While there is never a bad time to visit one of southern California’s beautiful beaches it is almost mandatory during this oppressive heatwave we are experiencing as 2010′s long lost summer decides to show up in the beginning of October. Go Outside took a cruise up the PCH highway through Malibu to visit Leo Carillo State Park.
Stretching for just over a mile and a half along the coast, when the tide is low you can walk along, or climb into numerous coves and find your perfect private beach sheltered by rock walls on either side. We spent the day exploring the tide pools, beach caves, coves, and rock formations. Seals jumped in and out of the kelp gardens just offshore while scuba divers were making their way out to the reefs.
Skip the parking fee in the state park lot and pull over on the west side of the PCH. Take any one of the many access trails down to the bluffs where you can climb down the rocks into the coves, or find stairs to access the main beaches. Entering the beach to the right of the main lifeguard tower 2 we were able to find our own secluded beach just two coves north from the main access point.
When the tide drops to its lowest, head over to the main beach South of lifeguard tower 2 for some fantastic beach combing, hopping along the rocky shoreline amongst sea anemonies, spiky sea urchins, hermit crabs and the occasional fish all waiting for the tide to come back in and wash them out to sea.
Leo Carillo State Park offers camping just across the PCH amongst groves of sychamore trees. Camping reservations must be made long in advance as this is a popular campground due to the close proximity to the beach.
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