While an ambitious national park camping trip is undoubtedly memorable no matter where you go, sometimes it pays off to stay closer to home and appreciate the scenery in our own backyard. At Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, guests can take advantage of convenient drive-up camping just steps from the beach — which is incidentally one of the most-filmed beaches in California.
There aren’t many places near L.A. where you can experience such wild California coastline, mysterious sea caves, and classic Malibu surf all at once. Even though the beach stretches just 1.5 miles, there’s plenty to explore.
“Movie Beach”
You may recognize Leo Carrillo State Beach from its cameo in the opening scene of Grease (1978), standing in for an Australian shoreline where Sandy and Danny have their holiday fling.
As one of the most filmed beaches in California, Leo Carrillo also appeared as a tropical shoreline in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), and key training and character moments from The Karate Kid (1984). Other cameos include Cast Away, 50 First Dates, The Good Place, and Sense8.
Sea caves, tide pools, and landscape
In contrast to many of Southern California’s most pristine beaches, the landscape at Leo Carrillo is noticeably more rugged, featuring rocky points, natural arches, and small coves.
The sea caves are one of Leo Carrillo’s signatures, and like the tide pools, they are best explored at low tide. You can find a few clustered near the southern end of the main beach, but be ready to scramble over some slipper rocks and weave around the tide pools.
Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the tide pools themselves, which are brimming with sea anemones, mussels, hermit crabs, urchins, and occasional sea stars.
The park is also a popular destination for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, with wave size ranging from small and beginner-friendly to overhead sets.
Visiting and camping at Leo Carrillo
Leo Carrillo State Park makes for an easy Malibu day trip. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the main summer season, and there are restrooms and picnic areas available. There is paid day-use parking right by the sand, which is connected to the beach with short access trails.
Camping is available in a shady canyon, with about 130 campsites sheltered under sycamore trees. The campground includes flush toilets, paid hot showers, fire rings, and a store. You can reserve year-round through ReserveCalifornia.
🌐 Website: California State Parks