Westward Beach
Westward Beach
4.5
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Neighborhood: Malibu
The Malibu coastline is like a chameleon. In some areas it resembles the French Riviera with its lush, green hillsides descending into crescent-shaped shorelines. In others, it feels 100% Southern Californian with beaches wide and flat as a football field, and often crowded with beach-goers lounging on towels and playing volleyball. Other coastlines still feel secluded, tucked under tall cliffs and dotted with stunning rock formations. In certain areas, where the ocean waves are just right, surfers can be seen bobbing in the water. Up in the mountains to the east hikers take in truly stunning views of the ocean and the sprawling Los Angeles landscape. And along Pacific Coast Highway, restaurants are filled with visitors and locals from all walks of life. Stumble into the right place at the right time, and you’ll likely encounter a celebrity.
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16 within 3 miles
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22 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
53 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
19
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jehenson81
Washington DC, DC24,931 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
As you probably gathered from the name, this beach is west facing and is a perfect place to go to get great sunset photos. There is parking along the edge of the beach which free, plus a large parking lot that costs. It is a wide beach with soft sand and was some pretty good waves. Well worth a visit, preferably at dusk.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug H
Calabasas, CA191 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Westward Beach is Zuma's better twin.
Located on the narrow strip between the cliffs of Point Dume and the Pacific Ocean, Westward is far more scenic than the bigger, parking lot lined, shoulder to shoulder crowded Zuma neighbor.
If you are heading north/west on Pacific Highway, turn left of Westward Beach Road and be sure to get there early enough to snag one of the free parking spaces that line the street. If you miss out on the free parking, just keep driving until you find the pay parking lot at the end of the road.
Westward Beach shares the same water as Zuma, has better waves for body surfing, is an all day parade of dolphins passing by, has public restrooms, and -- if you didn't bring food -- The Sunset Restaurant is right there serving a wide range of foods including great salads!
Located on the narrow strip between the cliffs of Point Dume and the Pacific Ocean, Westward is far more scenic than the bigger, parking lot lined, shoulder to shoulder crowded Zuma neighbor.
If you are heading north/west on Pacific Highway, turn left of Westward Beach Road and be sure to get there early enough to snag one of the free parking spaces that line the street. If you miss out on the free parking, just keep driving until you find the pay parking lot at the end of the road.
Westward Beach shares the same water as Zuma, has better waves for body surfing, is an all day parade of dolphins passing by, has public restrooms, and -- if you didn't bring food -- The Sunset Restaurant is right there serving a wide range of foods including great salads!
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeinMalibu
Stuart, FL752 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
this is my favorite, and I live here ! the parking is free, ( if you can find it ) you park on the sand and your there ... it is not as busy as the rest, BUT its the best.
Written August 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PMT
San Francisco, CA35 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Beautiful, clean, nice sand, big beach with free street parking on beach level if you get there early... We got a spot before 9am on a Fri and Sat. Family friendly with reasonably clean and large restroom. We saw lifeguards on the beach and lifeguard boat on Sat morning. Seeing sea lions and dolphins just past waves breaking was a treat.
Written August 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianette
Los Angeles, CA145 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Insider's tip- if you are capable of walking a bit on a nice paved road, park by the Sunset Restaurant (free!) and walk in. I personally refuse to pay to park (Unless of course I was traveling with small kids or a bunch of things to carry- then by all means- pay!) During January to May whales come in very close to shore to scrape the barnacles of their bellies. Bonus is when you see their baby with them. Fun to watch the people climbing the big rock at Point Dume. For those of you who are adventurous, walk up the path where the parking lot ends and check out the Headlands at Point Dume State Beach. It is beyond cool. Especially when the water is clear on Big Dume beach below. (
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mchelle1
Portland, OR98 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Just before Zuma Beach and the expensive parking is Westward. It is worth it to park here for free and walk down to Zuma. Beautiful surrounds and clean sand!
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raji R
Los Angeles, CA71 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Get there as early as possible. We got there at 11:30am and all of the parking was full with no nearby parking anywhere. There was no street parking, the free and paid lots were both full as well. We ended up not being able to enjoy Westward at all but had to drive further north up the coast.
Written July 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel H
Malibu, CA59 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
As beautiful as Zuma with a LOT less people! The sand is a little firmer, but beautifully situated. This isn't where you go if you want to play volleyball (no nets), but if you want to relax at the beach without fighting the crowds, this is your beach...
Written July 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neuronsarecool
New Jersey18 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
I was tipped off to this area by a hiking book that mentioned the beach walk from Point Dume to Paradise Cove. Westward beach (just below Point Dume) has quickly become my favorite place in the world. I've been back about 6 or 7 times already (I just moved to L.A. last year and live about 30 minutes away). So far, I have seen sea lions galore, dolphins playing in the waves, and 3 separate occasions have even watched mother and calf gray whales swim by on their northward migration. Apparently they hug the coastline to avoid attacks from killer whales. All of this can be seen from a comfortable spot on the beach. I also love the quality of the sand, and how relatively peaceful this beach is compared to other ones nearby. And of course there is the added benefit of the nearby trails and nature paths that go up and over Point Dume.
The parking fees are a bit high ($8 daily off-season, & I've heard they increase during the summer), and once you're parked they won't let you leave and come back. However, if you get there early there's free street parking down the road. We usually get there as early as possible to avoid the fee, but since this is my favorite escape from crowded L.A. I'm willing to pay the fee when necessary!
Bottom line, if you love stunning views (from the top of point dume as well as from the beach itself), wildlife (such as sea lions, dolphins, and gray whales), and fabulous sand to sink your feet into, this is a great beach for you! I LOVE this place.
The parking fees are a bit high ($8 daily off-season, & I've heard they increase during the summer), and once you're parked they won't let you leave and come back. However, if you get there early there's free street parking down the road. We usually get there as early as possible to avoid the fee, but since this is my favorite escape from crowded L.A. I'm willing to pay the fee when necessary!
Bottom line, if you love stunning views (from the top of point dume as well as from the beach itself), wildlife (such as sea lions, dolphins, and gray whales), and fabulous sand to sink your feet into, this is a great beach for you! I LOVE this place.
Written June 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MilkmaidTS
Todos Santos298 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
This beach was so undiscovered for many years. In the old days one could drive, walk or ride a bike down the beach road and not see another soul at all. At the very end, that you now have to pay to go to, you might recognize the rock formations of the Point of Pt. Dume..where MANY a commercial and movie has been filmed. You can still rock climb the cliffs, too...where I first learned how to...scared to death. The sunsets are beautiful here and the water is safe to swim in. Lots less crowded than Zuma or Trancas. Best to bring your own food and drinks, though. There are restrooms, but not sure how well they are maintained.
Written April 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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