Beaches
Zuma Beach
Location: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265-360
Distance from campus: 26 miles
Zuma Beach is a popular beach among Cal Lutheran students. Here you can find sand volleyball nets, dining, restrooms, and showers. Zuma Beach has 8 parking lots for all-day parking; you can also luck out and find free parallel parking when entering on Westward Beach Road.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Location: 23050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, Ca, 90265
Distance from campus: 30 miles
Surfrider is a popular beach seated between the Malibu Pier and the Lagoon. Living up to its name, Malibu Surfrider is the ideal Southern California surfing spot. At the entrance of the pier is Malibu Farms, who also has a cafe at the end of the pier. For parking, there is a state park area on the west side of the lagoon at Cross Creek Road and Pacific Coast Highway; the fee is $12. There is also county parking on the east side next to the pier; the cost here varies throughout the year, between $3-8 during the winter and $3-10 during the summer.
San Buenaventura State Beach
Location: 901 San Pedro St, Ventura, 93001
Distance from campus: 28 miles
San Buenaventura State Beach stretches for two miles along the waterfront in Ventura. It stretches from Marina Park near the Ventura Harbor north to the Ventura City Pier. At this location, there is a paved pedestrian and bike path that runs between the park and the dunes. The Omer Rains Bike Trail heads north to the pier and all the way to Emma Wood State Beach eight miles away, making for a great bike ride. There are two parking areas for San Buenaventura State Beach. The main entrance is at the north end of Pierpont Boulevard at San Pedro Street with a large grass park. The northern lot off East Harbor Boulevard provides access to the beach near the Ventura Pier. At Seaward Avenue, there is a city-managed parking lot with beach access.
El Matador State Beach
Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, 90265
Distance from campus: 27 miles
El Matador State Beach is filled with rocks and caves, making it the perfect place to explore, watch the sunset, or take some photos. Parking here is $8, but but be aware spots are very limited. It is easy to miss the small brown sign identifying the beach; make sure you look out for it between Broad Beach and Decker Canyon roads. Once you park, a steep staircase will lead you down to the beautiful beach.
Harbor Cove Beach
Location: 1878-1940 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, Ca, 93001
Distance from campus: 27 miles
Harbor Cove is also known as Mother’s beach as it is protected by jetties and breakwater, making for a peaceful swimming spot. This is the perfect beach for kayaking, flying kites, and watching boats come in and out of the harbor. There is a large parking lot near the end of Spinnaker Drive.