By The Wayfarer
Explore the stories behind the sand: Take the Wayfarer Malibu Tour
If you’ve ever found yourself in Malibu wondering where the locals actually go to breathe, you’re probably looking for Lechuza Beach—you just didn’t know it yet.
Tucked away in western Malibu, Lechuza isn’t lined with restaurants or blufftop hotels. There are no surf competitions or celebrity sightings. In fact, if you didn’t know it was there, you might drive past it completely.
And that’s exactly why it matters.
Here’s your guide to visiting Lechuza Beach: how to find it, what to expect, and how to see it not just as a beach—but as part of a bigger, wilder story along the Pacific coast.
Where Is Lechuza Beach?
Lechuza Beach is located at the far western edge of Malibu in the community of El Matador / Broad Beach, just west of Zuma Beach and past Trancas Country Market.
It’s accessible from Bunnie Lane off Broad Beach Road, where a small public access gate leads to a sandy, steep path down to the water.
You won’t see signs, food trucks, or big parking lots. What you’ll find instead:
- A narrow public trail tucked between private homes
- Rock formations that rival those at El Matador Beach (without the crowds)
- Tide pools, sandstone cliffs, and a soft hush that Malibu rarely offers
Lechuza (Spanish for “barn owl”) is named after the nocturnal birds that once called this canyonland home. It remains one of Malibu’s most peaceful, photogenic, and understated stretches of coastline.
How to Get There
Address for GPS:
31712 Broad Beach Road, Malibu, CA 90265
(Look for “Bunnie Lane” just west of this point.)
Parking:
- Free street parking along Broad Beach Road
- No designated lot—so arrive early or off-peak
- Respect private driveways and posted signs
Access Trail:
- The trail entrance is at the end of Bunnie Lane
- A sloped dirt path and stairway lead down through native shrubs to the beach
- No restrooms or facilities—pack in and pack out
What Makes Lechuza Special?
It’s not just that Lechuza is beautiful—Malibu is full of beautiful beaches. What sets Lechuza apart is the feeling it gives you: seclusion without isolation, wildness without effort.
Highlights:
- Low tide reveals tide pools and walkable stretches of sand
- Large rock outcroppings make it a favorite for photographers and quiet picnics
- Less foot traffic, especially on weekdays and mornings
- Clear water and gentle waves depending on the season
It’s a spot for those who don’t need much—just sand, sky, and the sound of water hitting stone.
Know Before You Go
- No bathrooms or lifeguards
This is a carry-in, carry-out beach. Come prepared. - Tides matter
At high tide, the sand disappears in some places. Check tide charts and aim for a falling or low tide if you want room to roam. - Accessibility is limited
The path is steep and uneven—not recommended for strollers or anyone with limited mobility. - Stay respectful
Lechuza sits near private homes. Keep noise low, leave no trace, and stay on public-access paths.
Pair It with the Wayfarer Malibu Tour
Lechuza is one of those places where silence speaks louder than traffic or tourists. But if you want to understand what you’re walking through—not just snap a photo—consider pairing your beach visit with the Wayfarer Malibu Tour.
This GPS-guided audio experience takes you from Point Dume to El Matador, with optional stops and stories that dig into:
- The ancient Chumash presence on these shores
- The tension between public access and private wealth in Malibu
- How fire, wind, and wave shape the Malibu we see today
- The unseen history in every canyon and cove
You can start the tour in the car, then finish it on foot as you descend to Lechuza. It turns your visit into something felt, not just seen.
Lechuza vs. Other Malibu Beaches
| Beach | Crowd Level | Photo-Worthy | Easy Access | Parking |
| Lechuza Beach | Low | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Zuma Beach | High | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| El Matador Beach | Medium-High | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Surfrider Beach | Medium | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Final Thoughts
In Malibu, some places make you want to be seen.
Lechuza Beach makes you want to disappear—for an hour, for an afternoon, for as long as you need.
It’s the kind of place you whisper about to a friend, rather than post about publicly. Not because it’s secret—but because it’s sacred in its simplicity.
So go. Let the air clear your head. Let the rocks frame your thoughts.
And when you’re ready to understand why this place feels the way it does, queue up the Wayfarer Malibu Tour and listen while you walk.Because Lechuza doesn’t need to be louder.
It just needs to be known.
by xotatech.com