Leo Carrillo Beach

Leo Carrillo state beach, oh how I love thee! This was one of the first local Los Angeles area beaches that truly opened my eyes to the beauty of the Southern California coast. Before I discovered it I thought all the local beaches were nothing but sand and water. Not this beach! No sir, this one is jam-packed with ocean life and tide pools, caves and rock formations. It is truly spectacular and one of my favorite places in the world.

Truth be told, we got engaged at Leo Carillo so it does hold a very special place in my heart, but romantic bias aside, this is one of the most nature filled beaches you'll find around LA.

There are amazing tidepools! The beach is super rocky on the south side and if you explore a bit you'll see everything from zillions of hermit crabs to larger sand crabs, sea anemone, sea urchins, starfish, sea hares and more! We even saw an orange nudibranch once which rocked our world, being geeks that we are.

Seals often hang out on the far rock formations among all the surfers.

There are rock caves and some nice sandy areas too. I'd rate Leo Carillo beach at the top of my list to bring kids to, especially if they are interested in nature at all. A lot of exploring and learning to be done here.

Please respect the ocean life and don't take stuff home as pets from Leo Carrillo. There are often signs up warning you to not turn rocks over and disturb wildlife. There is plenty to see if you perch on a comfy rock and sit still for a moment. Hermit crabs will walk across your toes if you are patient!

There is free parking along PCH, but there is also a pay lot across the street with a walking tunnel to get to the beach so you don't have to cross with kids. There are also bathrooms and foot showers at the southeast side of the beach.

Leo Carrillo is a state beach and you can camp there! Reservations can be hard to come by, so plan well in advance if you want to camp.