Paradise Cove Pier
Iconic Malibu pier and beach with stunning ocean views, a filming location, and a charming cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & parking hassle
Paradise Cove Pier
Best Time
Beat the crowds & parking hassle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Malibu pier and beach with stunning ocean views, a filming location, and a charming cafe. 
"Save money by parking on PCH and enjoy the iconic pier and beach! "
🅿️ Park Smarter, Save Money
Park on PCH to avoid steep beach parking fees. Walk down for great views!
🏖️ Bring Your Own Beach Gear
Pack your own drinks, snacks, and speakers for a personalized beach day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paradise Cove Pier
Malibu, California
Iconic wooden pier with stunning ocean views, a filming location for movies and music videos.
+1
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Adjacent to the pier
Dine with your toes in the sand and enjoy fresh seafood with a picturesque ocean backdrop.
Britney Spears' 'Sometimes' Pier
Paradise Cove Pier
Recreate iconic music video moments at the pier famously featured in Britney Spears' 'Sometimes'.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🅿️ Park Smarter, Save Money
Park on PCH to avoid steep beach parking fees. Walk down for great views!
🏖️ Bring Your Own Beach Gear
Pack your own drinks, snacks, and speakers for a personalized beach day.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect spot for photos, especially during golden hour. Don't miss the pier!
🍽️ Beach Cafe Delights
Try the calamari at the Beach Cafe – it's a local favorite!
Tips
from all over the internet
🅿️ Park Smarter, Save Money
Park on PCH to avoid steep beach parking fees. Walk down for great views!
🏖️ Bring Your Own Beach Gear
Pack your own drinks, snacks, and speakers for a personalized beach day.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect spot for photos, especially during golden hour. Don't miss the pier!
🍽️ Beach Cafe Delights
Try the calamari at the Beach Cafe – it's a local favorite!
🚗 Easy Access from LA
Just a short drive from Los Angeles, making it a great day trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paradise Cove Pier is lauded for its stunning ocean views and iconic pier, offering a classic Malibu beach experience. Visitors appreciate the ability to bring their own food and drinks, making it a great spot for a relaxed day. However, the high parking fees are a significant drawback for many, though parking on PCH is a popular workaround. Some find the beach cafe pricey, but the overall atmosphere and scenic beauty are highly praised.
"Great place to hangout with family and friends. Not too crowded. Chairs available first come first serve. I recommend weekdays and to get there early to get parking. Parking is $45 per vehicle. You could bring your favorite drinks , snacks ,food and your speakers to play your music. Great place to visit and hangout with your family and friends.Highly recommend this place for you to visit with family and friends. You won’t be disappointed"
Hector Manriquez
"Parking costs $65 on Sundays. The best way to avoid paying if you want to visit the pier is to park on PCH then walk down to the pier."
B Bedrosian
"Sometimes I run
Sometimes I hide
Sometimes I'm scared of you
But all I really want is to hold you tight
Treat you right
Be with you day and night
Baby, all I need is time. ❤️"
Blackout
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paradise Cove Pier is located in Malibu, a scenic drive from Los Angeles. Take the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) north. Many visitors recommend parking on PCH and walking down to avoid expensive beach parking fees.
While public transport options exist to get to Malibu, direct access to Paradise Cove Pier via public transit can be limited. Driving or ride-sharing services are generally more convenient. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
The most popular route is via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The drive itself offers stunning coastal views.
The drive along PCH is filled with beautiful viewpoints. Consider stopping at other scenic overlooks or beaches along the way if you have extra time.
The drive from Santa Monica to Paradise Cove Pier typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the pier itself is generally free. However, parking at the dedicated beach lot can be expensive, ranging from $45 to $65. Parking on PCH and walking down is a popular alternative to avoid these fees.
Parking fees at the Paradise Cove beach lot are approximately $45 per vehicle on weekdays and $65 on Sundays.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, and speakers to enjoy on the beach.
While the pier is free to access, there is a fee for parking at the Paradise Cove beach lot. Many visitors opt to park on PCH to avoid this.
Paradise Cove Beach and the pier are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Paradise Cove Beach Cafe has its own operating hours, typically from morning to evening. It's best to check their official website for the most current information.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier itself offers iconic shots, especially with the ocean as a backdrop. The beach area with its unique rock formations and the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe also provide great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The scenic beauty and romantic atmosphere make it a popular choice for engagement and proposal photos.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful, soft lighting for photography. Early mornings can also provide a serene and less crowded setting.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. It's always a good idea to check with the management if you plan on extensive professional shoots.
Drone usage is often restricted in public beach areas and near private properties. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a variety of seafood dishes, salads, sandwiches, and classic beach fare with an ocean view. Their calamari is a highly recommended item.
Dining at the cafe can be on the pricier side, reflecting its prime location and oceanfront setting. However, many find the experience and views worth the cost.
You cannot bring your own food into the cafe itself, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach area.
The main dining option is the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, offering beachfront seating. You can also pack your own picnic to enjoy on the sand.
Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak season or on weekends, to secure a table with a good view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the pier is a highlight, supervise children closely as it's an active fishing spot and can be slippery. The beach itself is spacious enough for kids to run around. Arriving early on a weekday is highly recommended to ensure ample space and a more relaxed environment for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own food, drinks, and even a portable speaker to enjoy your day without needing to spend at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The beach features interesting rock formations and the charming beach cafe, all contributing to diverse photographic opportunities. For the best light, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon before sunset.
Consider the unique perspective from the PCH overlook before descending to the beach. While personal photography is generally welcome, be mindful of other visitors and any potential restrictions if you're planning a professional shoot. The area is also popular for engagement and proposal photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cinematic Legacy of Paradise Cove
More recently, the pier gained significant pop culture recognition as the filming location for Britney Spears' iconic 2000 music video for 'Sometimes.' This has made it a pilgrimage site for fans looking to recreate those memorable scenes.
+1 The presence of vintage movie decor at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe further enhances this nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and Hollywood glamour. Today, Paradise Cove continues to be a favored location for photoshoots, proposals, and casual visits, drawing visitors who appreciate its storied past and stunning coastal vistas. The combination of its natural charm and its role in entertainment history makes it a truly special destination.
Navigating Parking and Access
However, savvy travelers have discovered a popular workaround: parking on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and taking a short, scenic 10-15 minute walk down to the pier and beach. This method allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of Paradise Cove without incurring the high parking charges.
Beyond parking, accessing the beach and pier is generally straightforward. The area is well-known and easily identifiable. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is consistently recommended to avoid crowds and potentially find closer parking if you do opt for the paid lot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit