Malibu Lagoon

34.03336 , -118.68236

United States of America (USA)

Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach. In particular, it is important as a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. Over 320 species have been recorded at the site. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 34.0334/-118.6824 (2020-11-22 19:57:03 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Malibu Lagoon" (2020-11-22 19:57:03 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-15 09:24:01
Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of very few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach. In particular, it is important as a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. Over 320 species have been recorded at the site. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:45:07
Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of very few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach. In particular, it is important as a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. Over 320 species have been recorded at the site. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:24:42
Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of very few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach State.Beach. In particular, it is important as a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 13:54:57
Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of very few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach State Park. State. In particular, it is important as a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 13:53:17
Malibu Lagoon is a small but ecologically important site within easy reach of Los Angeles. As one of very few remaining wetlands on the Southern California coast, it attracts a wide range of water birds, shorebirds and seabirds. The site is protected and managed as part of the Malibu Beach State Park. In particular, it is a breeding site for the beach-nesting Snowy Plover and Least Tern. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera)
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
Sora (Porzana carolina)
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Snowy Plover (Anarhynchus nivosus)
Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni)
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Least Tern (Sternula antillarum)
Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans)
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 13:13:38)

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 13:13:23)

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:54:39)

Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:54:21)

Gadwall (Mareca strepera) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:53:20)

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:41:35)

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:40:45)

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:40:23)

Sanderling (Calidris alba) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:36:53)

Sora (Porzana carolina) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:36:25)

Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:36:13)

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:34:22)

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:34:07)

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:33:49)

Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:33:33)

Snowy Plover (Anarhynchus nivosus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-08-30 12:33:13)

  • Timing and strategy

The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. Royal Terns occur all year round and Elegant Terns from spring to fall.

As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection. 

There is one path leading east to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Another path leads south from the entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a section on the lagoon side which is separated from the ocean beach by a rope. Birders will want to explore each of these pathways. 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-12 07:50
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. Royal Terns occur all year round and Elegant Terns from spring to fall. As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one path leading east to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Another path leads south from the entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a section on the lagoon side which is separated from the ocean beach by a rope. Birders will want to explore both each of these pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-12 07:35
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. migrant. Royal Terns occur all year round and Elegant Terns from spring to fall. As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one path leading east to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Another path leads south from the entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a section on the lagoon side which is separated from the ocean beach by a rope. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-19 07:40
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading east to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Another path leads south from the entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a section on the lagoon side which is separated from the ocean beach by a rope. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-16 11:22
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side.side which is separated from the ocean beach by a rope. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-08 12:38
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. As the beach is popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance to entrance, then east to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-04 10:12
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. The As the beach is popular so that popular, early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, a an express visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:46
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. The beach is popular so that early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance. Given the small size of the site, a visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours for to conduct a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:45
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. The beach is popular so that early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance.  Being a Given the small size of the site, a visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours for a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:03
The Lagoon and beach are of interest throughout the year. The Snowy Plover is resident while the Least Tern is a breeding summer migrant. The beach is popular so that early mornings and weekdays are preferable for less disturbance.  Being a small site, a visit can be made in an hour or even less, though birders may wish to spend an hour and a half to two hours for a thorough inspection.  There is one main path leading south from the entrance to the beach. Shortly before reaching the beach, a quieter path branches off to the left which offers closer views of the lagoon. The main path continues to the beach which often has shorebirds, especially in a roped-off section on the lagoon side. Birders will want to explore both pathways. 
  • How to get there

The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive up the coast from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here ($3 per hour), with additional (unofficial) parking available on the south side of Highway 1.

An express bus, no. 534 runs from Santa Monica to Malibu, stopping at Malibu State Beach.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-06 22:32
The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive up the coast from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here ($3 per hour), with additional (unofficial) parking available on the south side of Highway 1. An express bus, no. 534 runs from Santa Monica to Malibu, stopping at Malibu State Beach.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-04 10:21
The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive up the coast from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here ($3 per hour), with additional parking available on the south side of Highway 1.1. An express bus, no. 534 runs from Santa Monica to Malibu, stopping at Malibu State Beach.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-04 10:17
The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive up the coast from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here, here ($3 per hour), with additional parking available on the south side of Highway 1.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:38
The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive north up the coast from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here, with additional parking available on the south side of Highway 1.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:06
The lagoon is located beside highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, 30 minutes' drive north from Santa Monica. The entrance is opposite Cross Creek Road. There is a small car park here, with additional parking available on the south side of Highway 1.

The entrance is beside Highway 1 opposite Cross Creek Road. The site is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-04 10:17
The entrance is beside Highway 1 opposite Cross Creek Road. The site is open until 8pm.from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:09
The n trance entrance is beside Highway 1 opposite Cross Creek Road. The site is open until 8pm.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:09
The n trance is beside Highway 1 opposite Cross Creek Road. The site is open until 8pm.
  • Other attractions

Non-birding companions may enjoy the beach which is accessed by the same path as the lagoon.

On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Malibu Legacy Park, which contains an artificial wetland with some water birds, such as Cinnamon Teal in winter. The wetland is surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher (summer), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Say's Phoebe (winter) and Cassin's Kingbird (resident). Several paths are available through the park. Over 200 species have been recorded here.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-11 19:38
Non-birding companions may enjoy the beach which is accessed by the same path as the lagoon. On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Malibu Legacy Park, which contains an artificial wetland with some water birds, such as Cinnamon Teal (winter). The in winter. The wetland is surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher (summer), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Say's Phoebe (winter) and Cassin's Kingbird (resident). Several paths are available through the park. Over 200 species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-04 10:13
On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Legacy Park, which contains an artificial wetland with some water birds, such as Cinnamon Teal (winter). The wetland is surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher (summer), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Say's Phoebe (winter) and Cassin's Kingbird (resident). Several paths are available through the park. Over 200 species have been recorded in the park.here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-02 12:39
On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Legacy Park. This Park, which contains an artificial wetland with some water birds, such as Cinnamon Teal (winter). The wetland is surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher (summer), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Say's Phoebe (winter) and Cassin's Kingbird (resident). Several paths are available through the park. Over 200 species have been recorded in the park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:24
On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Legacy Park. This is contains an artificial wetland with some water birds, such as Cinnamon Teal (winter). The wetland is surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher.Flycatcher (summer), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Say's Phoebe (winter) and Cassin's Kingbird (resident). Several paths are available through the park. Over 200 species have been recorded in the park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:12
On the north side of the highway are some shops and restaurants. Immediately to the west of these is Legacy Park. This is an artificial wetland with some water birds, surrounded by scrub which hosts birds such as Ash-throated Flycatcher. Several paths are available through the park.

There are some information panels near the entrance. 
Cafes and restaurants are available on the north side of Highway 1.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:15
There are some information panels near the entrance.  Cafes and restaurants are available on the north side of Highway 1.

The main problem with the site is its popularity. Parking may be difficult to find on fine days and holidays. Most birds seem habituated to visitors, so that they can still be seen even on busy days.

Visitors are advised not to leave valuables or visible items in vehicles. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-08-30 14:17
The main problem with the site is its popularity. Parking may be difficult to find on fine days and holidays. Most birds seem habituated to visitors, so that they can still be seen even on busy days. Visitors are advised not to leave valuables or visible items in vehicles. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

No local guides yet

Gallery

Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Malibu Lagoon - Orniverse