Malibu Lagoon State Beach

California · Southwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

CoastalWetlandMarsh

Best Seasons

WinterFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-March

Entrance Fee

$12 per vehicle parking

Hours

8:00 AM – Sunset daily

About This Location

Malibu Lagoon State Beach sits at the mouth of Malibu Creek where it enters the Pacific Ocean, creating a rare coastal lagoon ecosystem along the developed Malibu coastline. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in this compact but productive area, where restored salt marsh, mudflat, and sandy beach habitats attract an impressive concentration of waterbirds.

The lagoon is a reliable spot for Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and a variety of ducks and shorebirds. During migration, the surrounding willows and coastal scrub can hold surprising numbers of warblers and flycatchers. Brown Pelicans cruise offshore, while Elegant Terns, Royal Terns, and occasional rarities rest on the sandbar at the lagoon mouth.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue Heron Snowy Egret Elegant Tern Brown Pelican Black-bellied Plover Belted Kingfisher

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/4/2026Lafayette Reservoir Dam-West1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/4/2026Lafayette Reservoir Dam-West1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/4/2026Sapsucker Stakeout1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/4/2026Tijuana Slough NWR--South McCoy Trail area1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Mission Bay--De Anza Cove & Point1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/4/20263011 Pine Hills Road, Julian, California, US (33.076, -116.618)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/4/2026Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu US-CA 34.09152, -118.809221 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/4/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Pacheco Lane Pond (40.8668,-124.1143)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Canada Goose

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

3 birds

Mourning Dove

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

6 birds

Bald Eagle

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

3 birds

Downy Woodpecker

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

Northern Flicker

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Blue Jay

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

8 birds

Tufted Titmouse

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

4 birds

European Starling

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Robin

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

4 birds

House Sparrow

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

4 birds

House Finch

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Goldfinch

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

8 birds

White-throated Sparrow

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Grackle

Mount Auburn Cemetery

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
View from the footbridge for an overview of the lagoon and its waterbirds
2
The sandbar at the lagoon mouth concentrates terns, gulls, and shorebirds
3
Early morning visits avoid crowds and offer the best birding light

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Malibu Pier
Adamson House Museum

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Birding Guides

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

How to Start a Birding Life List

9 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malibu Lagoon State Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Malibu Lagoon State Beach for birding are October-March. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.

What birds can I see at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?▼

Notable species at Malibu Lagoon State Beach include Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Elegant Tern, Brown Pelican, Black-bellied Plover, Belted Kingfisher. The area supports coastal, wetland, marsh habitats.

How difficult is birding at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?▼

Birding at Malibu Lagoon State Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?▼

The entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon State Beach is $12 per vehicle parking. Hours: 8:00 AM – Sunset daily.

What amenities are available at Malibu Lagoon State Beach?▼

Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.