At a Glance — Westward Beach, California, United States
| Is Westward Beach, California, United States Blue Flag certified? | Blue Flag Certified since 2023.0 — FEE-accredited, audited annually for water quality, facilities, safety, and environmental education. |
| What does it cost to enter Westward Beach, California, United States? | Free No entry fee. |
| When is Westward Beach, California, United States open? | Beach season runs 1 May to 30 Sep. Best months: May, June, September. |
| Is Westward Beach, California, United States safe for swimming? | Lifeguards On Duty Lifeguards are stationed during beach hours. Always check safety flags before entering the water. |
| Does Westward Beach, California, United States have facilities for disabled visitors? | Accessible Accessible facilities are available for visitors with disabilities. |
| What facilities are at Westward Beach, California, United States? | Lifeguards Accessible Sandy Beach |
| What is the best time to visit Westward Beach, California, United States? | May, June May, June, September offer the best conditions. Avoid visiting in July, August when conditions are typically less favourable. |
| How far is Westward Beach, California, United States from Malibu? | Westward Beach, California, United States is approximately 12.24 km from Malibu. |
About Westward Beach, California, United States
"The water here is a little colder than at other Los Angeles beaches but it continues to be a perennial favorite with residents and visitors alike."
The Blue Flag programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is one of the world's most recognised voluntary eco-labels. Westward Beach, California, United States has held the Blue Flag award since 2023.0, reflecting a long-term commitment to the programme's 33 annual criteria — covering bathing water quality, environmental management, safety and services, and environmental education. The beach is managed by County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors.
On-site facilities include trained lifeguard supervision during the season and accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities. Entry to Westward Beach, California, United States is free of charge.
This beach has become popular for whale watching, swimming, body surfing, and windsurfing. There are two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the waters adjacent to Zuma Beach, Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and Point Dume State Marine Reserve (SMR). Westward Beach is also adjacent to Zuma Lagoon which provides food and habitat for a diversity of birds including great blue heron, ruddy duck, and black-crowned night heron. In 2021, a living shoreline project was completed, which restored approximately 3.26 acres of sandy beach and dune habitat adjacent to Zuma Lagoon and at nearby Point Dume State Beach. A living shoreline is an innovative way of managing coastal areas using a suite of stabilization and habitat restoration techniques to reinforce the shoreline, minimize coastal erosion, and maintain coastal processes while protecting, restoring, enhancing, and creating natural habitat for fish and aquatic plants and wildlife. Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs are located nearby at the Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters and are available for use by the public free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis during daylight hours. Vehicles displaying a legal disabled person (DP) placard or DP license plates may park in front of the restroom building within the Blue Flag area. How to reach the beach: From Santa Monica follow Pacific Coast Highway 18-miles west to Westward Beach Road and turn toward the ocean. From the 101-Freeway, exit at Kanan Road, follow it south 12-miles to Pacific Coast Highway, then turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill. Accessible via Bus 534 at stop Cliffside/Dume
Accessible Beach — Westward Beach, California, United States
Westward Beach, California, United States offers accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities, meeting the Blue Flag programme's accessibility criteria. Contact beach management for details on available equipment and assistance.
Verify Blue Flag certificate for Westward Beach, California, United States →
What Visitors Say About Westward Beach, California, United States
Note: The visitor experiences below are drawn from publicly available travel community discussions and visitor feedback. Beach conditions, facilities, and experiences can change over time. Always verify current conditions directly with local beach management before visiting.
What Visitors Love
Honest Drawbacks
Best Time to Visit Westward Beach, California, United States
Westward Beach, California, United States sees its best conditions in May, June, September. The beach season officially runs from 1 May to 30 Sep.
| Month | Crowds | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| February | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| March | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| April | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| May | Medium | Medium | |
| June | Medium | Medium | |
| July | High | Popular — expect crowds | |
| August | High | Popular — expect crowds | |
| September | Medium | Medium | |
| October | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| November | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit | |
| December | Low | Quiet — relaxed visit |
How to Get to Westward Beach, California, United States
From Malibu
Approximately 12.24 km from Malibu.
On Westward Beach, California, United States
A living shoreline is an innovative way of managing coastal areas using a suite of stabilization and habitat restoration techniques to reinforce the shoreline, minimize coastal erosion, and maintain coastal processes while protecting, restoring, enhancing, and creating natural habitat for fish and aquatic plants and wildlife. Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs are located nearby at the Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters and are available for use by the public free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis during daylight hours. Vehicles displaying a legal disabled person (DP) placard or DP license plates may park in front of the restroom building within the Blue Flag area. How to reach the beach: From Santa Monica follow Pacific Coast Highway 18-miles west to Westward Beach Road and turn toward the ocean. From the 101-Freeway, exit at Kanan Road, follow it south 12-miles to Pacific Coast Highway, then turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill. Accessible via Bus 534 at stop Cliffside/Dume
As a Blue Flag certified beach, Westward Beach, California, United States undergoes regular bathing water quality testing throughout the season. The FEE Blue Flag programme requires that test results are displayed at the beach and that all certified beaches meet the EU Bathing Water Directive (or equivalent national standard).
Practical Information — Westward Beach, California, United States
| Entry Fee | Free — no entry charge. |
| Season | 1 May to 30 Sep |
| Lifeguards | Yes — on duty during beach hours. |
| Toilets | Check on arrival. |
| Showers | Check on arrival. |
| Parking | Check local options on arrival. |
| Accessibility | Accessible facilities available. Contact beach management for details. |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach. |
| Facing | S-facing — S. |
| Coordinates | 34.013099° N, -118.819429° E |
| Managed by | County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors |
| Certification | Blue Flag (FEE) — awarded since 2023.0 |