TRAVEL-202609-uswest/days/2026-09-27.md

# Sep 27 (Sun) — Malibu coast

**Stay:** [Airbnb — DTLA](../bookings/stays/airbnb-la-dtla.md) · check-in from 4:00 PM PDT · 1100 W Temple St

*All times are PDT.*

## Logistics

- Full coastal driving day; start early for El Matador parking
- If changing accommodation today, arrange secure luggage storage or an early luggage drop—do not leave visible bags in the car
- Finish in DTLA rather than driving back west

## Plan

> Menu: [`la_sights.md`](../la_sights.md)

- **8:00 AM** Depart
- **9:00–10:15 AM** [El Matador State Beach](https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7MMVFwEFx1FxWei7) — blufftop parking is limited; stairs lead to the beach
- **10:30 AM–12:00 PM** Point Dume; use Zuma Beach as the parking fallback
- **12:15–1:30 PM** Malibu Pier and lunch
- **2:30–4:00 PM** Santa Monica Pier and the Route 66 terminus
- **4:30–6:30 PM** Venice Canals, Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney
- **Evening** Check in at DTLA and have dinner nearby

## Optional evening alternative

- **[Water for Elephants](https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/water-for-elephants)** at the Hollywood Pantages starts at **6:30 PM** and runs 2 hours 20 minutes; it is the final LA performance
- This is not compatible with the full coastal plan. To attend, finish after Malibu lunch, check in by 4:00 PM and leave for the theatre around 5:30 PM

## Check shortly before departure

- Point Dume's lower parking lot was inaccessible as of 2026-08-28 because Westward Beach Road was closed; the beach remained open
- Recheck road, beach, tide and parking conditions