Malibu's Hidden Breezy Beach Is A Best-Kept Secret With Dramatic California Scenery

Malibu claims some of the most famous stretches of California sand, and you might even know many of them by name: El Matador, Surfrider, Point Dume, and the "ultimate Southern California beach," Zuma. For many, however, the true coastal dream lies in the places less traveled. That's what you'll find at Lechuza Beach, one of the best-kept secrets among locals and a spot with dramatic California scenery. Even the name adds to the secrecy, as the word "lechuza" translates roughly to "barn owl" — not exactly an animal you would associate with a stunning stretch of Southern California shoreline!

In western Malibu on the northern end of Broad Beach Road, this hidden breezy beach offers quiet seclusion and pristine shoreline that helps sun seekers avoid the crowds. Here, you won't find restaurants, hotels, or pro surf competitions, which is exactly the point. You'll find a half-mile stretch of coastline that most Angelenos don't even know exists. That's why, when asked to recommend the best spot for a tranquil day at the beach, Gregory Day, managing director for the Malibu Beach Inn, said Lechuza.

The payoff for finding Lechuza Beach, however, is more than just the tranquility. For such a hidden beach on such a popular coastline, the bigger surprise might be the sheer natural beauty.

Similar to nearby El Matador State Beach to the west, Lechuza is celebrated for its spectacular natural rock formations. Large sea stacks and rocky outcroppings rise from the waves, creating a mix of rugged rocks that some compare to the state's Central Coast. Then, when the sun starts to set, the golden hour illuminates the sandstone cliffs and rock arches for a warm, magical glow. For sunbathers concerned about all these rocks, yes, the beach offers patches of soft sand, but you won't want to arrive barefoot – sandals or even sneakers are recommended to navigate the rocks as you get settled.

Beyond being a photographer's paradise, Lechuza is also a haven for marine life, particularly at low tide. As the ocean water recedes, the beach reveals a network of tide pools teeming with wild ocean habitats, including sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and mussels clinging to the kelp-covered stones. You'll find the tide pools near its border with Broad Beach as well as kelp forests just offshore, adding to its ecological bounty. If all this wasn't enough reason to visit during low tide, the amount of available sand is notably less when the tide is high.

One of the reasons Lechuza Beach is considered a hidden gem is that its entrance, quite literally, feels hidden. The best way in for public access is on Broad Beach Road near Bunnie Lane, a short cul-de-sac on the far side of the road. Look for a brown sign to the left and a green metal gate stretching north to the right. In between, a narrow pathway covered in trees takes you to a steep wooden staircase, which descends down to the secluded splendor that awaits. Public access is also available through the gates at East Sea Level Drive and West Sea Level Drive, though reports suggest they may be closed at certain times. Broad Beach Road connects with the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on both sides of Lechuza Beach.

An additional note about getting there, which may contribute to why it feels so hidden: As you approach the area, you may see signs that say something like, "Right to pass by permission and subject to control by owner." These sound official, but are just the result of local homeowners wanting this breezy beach all to themselves. The California Coastal Commission has made it clear that these signs are meaningless and should be ignored.

If you're spending several days in Malibu, Big Rock Beach is another hidden gem off the PCH with sand, tide pools, and unique rocks, or maybe go for a completely different vibe with Carbon Beach, a.k.a. Malibu's "Billionaires' Beach", lined with luxurious oceanfront homes. Either way, those arriving by air will likely land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 30 miles from Lechuza Beach as the, um, barn owl flies.