Entry Points & Other Info

Entry Points:
<h3 data-start="747" data-end="776">Summary&nbsp;</h3>
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<p data-start="780" data-end="808"><strong data-start="780" data-end="788">Name</strong>: Deer Creek Beach</p>
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<p data-start="811" data-end="886"><strong data-start="811" data-end="823">Location</strong>: Just west of Malibu, CA, along Highway 1 at Deer Creek Road</p>
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<p data-start="889" data-end="979"><strong data-start="889" data-end="910">Access &amp; Features</strong>: Unassuming, narrow beach with stair access; sand and rock terrain</p>
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<p data-start="982" data-end="1058"><strong data-start="982" data-end="996">Activities</strong>: Fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving (kelp reef, marine life)</p>
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<p data-start="1061" data-end="1285"><strong data-start="1061" data-end="1084">Conservation Status</strong>: Acquired by the Trust for Public Land in 2022&ndash;2023; pending transfer to the National Park Service, adding 1,250 acres and 2 miles of coastline to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area</p>
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<p data-start="1288" data-end="1398"><strong data-start="1288" data-end="1315">Ecological Significance</strong>: Habitat for marine mammals, coastal wildlife, and site of regional biodiversity</p>
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<li data-start="1399" data-end="1499">
<p data-start="1401" data-end="1499"><strong data-start="1401" data-end="1425">Recreation Potential</strong>: Part of future public access plans and the Coastal Slope Trail extension</p>
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Parking Fee:
$0.00

Restrooms:
No

Other Notes:

Deer Creek Beach is a quiet, undeveloped coastal stretch located just west of Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway. Accessible via a concrete stairway descending from roadside parking near Deer Creek Road, the beach features a narrow mix of sand and rocky terrain, often influenced by tide conditions that limit its width.

This secluded area remains largely untouched and is a favorite among anglers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. Offshore, a vibrant reef and kelp forest create excellent diving conditions and support a wide array of marine life. Despite its low profile, the beach is a hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty and solitude.

Deer Creek Beach is part of a broader conservation effort to protect the surrounding 1,250-acre coastal landscape. This region includes over two miles of shoreline and plays a vital role in preserving critical wildlife habitat. The area is slated for future inclusion in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, expanding public access while safeguarding biodiversity.

Above the shoreline, coastal hills offer panoramic ocean views and are home to species such as mountain lions, deer, coyotes, and a variety of native birds. Visitors can often spot whales, dolphins, and sea lions offshore. The property also contains a section of the planned 70-mile Coastal Slope Trail, which will eventually link Topanga State Park to Point Mugu, providing hikers with continuous access to scenic coastal and mountain terrain.

 

With its rich marine ecosystems, dramatic views, and expanding recreational potential, Deer Creek Beach is a rare example of California coastline preserved in its natural state.