USA 2015: Day 7: Missed Malibu beach-hopping

Sunset caught up with us on our way to Malibu. We were supposed to drive along the coast and stop at all the beaches of Malibu. For some unfortunate reason though our GPS brought us to the inland Highway and we couldn't find the exit closer to the beach. We wouldn't be able to get a good sunset view anyway so we decided to just head straight to Los Angeles.

Here is the list of the recommended beach areas in Malibu, some of which were in our itinerary:

LEO CARILLO STATE PARK

35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

Good for families. Has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, wind surfing and lazying on the beach. It has tide pools and sea caves. There are also nature walks and campfire programs offered.

Just 18 miles away from Camarillo Premium Outlet if you are within the vicinity and want to mix shopping and a visit to the beach on the same day.

EL MATADOR STATE BEACH

32100 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

One of the most stunning beaches in all of Southern California. It is off the beaten path and is nicely secluded. With beautiful rock formations. There are stairs that get you down to the beach. Beautiful sunset view.

ZUMA BEACH

30050 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

Soft and nice sand. Generally clean and well-maintained facilities (eg. toilet and shower). Great place for swimming and surfing.

NICHOLAS CANYON BEACH

7103 Westward Rd
Malibu, CA 90263

Great spot for surfers. Located further away from the main road and is between the two more popular beaches Zuma and Leo Carillo.

POINT DUME STATE BEACH

7103 Westward Beach Rd
Malibu, CA 90265

One of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu.There's a trail you can take to the top of the cliff. Gorgeous view. Limited parking though.

LECHUZA BEACH

Broad Beach Rd
Malibu, CA 90263

Secluded beach. Entrance is in the corner of Bunnie Lane and Broad Beach Road (hidden public access). Entrance also along Sea Level Drive. Many visitors have rated it to be a beautiful, little private beach.

We were gravely disappointed missing out on these beautiful beaches. I have envisioned my boys playing in the sand, and maybe taking a dip in the winter cold water while my husband and I sit back and wait for the sun to slowly descend into the horizon. Kelvin was also looking forward to seeing where his future house would be built.

Maybe it was not meant to be, not this time anyway. Which just means we need to have another go at this Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Better when it's summer when the boys can go for a surfing lesson. So that's probably going to take 2 or 3 days from our next US trip. Malibu beach hopping and learning how to surf.

Our hopes are up. Looking forward to it.