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Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$12 parking

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM to sunset

About This Location

Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/17/2026Sand Dune Park1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

4/16/2026Ballona Creek--90 Fwy to Centinela Ave.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/12/2026Leo Carrillo SP--seawatch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Gadwall

104/17/2026

Mallard

64/17/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

34/17/2026

Black-bellied Plover

24/17/2026

Killdeer

44/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

94/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

154/17/2026

Willet

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

44/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

154/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

34/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

44/17/2026

Western Gull

654/17/2026

California Gull

84/17/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

34/17/2026

Caspian Tern

184/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Notable species at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
The entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is $12 parking. Hours: Open daily, 8 AM to sunset.
What amenities are available at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.