Leo Carrillo State Park

RUGGED TERRAIN & TIDE POOL SAFETY

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Monday, October 12, is shaping up to be a beautiful day at the coast, with partly cloudy skies and a moderate to high humidity level of 73%. The morning sky is 45% cloud covered, setting the tone for a lovely day ahead. As the day unfolds, beach visitors can look forward to a variety of activities, from surfing and swimming to running, cycling, and beach volleyball, with pleasant coastal conditions expected to prevail.



The surf conditions are looking great, with waves at 3.9 feet, which is waist to chest high, and a solid beach break. With the water temperature at a warm 72°F, boardshorts are the way to go, making it perfect for surfers and swimmers alike. However, rip current data is unavailable today, so it's essential for swimmers to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water. Be sure to check the local tide chart for low and high tide times, and note that swell data is also unavailable.



This morning is ideal for runners and cyclists, with a gentle wind of 3mph from the west. With a low UV index of 0, there's no need for special protection just yet, but be sure to apply sunscreen as the UV builds through the morning. Air quality is moderate, with an AQI of 54, so sensitive individuals should limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, taking advantage of the calm conditions before the afternoon onshore breeze picks up. As the morning window is the best time for these activities, be sure to plan accordingly.



As the day develops, the partly cloudy skies will likely continue, with the marine layer possibly burning off by midday. By the afternoon, the onshore breeze will start to pick up, and the surf will become more choppy. Heading into this evening, the coastal conditions are expected to remain pleasant, making it a great time to enjoy a sunset stroll or a game of tennis. With the pressure at 29.81 inHg indicating slightly low pressure, there's a possibility of unsettled conditions, but for now, it's looking like a wonderful day to get out and enjoy the coast. So, grab your board, your bike, or your sunscreen, and make the most of this beautiful day.



Briefing issued 6:11 AM, Monday, October 12. Live conditions update continuously above.

About This Coastline

Leo Carrillo State Park combines more than a mile of Malibu coastline with canyon trails and shaded camping inland from Pacific Coast Highway. Beaches, reefs, tide pools and coastal caves make it one of the area’s most varied public outdoor landscapes.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is adventurous, family-friendly and strongly connected to nature. Beachcombers investigate rock shelves, surfers watch the breaks, campers move between sycamore-shaded sites and the shore, and children explore tide pools when conditions allow. The park feels less polished than central Malibu and more like a complete coastal excursion.

Weekends can be busy, but the separation between North Beach, South Beach and inland trails distributes activity across a large area.

The Local Anchor

The park’s diversity is the main anchor. California State Parks highlights swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, beachcombing, reefs, tide pools and coastal caves. North Beach also has designated dog access under park rules, distinguishing it from many nearby beaches.

The park is named for Leo Carrillo, the actor and conservationist who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission and supported state acquisition of important coastal lands.

The Landscape

The shoreline alternates between sandy sections, rocky points, reef platforms and small coves. Waves and tide expose or cover caves and pools, so the landscape changes substantially through the day. Behind the coast, the park extends into former ranch land, canyons and the Nicholas Flat area.

Large sycamores shade the campground, creating an inland environment very different from the exposed beach. This transition—from ocean to rock shelf, highway, woodland and mountain trail—is what makes Leo Carrillo distinctive. It presents Malibu not as a single line of sand, but as an interconnected coastal ecosystem.