Leo Carrillo State Park is the best of both worlds. The park not only sits on the beach but is also part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This park is perfect for exploring with everyone in your family since it’s right off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
There is so much to do at Leo Carrillo State Park and in Malibu in general that you won’t know where to start and end when visiting. Here are some of our favorite things to do when heading north of Santa Monica to check out Malibu and Leo Carrillo State Park.
What you can do
Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, or even windsurfing. The beach also contains tidepools, coastal caves, and reefs that are begging to be explored. If your family isn’t much for physical activity, this park is still perfect for visiting because you can spend a great day enjoying the sun on the beach.
During the summer, the park offers two programs for kids. The Junior Rangers program is a one-hour educational program geared towards kids aged 7 to 12. Your kids will learn about plants, animals, and the park’s history during the program. The Campfire program has your kids join a Park Ranger for one hour to learn more about the park, and they encourage you to bring a flashlight. Both programs are free as long as you pay the park entrance fees.
Leo Carrillo State Park offers camping in their giant sycamore trees. Campgrounds have fire rings that must be used with a permit, and when entering the park for camping, you need to check the fire levels for the day. The park offers showers, and you can stop at the camp store to grab any additional camping supplies you might need.
If you want to do more than explore the beach, the state park also has hiking through the back-country part of the area.
Hiking
Hiking is a popular sport at Leo Carrillo State Park, and trails cater to all skill levels. We suggest you try out a few of our favorites while visiting.
Beginner
Nicholas Flat via Decker School Road: This trail is perfect for those who would appreciate not doing a big elevation climb. You’ll hike for 3.5 miles around a pond and get to roam around the wildflowers in the process.
Moderate
Leo Carrillo Beach Trail: This scenic trail will take you 5.1 miles along the coast with various vista points along the way. The hike can have some steep moments, so be prepared for a little climbing here and there. The best part of the hike is the end when you get a stunning view of the ocean.
Leo Carrillo Yellow Hill Trail: You will be taken on an adventure through the winding hills on this 5.9-mile, 1,601-foot elevation gain hike. You’ll start on a fire road with a gate and continue to climb until you reach the top of the trail with a stunning view.
If you’re looking for more trails, a lot of these trails connect to the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area, where you can continue hiking and get gorgeous views of the area.
What’s Nearby
Exploring Leo Carrillo State Park can work up an appetite. Stop into Neptune’s Nest, which sits along the PCH and is only two miles from the park. They have indoor and outdoor seating with counter service, so your food will be fast and delicious.
If you want to enjoy Malibu and its fresh seafood, try out Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Café. Not only is it a place where you can grab fresh seafood to take home, but they also offer prepared meals like hand-battered Alaskan cod and homemade clam chowder.
Get a little shopping done at the Country Mart on Civic Center Drive. There are 65 stores located in the shopping center with a casual and inviting vibe that the whole family will love. Your kids can get their energy out at the playground while you sip a coffee from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf nearby.
Camping might not be your thing, and that’s okay. Near the park, you can stay at the Malibu Beach Inn. It’s 15 miles from the park and offers ocean-view rooms with a restaurant and spa on site.
Leo Carrillo State Park is the perfect destination for the entire family. Everyone will have a wonderful time together at this state park between the beaches, hiking, camping, and overall gorgeous scenery.
