California's Scenic, 'Hidden' Beach Is Easily Accessible To The Public After 40 Years

With around 27 miles of glorious sandy beaches and picturesque coastline, Malibu has everything you need for the perfect sun, sea, and sand vacation. The sheltered coves provide an intimate setting for couples seeking solitude, while gently lapping waters invite you in for a refreshing dip. Although the luxury homes that adorn the shores may be the domain of the rich and famous, under Californian law, the beaches themselves remain open to everyone. However, until recently, that wasn't the case with Escondido Beach.

This relatively small and unspoiled stretch of sand had effectively remained inaccessible since the 1980s, cut off from the public by property owners who were reluctant to share. Escondido, meaning "hidden" in Spanish, lived up to its name. While the beach itself was technically open to the public, the property owners kept people away by gradually cutting off direct access, blocking the way with private driveways, walls, and palm trees.

After a hearing in 2023, the California Coastal Commission ruled against the two current property owners in one of the Golden State's most notable coastal access victories. As well as having to pay a fine, they were asked to restore public access to the beach and fund all construction fees. Today, full access is in place, as well as limited parking and a marked pathway. Accessed directly from the Pacific Coast Highway, Escondido Beach is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles, and is only around a half-hour drive from Santa Monica, or 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Malibu itself is one of the must-see attractions on this California road trip.

If you're content simply sunbathing and don't mind bringing your own essentials, you couldn't ask for more than Escondido Beach. It's quieter than other Malibu beaches and although access has been restored, facilities remain limited. If you're up for a walk, you need only head along the coast to discover some of Malibu's outstanding natural features or even explore some of the best places to spot celebrities. 

As you wander along the golden sands, take a moment to admire the beachfront homes before arriving at Paradise Cove. This popular stretch of beach is as idyllic as it sounds and many people come here to kayak or paddleboard thanks to the calm waters. Here, you'll find the Paradise Cove Beach Café if you need to quench your thirst before you continue your walk. Further along, you'll pass beneath the steep sandstone cliffs of Point Dume, one of Malibu's most iconic landmarks. There's a short trail leading up to the top for some beautiful views of the California coastline.

For a change of scenery, head inland and take the Escondido Falls Trail, which passes through Escondido Canyon Park. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail leads to one of Southern California's biggest waterfalls, unless you go during a dry spell, in which case, you'll be lucky to see a trickle. The trail is open year-round, dog friendly, and passes through woodland while winding back and forth over the creek. It's also very popular and can get quite busy. If you're still on Escondido Beach come evening, finish your day with a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean at Geoffrey's Malibu. This award-winning restaurant serves fresh California cuisine with an international twist, but remember to book ahead.