Spending the Day at Zuma Beach in Malibu: Weather, Wind & What to Bring
Zuma Beach, Photo by L.Tran
My good friend Melissa invited me to celebrate her closeout summertime birthday at Zuma Beach; and who am I to say no to a lovely invite to a perfect Malibu beach day? So I packed my sunnies, sunscreen and beach towels and braved the warm weather Pacific Coast Highway traffic to get a sip of that sunshine.
My first goal, is food. Where should I eat that is reasonable, easy to grab on the way to the beach? I’m craving burritos. The number one breakfast burrito is well known to be at Lily’s Malibu. The cursory research, highly recommends ordering food online ahead of time as it can be a (shocking) 30 - 60 minute wait during peak rush. I am not one to allow my hangry moods to rear its head, so I immediately order online; hop in. my little Scion car and start making my way up the 45 minute drive from South LA along the gorgeous stretch of Highway 1. By the time I arrive, it’s perfect timing for my burrito and hunger.
Burrito from Lily’s Malibu being enjoyed at Zuma Beach
Lily’s Malibu is in a tucked corner in the Point Dume Village shopping center, a cozy double decker shop that screams of locals and visitors alike. I am bombarded by family, couples, high schoolers all wandering, eating, sitting at the outdoor tables and fountains, and standing in line to order food at the various food establishments! I realize, it’s a true Malibu hangout and make a mental note to arrive earlier to avoid the crowds.
Lily’s Malibu is tucked in a corner, that takes me walking in a circle before I find in the courtyard. The shopping center is a hectic slice off the PCH, crammed with cars trying to get in and out of the incomprehensibly tiny parking lot. Alas, my search for parking in the Village was fruitless, when I arrived at 1 PM on a Saturday! It’s next door to a Pavilion’s grocery store, which still had a few parking spots left. I capitulated and drove a block away; parking in the residential street since the Village’s parking lot was a mad house! Whew, so glad I didn’t get boxed into that impossible parking lot.
I was especially interested in trying the sandwiches and French baked goods at Le Cafe De La Plage (which also has a sister location in Santa Monica). But alas, the line was out the door so this pipedream will have to wait until I am less in a rush.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t call out the ever popular D’Amore’s Pizza location, which is also in the Village! It was hopping with teenagers and families grabbing pizza, eating in the courtyard, standing around, and/or running off to the beach to eat oceanside! Just smelling that melting cheesy goodness made me want to pick up my own personal slice to compliment my burrito!
In summary, there are a few food locations to grab bites to eat before hitting the sand and sun!
Essentials for a day at the beach
Curious sea gull at Zuma Beach. Photo by L. Tran
I am usually the kinda person who likes to do a quick (30 - 60 minute) dip in the ocean, dry off, and head home. I don’t like to sunbathe (aka burn!). I like to have my days filled with efficient things (like doing errands, finishing last year’s taxes, and/or caring for my pet bird Yoshi and the growing flock); so that doesn’t leave much time for the beach.
However, on the rare occasions when my friends invite me, and setup shop all day at the beach, I just have to show up and respond in kind! So here is what I recommend to make the day significantly more pleasant.
At Zuma Beach, walking from the parking lot. Photo by L. Tran
Day Pack List for the Beach
2 beach towels per person (1 to sit on, and 1 to dry off with)
Picnic blanket or sheet (to sit on)
Sunscreen
Hat
Flip flops or sandals
Multiple beach umbrellas (make sure you get the ones with handles that let you twist it into the sand for stability)
Picnic food (hummus, chips, sandwiches, burritos, cut fruit, veggie tray)
Water
Other drinks (like lemonade, fruit juice)
(optional) canopy or pop-up tent structure, so everyone can fit in the shade
A beautiful day at Zuma Beach with friends old and new. Photo by L. Tran.
Typical Weather aka Bring Layers for Zuma Beach
Generally, Zuma almost always runs cooler and windier than Santa Monica, and definitely cooler than Central LA, especially in the afternoons.
Summer highs are usually in the low to mid 70s, but because Zuma is wide open and exposed, the ocean wind hits harder. There aren’t buildings blocking it, so even on a bright day it can feel five to ten degrees cooler than expected.
Layers are key. A lightweight sweatshirt or oversized button-down makes a big difference once you’re sitting still. If you plan to stay for sunset, bring something warmer than you think you need. The marine layer tends to roll in later in the day and temperatures drop quickly.
Zuma is gorgeous and expansive, but it rewards the prepared. Bring layers, secure your gear, and you’ll actually enjoy it instead of quietly freezing.
Finally, keep in mind time of day. Zuma tends to be most comfortable late morning to early afternoon. As the afternoon marine layer rolls in, temperatures drop quickly and the wind usually picks up. If you want golden hour vibes, bring that extra layer.
Parking at Zuma Beach
I arrived at 10 AM on a hectic summer weekend. I scope the area and spy several parallel spots directly off the PCH; I am definitely one to maximize free parking and not worry about a walk! I turned about and proceeded to parallel park. Luckily, I walk out to the nearest lifeguard tower and plant my beach blanket. The shortest walk yay!
For those who are less ambitious in their search for free parking, perhaps you have a lot to carry (coolers, beach umbrellas, pop-up tents, etc), then paid parking was a plenty. As of now, it appears Summer paid parking costs range is $8 - $15.
Plan for the Drive Back to Los Angeles
For me on a beautiful day in peak summer, it took a good 1.5 hours to drive back to Central LA where I call home. So plan accordingly. It’s totally worth it as driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is its own kind of ritual and rite of passage - one that I can re-live again and again and never tire! Plan accordingly. You won’t get back to LA any time soon, so enjoy your time at the beach!
L. Tran at Zuma Beach!
About Elle Tran aka L. Tran
Linhda thrives on being a tourist in her own city, generously sharing over 10 years of Los Angeles knowledge with fellow enthusiasts!
An enthusiastic bike-to-work cyclist, also known as a commuter, Linhda has recently embraced the world of roller skating. If you have any questions about LA, drop her a line, or simply say HELLO! Meeting new people brings her immense joy. Cheers! linhdy@outlook.com
