been there for having a beer or a little pitcher of sangria or something. The crowd here is so chill and small that I feel like their time would be better spent elsewhere - like Zuma!
I still love El Matador, though. I know it's not a secret to most people - the reviews I'm looking at to the right as I type this are testaments to this - but it still feels like my hidden treasure.
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Cruel summer, indeed. The temperatures have been climbing into the triple digits which for me only means pure misery. I am a fucking invalid in this weather. I blame my Slavic roots, the tundra ice in my blood. The shitty air conditioner in my apartment only cools a few feet in front of it, therefore inspiring the rechristening of my apartment, "Satan's Butthole." Escape! Retreat! But where?
A friend offered to take me on a day excursion to this beach and since it would be 15 degrees cooler on the coast I was all over it. We grabbed another friend from Venice and began our crawl down PCH. If you're coming from LA, it takes awhile to get to El Matador, esp on a Sunday. We started to get our act together to leave around 12:30ish from downtown and since we also had to scoop up the friend from Venice we didn't roll up on this beach until almost 3PM after all the traffic on PCH. Even so, with the air conditioner blasting and pleasant shooting of the shit the time spent in the car ride was still a lot more savory than being baked to a crisp inland.
The parking lot was small but we managed to find a spot after just waiting it out for five minutes for someone to leave.
OMFG, it was so much cooler! As soon as I stepped out of the truck my mood improved 43 notches. It's so much easier to concentrate on things when you're not distracted by all the steam rising off of you.
This beach is small and the coastline is narrow but it's still a really great beach imho. Intimate, fresh, once you get past the first few yards of stones on the shore leading to the water you'll hit a sand bank where you can kick it in the water comfortably for as long as you please.
They have a big sign posted that says, "NO ALCOHOL" but we managed to drain a couple 12 packs anyway by putting the beer in plastic cups. Just keep an eye out for the lifeguards, though the one we saw I think probably knew what we were up to but didn't seem to care since we obviously weren't causing much trouble besides our highly colorful language.
Great company and a great beach. I only wish it was closer. But if ya wanna wile awhile...
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If you do not like small beaches then this is NOT the place for you! Start by paying the $8.00 fee or buy the year long pass for $25.00 and you can park on any State beach or Park for free and as long as the gates are open until the sun decides to lay its head to rest for the night. Walking down the 35 degree cliff is great and once you get to the bottom you eyes will be greeted by a landscape full of geological wonders fabulous enough to be used for photographers shooting models and filmmakers finishing their dream. The caves are a great backdrop for any shoot.
Anyway, I have heard the negatives about the sandflies and that is true!! The jellyfish I have not spotted but the hike is Spectacular!!! After hiking northbound past families of happy children playing along the shore building sand castles with friends, the next beach is La Piedra!! And that's what it is!! ROCKS!! Now most would hike on PCH, not me I roughed the slipping from wet rocks to get to my next destination. Roughing the elements passing El Pescador are a series of private homes and beaches...Hell i saw numerous Private Property and No Trespassing signs but I continued on my destination resting between beaches in dark caves and elevated cement resting areas where the locals enjoy the beach. Finally reached Nicholas Canyon State Beach around 5 miles down the shoreline. If you can handle this ride then you can handle the trek back on PCH where the views of extravagant homes dot the landscape. take it the next level by hiking back the same route!! OUCH! hahaha
First things first. Pay the 5$ for parking.. unless you prefer a 64$ parking ticket.
Besides that debacle, this is a pretty cool beach. There are a few small caves and the beach is pretty private most of the time. Keep it clean though! On the way back to the vehicular, right before sunset, some officers were patrolling down the beach...
