Malibu Lagoon: A Diverse Ecosystem
See also: California Department of Parks and Recreation - Malibu Lagoon State Beach
 

 

 
About Nine miles north of Temescal Canyon, but still on Santa Monica Bay, Malibu Lagoon State Park has a beach of a very different character than the home beach at Will Rogers.  One walks to the beach via a short trail through the wetlands; there are many specially adapted plants growing here as well as abundant birds feeding in or at the edges of the calm water.  The lagoon, which encompasses 15 acres, has undergone restorations in 1983, 2008 and 2012.  Water circulation is a key factor in the health of this ecosystem.  A sign explains the seasonal variation; in the summer accumulated sand blocks the egress of water from the lagoon, while in the winter storms clear away sand allowing for outflow of the water.  Surfrider Beach, as the name suggests, is favored by surfers; the beach also has interesting tidepools.  To the north is Malibu Colony, a fenced off area with big beach houses, and to the south is Adamson House and the Malibu Pier.