Carbon Beach (Malibu)

Carbon Beach — also known as “Billionaire’s Beach” — sits in Eastern Malibu just east of the Malibu Pier. The Malibu Beach Inn provides a free live cam looking out over the sand and surf from their oceanfront property.

About the Break

Carbon Beach is a south-facing beach break that catches summer south swells well. The wave isn’t a destination break in the way Malibu Surfrider is, but it offers fun beachbreak peaks for intermediate surfers without the heavy crowd that defines First Point. Conditions can be hit-or-miss depending on sandbar shape, but on the right south swell it’s a worthwhile alternative when Surfrider is unrideable due to crowds.

Surf Etiquette at Beach Breaks

Beach breaks tend to be more forgiving on etiquette than reef or point breaks: because the sandbars shift and there’s rarely one single best takeoff spot, the lineup is usually more spread out and less territorial. Still, the basics apply everywhere — the surfer closest to the peak has right of way, don’t drop in on someone already riding a wave, and take a moment to watch the lineup before paddling out if you’re new to it. Every break has its regulars, and a little patience goes a long way.

About the Cam Host

The cam is provided by the Malibu Beach Inn, a boutique hotel at 22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California, with 47 guest rooms directly on Carbon Beach and on-site dining at the Carbon Beach Club. Watch Live Cam →

Best Conditions

• Best swell direction: S to SW
• Best tide: Mid
• Best wind: Light north or offshore
• Best season: Summer for south swells
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Crowd factor: Light to moderate (much less crowded than nearby Surfrider)

Getting There

• Parking: Limited PCH shoulder parking; paid lots near Malibu Pier
• Nearest town: Malibu
• Access: Use the public Geffen accessway off PCH near 22132

Lessons & Rentals

Malibu has several surf schools, but most operate at Surfrider Beach (First Point) rather than Carbon. Learn to Surf LA and Malibu Surf School both offer lessons in the area.

Location & Access

Carbon Beach sits on the Pacific coast in Malibu, Los Angeles County, California. See the California surf guide for the full regional picture →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Carbon Beach surf cam free to watch? Yes — every cam in the directory is free and public, no login required.

Where exactly is the camera? At the Malibu Beach Inn in Malibu, CA — see the map above.

Are there other free surf cams nearby? Yes — see Nearby Live Cams below.