Jo S.
Yelp
Zuma Beach is the first beach I went to shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. It'll always have a soft spot in my heart, that's why I gave it 2 stars instead of one. Plus, I love beaches.
For the last 5 years we avoided it because the parking fee got higher and higher, the lot got full, we had to turn around, so we found other beaches to go to.
Recently we were in Malibu area, and went to Point Dume (which we prefer now) but the lot was full (no holiday weekend), so we went to Zuma instead. Needed to get out of that car and relax.
It costs $15 to park!!! Way too much, and you drive inside the lot till the last available part on the left. Far!
The restrooms could be cleaner and there's no stores, shops, anywhere to get food and drinks from. So, bring your own. Leave the beers at home/hotel, the cops are patrolling the beach too much and give tickets to people who open a can of beer. If you're a tourist from East Coast, other countries, how would you know? There are no signs to warn you!
The beach is pretty, although I never liked how close to the PCH is. You can hear sirens, etc. It's too crowded these days, we had a hard time finding a spot for our towels. People seem like they're moving here bringing way too many umbrellas, tents, canopies, you name it.
So, you're too close to your beach neighbors, you'll hear their conversations, their music (since people bring loud speakers with them so you'll hear their music even if you like it or not- we moved once because of that!), their kids are gonna start building a sand castle near your head and every ball anyone will play with will hit you. Too close for my comfort or cheek to jowl as they say.
If you just want to relax, read, swim, might not work. I get why other Angelenos look for more secluded beaches in the Malibu area, with less amenities and less people.
The water was cold, but we saw beautiful dolphins swimming (the highlight) and big fishes in the water (half of my arm - length wise? or bigger?).
We left a bit earlier since it was kinda noisy for us and that seafood restaurant was calling our names.
Zuma Beach? Not again!