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i dont really get the hype. maybe i came on the wrong day? if i had the luxury of going on a tuesday, maybe i would like it more.
sure, there werent a lot of people there. but hello! the beach is small as hell. you can probably get a more accurate idea if you go by "how many square feet per person" measurement, but that may be getting too technical. i was close enough to hear the conversations of both groups that were sitting around me. thats too close for the beach.
sand fleas everywhere. every time someone walked by, they would swarm.
the only nudity i saw was an older man with nipple rings who was hiding behind a cliff.
i'll keep looking for my ideal southern california beach.
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My favorite beach so far. It has it all...unusual rocks, no random garbgae (hey, Huntington Beach, what's with all the corn cobs in the sand?), great photo opportunities, no crowds, easy parking, lots of areas to hide, tiny little sand crabs and a model with giant fake boobs wearing a thong posing in the waves.
Wait, what?
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Beautiful, small almost private, known by locals great beach.
Too bad I was there, when it was around 70 degrees, otherwise I would love to get sun kissed skin.
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Ugh
this place is really gross and theres a lot of sand fleas. way way way over rated.
one star.
One day (several years ago), my roomie and I wanted to head out to the beach together. She said, "I need some brown on my tits." I hoped my eyes didn't bug out, but I think they did. So she told me about this nude beach that she goes to. I remained cool about it, and proceeded to tell her I've never ever been to a nude beach or been nude on a beach for that matter. Being a Euro chick, she was shocked, but was cool about it and told me it was okay if I chose to be topless or wear both my top and bottom. She told me you're not really supposed to be nude on this beach, but nudies flocked to it anyway. There are supposed to be "titty police" that patrolled this particular beach, but they walked around in the nude too. I imagined them to have a uniform hat on with a pen and pad handy to issue tickets.
So off we went. We got there, parked the car, down the cliff we went, found a spot, she stripped her top off, and I remained a prude in my bikini. As she sun-bathed, I remained a Puritan and people-watched. It was a calm atmosphere and everyone was cool about however you were dressed or undressed, but me. Then I saw something that I will never forget: a round-shaped man standing in the shallows of the calm beach waters with a fishing pole in all his glory. I dunno. I CAN be adventurous, but that dude had guts! There was no "titty police" in sight.
It is a beautiful beach though.
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Can I just say how much I love living in Southern California?
A mere hour's drive (from Pasadena...) we arrived at this picturesque beach. It is hidden away off PCH -- there is a sign... but wow, good luck finding the turn for the first time.
There's a small parking lot -- but when we got there (around 11:30 or so...) there were only a few cars there. When we left, however, there were many-a-car circling the lot hoping for (somewhat sunburnt) people like us to leave. You do have to pay for parking ($4.00; $3 for seniors? and $2 for disabled).
There's a porta-potty by the parking lot... so the entire parking lot smells like one... but unless you want to pee in the ocean, you're not going to want to climb back up to get to it... so go when you get there.
It's a trecherous (yet beautiful) walk down to the beach... with two sets of steep stairs.. and a very very dangerous trail... so... bring good shoes to walk down... Going in flip flops was not a fun experience. and pack light! Going back up is not exactly fun either... (DEFINITELY not handicapped friendly... if you need a beach that's handicapped friendly, go back down PCH and go to Zuma...)
The danger is worth it though, when you get down to the beach... It's small... and there are a couple different "areas." The first area tends to have more families... but I still wouldn't say this beach is family friendly... unless you're comfortable taking your kids to a clothing-optional beach.
yeah.. you heard me. clothing. optional. If you don't want tan lines -- go here. (topless only I think... at least that's what we saw...)
If you want to see topless women at the beach.. please don't go here. It's not that type of environment.
The beach and water here are SO clean. ToTo, I don't think we're in Santa Monica anymore... Or going to go there ever.. ever... ever... again.
It wasn't very crowded when we were there... and there's not much room for "crowds." Maybe about 5 or so groups of us on the one area of the beach.... and it was pretty full. A stark contrast to Zuma or any of the other beaches along the way...
So if you're looking for a perfect, amazing, clean, small beach... this is your spot...
but please... don't tell anyone else... so it can stay that way... :)
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I've been up and down the California coast, several times and for a multitude of reasons. I think I can say with great confidence that I know her well.
El Matador is one of the most picturesque, paradisaical, flat-out stunning stretches of coastline. By far the prettiest in Los Angeles County.
In fact- all residents of Los Angeles, you owe it to yourselves to see this place in all its splendor at least once in your life. If you can't appreciate the beauty of the world we live in, move to Arkansas or something. Seriously.
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Great beach on that strip of Malibu past Point Dume on the way to Ventura. I've parked here plenty and never been ticketed - but it seems like others have, so watch out I guess. Because it's a drive, the parking lot isn't well advertised and you have to walk down, I rarely see more than a few people at a time even in summer.
But you shouldn't go here...it's, uh, dangerous.
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-Make sure you pay for parking. I got a ticket cuz I couldnt find the little thing to pay for a parking pass....
-Dangerous to walk down too
-Once you get there it certainly is gorgeus. I went there on a picnic with my boyfriend and while we were enjoying each other's company we not only saw a guy propose to his girlfriend but later on a couple that had just gotten married (everyone was in their wedding clothes including the bride) were there taking photos and such.
-Very very beautiful, but not very private... and its cold!! because you are right under some cliffs the shade makes it freezing. Be sure to go earlieer in the day vs. trying to see the sunset or something.
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Most. Romantic. Spot. Ever.
Went there to watch the sunset with my new beau and, although there were a bunch of people there taking pics and such, we found a really nice isolated little spot. There are also picnic tables up top to eat at and a slightly crappy bathroom. No pun intended.
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For my 100th review I decided to write about one of my all time favorite places to visit in Southern California. I have held off on reviewing it for fear that I could not do it justice but here goes.... If you want a quiet hidden beach that is relaxing and breathtakingly beautiful then El Matador is the place to go. A friend once said that El Matador makes you work for the pleasure of visiting it and they were right....it is easy enough to miss the sign for it on the PCH and the parking lot is small. It is also far enough down the PCH that a lot of people get frustrated passing so many beaches on the way there and give up! Make sure you pay if you park in the small lot, they do ticket. Then make your way down a steep rickety staircase and a rocky narrow path while trying not to be distracted by the amazing view.
It is worth it, trust me. Every time I have been there I have seen dolphins, very cool. The beach itself is quiet, clean, and there are plenty of places to chill out and remember why California is wonderful. The beach has a couple cool looking rock formations that make small tide pools. The hike back up is pretty steep but I have found that it doesn't ruin the bliss that I feel after spending a day at El Matador. It is one of the most relaxing beautiful places in the area...I love it!
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I used to frequent this beach when I lived not too far away. Last summer a lifeguard buddy of mine told me that a jellyfish colony moved into this cove and that colonies are semi-permanent and stay in one spot for around 6 years.
After witnessing the jellyfish for myself, I regret to say that I will no longer be hitting up this spot. If you do venture up there, watch your step on the path because it is very steep and falling apart in some places. Oh, and don't go in the water...
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Holy shit. This is the best beach i've been to.
It's a hidden beach with sea caves!! You climb through cave 1 to beach number two..climb through cave 2 to beach number three. The more caves you crawl through the less clothing people have on. Yes, my friends, it's a clothing optional beach.
Besides the fact that you can go naked, it's a super romantic place, with little alcoves for you to cuddle up in. My favorite beach in california
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I actually did fuc@#@ on this beach. Yes i am the man. Actually, I think I just got jerked off.. There are some coves and stuff. You can disappear back there. I get depressed when I go here though because of all the dickheads and photo shoots and stuff. I also saw a dying seal on the beach. It looked wounded but moved a little and went back in the water. It had a cut on its side...bad memory. You will have to walk down a pretty long path to get there but the water is usually clearer and cleaner. You could probably bath nude or bring some alcohol here if you want but there are lifeguards occasionally. It is really beautiful though.
