Paradise Cove Beach
Iconic Malibu beach cafe with toes-in-the-sand dining and breathtaking ocean views. A quintessential California coastal experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Paradise Cove Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Malibu beach cafe with toes-in-the-sand dining and breathtaking ocean views. A quintessential California coastal experience.
"The view, the atmosphere, and the food made it all completely worth it."
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking fee ($45) often waived with minimum spend at the cafe. Arrive early!
🍽️ Weekday Advantage
Visit on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful beach day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
On the sand
Dine with your toes in the sand and enjoy stunning ocean views. Perfect for a beach day meal.
Private Beach Access
Exclusive to visitors
Enjoy a beautiful stretch of sand with a more secluded feel than public beaches.
Oceanfront Dining Experience
Beachfront
Savor fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails with the Pacific as your backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Weekend Crowds & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking fee ($45) often waived with minimum spend at the cafe. Arrive early!
🍽️ Weekday Advantage
Visit on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful beach day.
🌊 High Tide Waves
Be aware of high tide; waves can be large and make swimming difficult.
💰 Budgeting for Malibu
Malibu can be pricey. Factor in parking and dining costs for a realistic budget.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking fee ($45) often waived with minimum spend at the cafe. Arrive early!
🍽️ Weekday Advantage
Visit on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful beach day.
🌊 High Tide Waves
Be aware of high tide; waves can be large and make swimming difficult.
💰 Budgeting for Malibu
Malibu can be pricey. Factor in parking and dining costs for a realistic budget.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning coastal scenery and beach vibes for your social media.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paradise Cove Beach offers a stunning oceanfront dining experience with beautiful views, making it a popular spot for beach lovers. However, visitors should be prepared for high costs associated with parking, dining, and beach chair rentals, and be aware that cleanliness and service can sometimes be inconsistent. The natural beauty of the location is its strongest asset, but value for money is a recurring concern for many.
"Even though we had a reservation, it was the weekend, so parking was a struggle, and we ended up waiting about 30 minutes for our seats. In the end, the view, the atmosphere, and the food made it all completely worth it."
Levy Im
"I’d love to give more stars, but this place is simply not worth the money.
First of all – the area around the sunbeds was dirty. I know the beach is public, but when I’m paying $150 per bed, I expect clean sand under my feet, not bottle caps and cigarette butts.
Second – the sunbeds and umbrellas were the dirtiest I’ve ever seen. There was sand all over the beds even before guests laid down.
The food was tasty, but the portions have gotten much smaller compared to 2019, while prices have gone up. Even the kitchen staff couldn’t manage to put tortilla chips on the side. Why? Just check the photos and videos from back then versus now.
I’m giving 2 stars for amazing bread & because the waiters were kind and very polite, but the restaurant is clearly understaffed.
This place is “good” only because of the ocean – which isn’t the owners’ doing, but Mother Nature’s. You can do better, guys."
Veronika Rajek PRIMARY
"Beautiful beach, but not possible to go in the water at all. Too much debris from the sea. Its also a very crowded beach. Bed set is $150 per day. Parking is $45. Nice spot but not complete."
Djordjiana Buric
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paradise Cove Beach is located in Malibu, California, directly off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It's a well-known spot, often mentioned in travel vlogs. +1
Yes, there is paid parking available at Paradise Cove. The fee is typically around $45, but it can be waived with a minimum purchase at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.
While parking is paid, some visitors suggest that a minimum spend at the cafe might cover the parking fee. It's best to confirm current policies upon arrival.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a weekday visit. Weekends can get very busy, and even with reservations, you might experience wait times.
Public transport options to Paradise Cove can be limited and time-consuming. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach this Malibu destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to access the beach itself, but there is a parking fee. If you plan to dine at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, inquire about parking validation.
The cafe's hours can vary, but it's generally open for lunch and dinner. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
Beach chair rentals, often referred to as 'sunbeds,' can be expensive, with prices around $150 per day reported.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for weekends. However, even with a reservation, you might still encounter wait times due to the popularity of the spot.
The primary cost associated with visiting Paradise Cove is the parking fee. Access to the sand is generally free, but parking is paid.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can relax on the sand, swim (though sometimes difficult due to waves), enjoy the ocean views, and dine at the beach cafe. Some visitors have also mentioned snorkeling opportunities nearby.
Swimming conditions can vary. High tide can bring large waves, making it challenging or unsafe for swimming, especially with children.
The cafe offers a variety of dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood. They are also known for their punch bowls and other refreshing drinks.
Some reviews mention that the sunbeds and umbrellas can be dirty, with sand and debris present even before use.
The atmosphere is generally described as beautiful and scenic, with a relaxed beach vibe. However, it can get crowded and feel less serene on busy days.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers picturesque views. Capture shots of the ocean, the cafe, and the unique rock formations. The coastline is very photogenic.
Absolutely! Sunset at Paradise Cove provides a stunning backdrop with golden light illuminating the ocean and coastline.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in coastal areas. It's recommended to check local ordinances and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details along the coast. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant ocean shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities to make the most of the parking situation by dining at the cafe. While the beach itself is beautiful, keep an eye on children due to the waves and potential debris. The novelty of eating right on the sand can be a memorable part of the trip for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
If your priority is just enjoying the beach scenery without the cafe expense, research public access points to Malibu beaches that might have lower parking costs or free street parking, though these can be hard to find. Paradise Cove's appeal is largely tied to its amenities, so a budget visit might involve enjoying the view from a distance or strategically planning your spend.
couples
Consider booking a table for sunset to enhance the romantic ambiance. While the cost can be a factor, the experience of dining with your feet in the sand and enjoying the coastal scenery can be a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion. Weekday visits might offer a more intimate and less crowded experience, perfect for a relaxed romantic outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Costs: Parking and Dining
The cafe itself offers a range of dishes, with a focus on seafood. While the food is generally considered tasty, some recent reviews suggest that portion sizes have decreased while prices have increased compared to previous years. This has led to mixed feelings about the value for money, with some visitors feeling it's not worth the cost despite the beautiful setting.
For those looking to manage expenses, visiting on a weekday can offer a slightly less pressured dining experience. It's also worth noting that the cost of renting beach chairs and umbrellas can be quite high, so factor this into your budget if you plan to lounge comfortably for an extended period.
The Paradise Cove Beach Experience: Sand, Sea, and Sunbeds
However, the beach conditions can be variable. High tides can lead to large waves, which may make swimming difficult or even unsafe, particularly for families with young children. Some visitors have also noted that the beach can sometimes have debris, such as bottle caps and cigarette butts, which detracts from the pristine image.
When it comes to comfort, the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is available but comes at a premium price. Reviews indicate that the cleanliness of these rentals can be inconsistent, with sand present even before guests settle in. Despite these drawbacks, the sheer beauty of the location often makes the overall experience memorable for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit