Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$12 parking

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM to sunset

About This Location

Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Kenneth Hahn SRA1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/3/2026Loyola Marymount University--Alumni Mall1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/3/2026Conejo Creek North Park1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/2026Havelock1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

2/26/2026Playa Vista Central Park

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

2/22/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

3/4/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

3/4/2026

American Coot

503/4/2026

Black-bellied Plover

103/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

33/4/2026

Marbled Godwit

23/4/2026

Willet

23/4/2026

Heermann's Gull

153/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/4/2026

Western Gull

3/4/2026

California Gull

3/4/2026

Royal Tern

753/4/2026

Western Grebe

13/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

303/4/2026

Snowy Egret

23/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Notable species at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
The entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is $12 parking. Hours: Open daily, 8 AM to sunset.
What amenities are available at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.