Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park is a coastal park with over a mile of beach, sea caves and tide pools at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains in southern California. The area covers more than a thousand hectares and offers both rocky sections and open sandy stretches.

California authorities opened this park in 1953 and named it after a film and television actor who supported conservation projects. A large fire in 2018 heavily damaged the area, which led to the camping facilities remaining closed for months.

The name honors an actor from Los Angeles who worked to protect the coast. Film crews regularly use the beach and rocks for productions, which reminds visitors of familiar scenes.

The park offers areas for swimming, surfing and camping right on the coast, with tides affecting access to the caves. Visitors should watch for slippery rocks and wear sturdy shoes when exploring the rock formations.

The tide pools host sea anemones, starfish and small crabs that become clearly visible at low tide. Some caves can only be entered safely at low water, which makes the visit a time-dependent experience.

Location: Los Angeles County

Inception: 1953

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616

GPS coordinates: 34.04440,-118.93400

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28