The park's namesake, Leo Carrillo, played Pancho in the 1950s television series The Cisco Kid.
The site has served as a filming location for numerous films including The Karate Kid, Grease, and Inception.
The park's tide pools are part of a protected state marine conservation area.
The coastal canyon trails are home to native giant coreopsis plants, which bloom with bright yellow flowers in late winter and early spring.
The park is named after a descendant of a prominent Spanish family that arrived in California in 1769.
Leo Carrillo State Park features 1.5 miles of beach along the Malibu coastline, recognized for its extensive system of sea caves and tide pools. The park is named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission. Geologically, the area is defined by volcanic rock formations that create diverse coastal habitats. Visitors can explore the intertidal zones during low tide to view sea anemones, crabs, and starfish. The park permits surfing, swimming, and fishing, with designated areas for each activity. It also functions as a popular filming location for Hollywood movies and television productions due to its rugged scenery. Inland portions of the park include coastal sage scrub and sycamore-lined canyon trails.
The large rock archway and sea cave entrances located on the north side of the beach during low tide.
Check tide charts before arriving to ensure access to the sea caves and tide pool areas.
Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals with grip to navigate slippery, uneven rocks safely.
Arrive early on weekends to secure parking, as spaces fill rapidly during peak season.
Do not attempt to explore the caves during high tide, as waves can block exits and create hazardous conditions.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and are only permitted on North Beach; strictly remove all trash and do not touch or remove tide pool marine life.
