El Matador Beach, Malibu, California
Sometimes you find out information in the most unusual way. At a Dodger game a few years back, the votes of fans’ favorite beaches flashed on the scoreboard. I don’t remember what the second and third favorites were but El Matador Beach scored a home run on the video screen. El Matador? I’d never heard of this beach. But now I had to visit it
Jim, my nephew Chris and I drove to the west end of Malibu and found El Matador Beach between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches. We were lucky enough to nab a parking place at the top of the bluff. One look down and we knew Dodger fans really did know beach beauty. Below the rocky cliffs, a protected pocket beach awaited complete with sea caves, coves, rugged boulders and kelp-filled waters.
Walking down the steep trail, we watched a crew film a young blond woman in a white bathing suit and black gladiator sandals posing with a man with six-pack abs. The models looked bored between takes but snapped into a romantic embrace for several retakes.
It was a perfect beach day. “El Mat” wasn’t very crowded and we enjoyed our own serene paradise, interrupted occasionally by a wayward Smashball or Frisbee sailing by. The beach was sheltered and pristine and I loved the feeling of solitude surrounded by rugged cliffs, boulders and monolith rocks spiraling skyward.
Malibu was once inhabited by The Chumash Native Americans who named it “humaliwo” meaning “where the surf sounds loudly.” And indeed, the surf did roar at El Matador Beach on this southern California endless summer day. The water was cold, invigorating and as deep blue as any Dodger fan could hope for.
I do love how you weave in history, story, beauty, humor and inspiration. “Where the surf sounds loudly,” takes us 5 words, the Chumash only needed one! Thanks for the tip, the refreshment and your mellifluous words. Susan
This gorgeous post has made my morning. Standing here on the corner of 57th St. and 6th Ave. amid the din of taxi and bus engines, ready to head into work, my imagination is on fire. I am there! TGIF
Gorgeous!!! I have to go there as soon as possible. Never been.
As always, your eloquent descriptions brought the scene to life for me. How funny about the film crew–only in L.A.!! Now I want to go there, too. Thanks!
Visiting Doug’s family in Wisconsin, among beautiful greenery, rolling hills, and 20 horses his brother owns, I could smell the surf at El M. Lovely piece as usual!
I love El Matador. Thanks for reminding me. It’s a place I should visit more often.
Great photo of a wonderful local gem and what an interesting history lesson, too.
Wow, Susan – you captured El Matador beautifully with the picture and eloquent descriptions. Since I lived near that beach for 37 years, I’ve enjoyed being there many times. It is pretty unique and brought back great memories.
The part about the filming made me chuckle! LA, advertising and the Hollywood influence continually weave in and out of the culture there.
Susan,
I’ve never been to El Matador Beach, but if we still lived in SoCal, I would want to see it. Thanks for your beautiful description of this lovely beach. Bridget
Ah, another piece of beauty presented to us. I have always been interested in Indians so that info gave me a real ‘mmmm’ moment. Just looking at your picture gives me the inner peace that comes from seeing and hearing the constancy and rhythm of the waves. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely remember the name of the beach and hope to go there one day soon.
Andy, your nephew, shot a Polaroid commercial with James Garner there in the late 70’s. I need to go visit this beach. Thank you Susan for the fabulous blog….
I have never been to this beach. I will definitely put it on my list to visit. You make it sound just wonderful. Thanks for stopping by to see me at the Montrose Art Walk. It was so great to see you! 🙂