Point Mugu State Park
🏖️ Where Mountains Meet the Pacific — Malibu’s Wildest State Park — 5 miles of pristine coastline in the Santa Monica Mountains, 70+ miles of trails through Sycamore Canyon, seasonal waterfalls, beachfront camping at Thornhill Broome, surfing at Sycamore Cove, whale watching from the bluffs, and wildlife from mountain lions to migrating grey whales
Where the Santa Monica Mountains drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean along the Pacific Coast Highway — 30 minutes west of Malibu — Point Mugu State Park protects one of the last large stretches of untouched coastal wilderness in Southern California. With five miles of ocean shoreline, two major river canyons, grassy valleys, rugged peaks, and over 70 miles of hiking trails, this is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the entire California state park system — a place where you can hike from sea level to 1,266-foot Mugu Peak in a single morning and catch the sunset from a beachfront campsite by evening.
The park encompasses nearly 15,000 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, extending from the Pacific shoreline inland through Big Sycamore Canyon — a deep, shaded canyon lined with ancient sycamore and oak trees that feels worlds away from the freeways of greater Los Angeles. In spring, a seasonal waterfall tumbles through the canyon after winter rains. Mountain lions prowl the backcountry ridges. Grey whales migrate past the coastal bluffs from December through April.
Beaches
| Beach | Features |
|---|---|
| Sycamore Cove Beach | Swimming, surfing, body surfing, tidepools |
| Thornhill Broome Beach | Primitive beachfront camping — fall asleep to waves |
| Mugu Beach | Rocky coastline, wildlife viewing, limited free parking |
Top Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sycamore Canyon | 9.5mi RT | Easy-Moderate | Shaded canyon, sycamores, seasonal waterfall |
| Mugu Peak via Chumash Trail | 4mi RT | Strenuous | 1,266ft summit, ocean panorama |
| Serrano Canyon | 6.4mi RT | Moderate | Wildflowers, canyon narrows |
| Ray Miller Backbone | Varies | Moderate-Strenuous | Ridge hiking, Channel Islands views |
| La Jolla Valley Loop | 7mi | Moderate | Grasslands, spring wildflower carpets |
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sycamore Canyon | 58 sites | Shaded canyon, ½mi from beach, showers, fire pits |
| Thornhill Broome | 62 sites | Beachfront primitive — waves at your tent, fire rings, no showers |
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia — book up to 6 months ahead (weekends sell out fast).
Wildlife
- Mountain Lions: Present in backcountry — rare sightings, post warnings at trailheads
- Grey Whales: Visible from coastal bluffs December–April during migration
- Dolphins: Often seen from shore year-round
- Deer, Coyotes, Raptors: Common throughout the park
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 9000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA |
| Hours | 8 AM to sunset |
| Parking | $12/day; $9/3hr; $6/2hr; $3/1hr |
| Size | ~15,000 acres |
Nearby Attractions
Malibu — 15 miles east on PCH — has beaches, celebrity culture, and dining. Oxnard — 5 miles northwest — has Channel Islands Harbor. Channel Islands NP — visible offshore — has island ecology. Ventura — 10 miles north. Leo Carrillo State Park — 5 miles east — has sea caves and tide pools.
Can you camp on the beach at Point Mugu?
Yes! Thornhill Broome Campground at Point Mugu State Park offers 62 primitive camping sites directly on the beach. You literally pitch your tent on the sand with the Pacific Ocean waves as your soundtrack. The campground has fire rings, picnic tables, water, and portable toilets — but no showers or hookups. Be aware that the area can be subject to tidal flooding during high surf events. Reservations are strongly recommended via ReserveCalifornia.
Insider Tips
Santa Monica Mountains: Point Mugu offers 70 miles of trails connecting to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Pro tip: Sycamore Canyon is one of the most scenic trails in Southern California — with year-round swimming holes in spring. Beach: Thornhill Broome Beach offers walk-in camping right on the Pacific.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Wildflower superbloom years are spectacular. Winter: Green hillsides and cooler hiking. Fall: Warm, dry — fire risk elevated. Summer: Hot inland, cool at beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp on the beach at Point Mugu?
Yes. Thornhill Broome Beach offers walk-in campsites directly on the Pacific Ocean — one of the few beachfront camping options in Southern California. Sites are first-come, first-served or reservable through ReserveCalifornia. The sound of waves lulling you to sleep is unforgettable.
