MALIBU LAGOON STATE BEACH, CA: A Walk to the Beach, by Caroline Arnold at The Intrepid Tourist

Tidal flats along Malibu Lagoon

While Malibu Lagoon State Beach is only a half hour drive from our home in West Los Angeles, we had never been there until a few weeks ago when it became our destination for a fresh air excursion to get out of the house and get some exercise. It was a weekday morning, and as we drove north on Highway 1 through Santa Monica and then Malibu, we noticed relatively few people on the beach–mainly walkers and bicyclers along the cement path. (One can bicycle for miles along this coastal bikeway, something we have done in the distant past.)

Malibu Lagoon

Shortly after passing the Malibu pier, we crossed the bridge over Malibu Creek and turned into the Malibu Lagoon State Beach parking lot, where we paid the entrance fee and then found a shaded place to park in the small lot. In front of us was Malibu Lagoon, a tidal wetland fed by Malibu Creek before it empties into the Pacific Ocean.

Path to the beach along the edge of the lagoon

We followed the sign to the path around the edge of the lagoon, passing late summer wildflowers blooming along the edges.

Heron

The lagoon is a haven for waterbirds and popular with birdwatchers. We spotted a great blue heron perched on a log and flock of terns wheeling in the air. Gulls rested on sandbars and egrets and shorebirds stalked prey in the shallow water. At a few places around the lagoon are benches that make good places for bird watching or just resting and enjoying the view.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

The beach at the far end of the lagoon is used mainly by surfers (who have to carry their boards from the same parking lot where we parked.) The ocean was dotted with surfers patiently waiting for the next wave–although the water was especially calm and the waves so small we didn’t see much action.

Channel separating the lagoon from Malibu State Beach

Across the outlet for Malibu Creek is the end of  beach that begins at the Malibu pier. We saw a number of people wading across (at the deepest the water was mid-thigh) and since we were wearing shorts, we decided to do the same. The current in the middle is quite strong and we had to be careful to keep our footing. (I don’t think this would be safe when there is more water in the creek or at high tide.)

Heron

On the other side, we continued down the beach almost to the pier before turning back. We passed only a few people and the beach is so big that it was easy to keep our social distance.
Adjacent to Malibu Beach, behind a fence, is the Adamson House, a historic building that is normally open to the public, but closed during the pandemic. When it reopens, I hope to visit.

Tidal flats

For directions to Malibu Lagoon State Beach and more information, click HERE.

SANTA MONICA PIER: Family Fun in Santa Monica, California

Pacific Park Ferris Wheel, Santa Monica Pier

I’ve walked the Santa Monica Pier many times but never, until this summer when my grandchildren came to visit, spent any time at the Pacific Fun Park or visited the Aquarium under the pier. So, we planned an afternoon’s excursion and, instead of driving to Santa Monica, as we usually do, we decided to ride the new Expo Line train, getting on at the Palms Station not far from our house in West Los Angeles. The end of the line is just two short blocks from the pier.

Gateway to the Pier

The Santa Monica Pier extends into the Pacific Ocean at the end of Santa Monica Boulevard and is an iconic southern California landmark dating back to the days when Los Angeles residents closer to downtown came to the beach for summer outings. It has always had a holiday atmosphere. http://santamonicapier.org/history/

Route 66 t-shirts and other tourist souvenirs can be bought all along the pier. 

Santa Monica is the terminus of historic Route 66, the U.S. highway that begins in Chicago on Michigan Avenue and winds its way westward to the California coast.

No one is too old to ride the carousel!

Our first stop on the pier was the carousel, whose history dates back to 1974 and is famous for its individually carved wooden horses.

Jellyfish at the Aquarium under the Pier

We then went down the stairs outside the carousel to the entrance to the Aquarium. Children get in free and I was willing to pay five dollars to support Heal the Bay, a sponsor of the Aquarium. Inside, children were clustered around the touch and feel tank with its starfish and other tidepool creatures. There is also a large tank with a kelp bed display, a jellyfish tank and other exhibits.

A thrilling ride in Inkie's Scrambler

But the highlight of the afternoon for the kids (ages 10, 12 and 14) was the Pacific Fun Park where they rode the ferris wheel, scrambler, and dragon while Art and I stayed safely on the ground and took pictures.

End of the Santa Monica Pier

At the far end of the pier, fishermen dropped their lines over the side in hopes of catching a fish. But most people on the pier were there just enjoying the ocean breeze and view of the beach that stretches on one side all the way to Malibu and on the other, south to the Marina. We saved our beach fun for next day, when we donned our swimming gear and the kids boogie boarded in the waves.