Located along the Malibu coast where Los Angeles County meets Ventura County, County Line Beach draws a steady crowd of surfers and divers who know what they’re doing. The beach break produces reliable peaks for surfing, and when conditions align, the point break delivers those glassy waves that happen because of the thick kelp beds offshore. If you’re planning a dive, the water visibility can swing from decent to excellent depending on the season and recent swells, which makes timing your visit worthwhile if you’re serious about it.

The beach itself is genuinely dog-friendly, which makes it stand out along this stretch of coast. Your dog can walk with you on the sand and actually get in the water if they want to—no separate dog areas or restricted hours. If your dog is into it, you can throw a ball around near the water’s edge, though the rocky sections mean you’ll want to watch their footing. The parking situation is pretty straightforward, and there are basic facilities available, though this isn’t a heavily developed beach with tons of amenities. It has more of a local vibe than you’d find at some of the more famous Malibu spots.

The drive out here from Los Angeles takes time, so plan accordingly. The surrounding area is quieter and less crowded than nearby beaches, which honestly works in your favor if you’re bringing a dog who gets anxious around huge crowds. The access point is easy to find once you’re in the area, and low tide reveals more sand to explore. Parking fills up on good swell days, especially on weekends, so arriving early makes a real difference if you want to secure a spot without circling for twenty minutes.