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GhostFingers · Los Angeles County · North LA County

Leo Carrillo

Cobblestone and reef setup at the north end of Malibu, inside Leo Carrillo State Park. Multiple takeoff zones along the headland. Faces south-southwest.

North LA County Beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Paid day-use lot inside Leo Carrillo State Park off PCH. About $12 day-use. Walk-in beach access from the lot.

Crowd

Moderate. Spreads along the headland on any size. Less stacked than the Malibu pier zone.

Beginner-friendly?

Depends.

On small days the inside cobblestone opens up for confident intermediates. On size, the outer reef is rock-bottomed and contested. Water runs cooler than the South Bay year-round.

Famous for

Leo Carrillo State Park. A series of reef and cobble breaks at the north end of LA County's coastline, long associated with the early surf film era and the Malibu-to-Ventura coastal corridor.

Lineup etiquette

Priority on a point goes to the deepest rider. Paddling inside an active takeoff is the standard call-out.

When it's on

South through southwest groundswell on the summer side, west through northwest wrap on the winter side. Light offshore from the north or side-offshore from the northwest. Mid-tide window.

When beginners can paddle out

Knee-high to shoulder-high on a mid-tide with light morning wind. The inside section runs softer than the outer reef.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
34.0400, -118.9370
Shore faces
SW
Region
North LA County, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Leo Carrillo?
Leo Carrillo works best on a S to W swell.
How big does Leo Carrillo need to be?
Leo Carrillo is best in the 2-5ft range on a 11-18s period.
What are the best conditions at Leo Carrillo?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 2-4ft.
Where is Leo Carrillo?
Leo Carrillo is a reef wedge in North LA County, California. The beach faces SW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Leo Carrillo?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Leo Carrillo with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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