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When I go to the beach, it's usually to El Matador. It's part of a state park that comprised the coastal cliff area just north of Zuma Beach, it's called Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. The coast is pretty rocky and steep at that point, so you end up parking just off of PCH, then you'd walk down a small path to the beach.
It's totally worth it though, since it a bit of a pain to get to, almost no one visits this beach, and due to the cliffy nature, there's lots of alcoves for you to spread out in the sand, but still get some rays. Since it's not very crowed, you can easily feel as though you have the whole beach to your self. It's quite nice, you'll have to check it out next time you are in Malibu.
To get there take PCH north past Zuma, you'll want to look for the brown state park signs. If you get to Rt 23 (Decker Rd) you've gone too far.
As an added bonus, if you head North on PCH there's a great seafood place called Neptunes. I think it's at the corner of PCH and Mulholland.
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This beach is a beautiful space to relax, read, and hide away in the little coves/caverns. It is a place I will continue to take beloved friends and family. The first view along the cliff is breath taking! It's a treasure along the coast and just further up is Neptune's Net, a seafood joint that is a great addition to your weekend trip up the PCH.
I heart el matador. It is by far my favorite beach in LA. My friend Johanna discovered it when her uncle, a National Geographic photographer, took her there. Whenever my friends from NY come to visit, I always take them hoping that they'll fall it love with it and instantly realize that they too, belong in LA. Unfortunately that hasn't happened yet but I'm not giving up!
Last labor day weekend, we dragged some friends (NYer's in town for a visit of course) to el matador. The 12 mile, 2 hour drive from Santa Monica nearly killed them. They were really hungover and not used to being in a car for so long. With every beach we passed (Temescal, Zuma, etc), they kept asking "are we there yet"? I was the one who kept reminding them that it would be soooo worth it! Well, it was soooo crowded. We had to circle the parking lot (which probably only holds about 40 cras) for another 30 minutes. Obviously, the beach itself was packed...
I would not recommend going on a holiday weekend. But definitely play hookey and go during the week if you can - it will likely be empty (except for a few nude sunbathers) and you WILL SEE DOLPHINS! I promise.
There's nothing to see here. Go away.
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Two words - LOVE IT! El Matador is freaking awesome...just north of Zuma at the base of PCH lies this little heaven of a beach. It's pretty tiny and can only be accessed by climbing down a kind of scary path and staircase! However, once you reach the sand you'll be so happy you trekked out here. The sand is super clean and so is the water. The view is accented by giant boulders that pepper the beach and the ocean and create a cove-like atmosphere. There are port-a-potties at the trailhead as well as a self-pay parking lot. Or park on PCH to save a few bucks. I came here once and had an awesome time - I can't wait to go back!
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off the charts, 6 stars!! this has to be one of the most beautiful spaces in Malibu. as a local so-cal resident, i feel like i've come back from a mini vacation after spending just a few hours here. and i have to say that the getaway, along with the therapeutic drive through Topanga Cyn or Malibu Cyn is enough to keep me LOVING L.A. Yes, i said it, LOVING L.A.!!! you forget you're anywhere near los angeles!!! (and just life for that matter!) to top that off, there's nothing like being here on a beautiful, warm, clear day... and any day after the rain is especially gorgeous. i've taken hundreds of pictures here... just be careful if you go on a weekday (ie. monday esp.). since the beach is quite secluded and there are many coves... and big rocks where people can hide. don't come alone if you're a woman. i was approached by a naked man several years ago! aside from that bad experience, this place is simply sanctuary.
Speaking as someone who typically avoids going to beaches (crowded, crowded, crowded), I love El Matador! It's beautiful and it's never overcrowded. It just happens to be out of the way, but worth the trip to Malibu. Parking is cheap compared to other beaches at $4. I love the somewhat-scary walk down to the beach with the stairs and the view of the ocean. Great beach!
you wouldn't like it...
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