Leo Carrillo State Park is one of Malibu’s most iconic engagement photo locations—and for good reason. With dramatic sea caves, golden cliffs, tide pools, and wide open beaches, it offers a mix of rugged and romantic scenery that feels straight out of a film.
Before you head out for your session, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it (and avoid common stress points like parking on PCH).
Where It Is + What to Expect
Located about 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica along the Pacific Coast Highway, Leo Carrillo State Park is a coastal gem known for:
- Sea caves and rocky tunnels (best at low tide)
- Wide sandy beaches
- Driftwood + cliff backdrops
- Tide pools and textured rock formations
- Golden-hour light that hits the cliffs beautifully
It’s a very popular location, especially for weekend sunsets and summer sessions, so timing matters.
Parking at Leo Carrillo (PCH Tips You NEED to Know)
Parking is simple—but it fills fast.
Main Parking Lot
- Located directly off Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
- Follow signage for Leo Carrillo State Park entrance
- Day-use fee is typically around $12 per vehicle
- Hours: usually 8:00 AM – sunset/10:00 PM depending on season
Parking on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
If the main lot is full:
- You may see limited shoulder parking along PCH near the entrance
- Some areas are marked No Parking / Tow Away Zones
- Enforcement is common—especially on weekends and during golden hour
- Never block turnouts or private driveways
💡 Pro tip: If you’re meeting for engagement photos, plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early so you’re not rushing from the car to the beach.
Best Photo Spots Inside the Park
1. Sea Caves (most iconic)
- Found toward the southern end of the beach
- Best during low tide
- Creates moody, cinematic tunnel shots
2. Cliff + Rock Formations
- Textured backdrops for romantic, editorial-style portraits
- Perfect for movement shots and windblown moments
3. Wide Open Beach
- Ideal for golden hour walking shots
- Soft, clean backgrounds with ocean horizon
4. Driftwood Sections
- Great for seated, intimate poses
- Adds natural framing and warmth
Best Time for Engagement Photos
- Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) = best light
- Weekdays are significantly less crowded
- Avoid peak summer weekends if possible
- Check tide charts if you want cave access
What to Wear
Leo Carrillo photographs best with:
- Neutrals (cream, beige, soft browns)
- Earth tones (sage, rust, muted blues)
- Flowing fabrics that move in ocean wind
Avoid:
- Neon colors
- Busy patterns (they distract from the scenery)
- Shoes that can’t handle sand or rocks
Things Most People Don’t Think About
- Wind can be strong near cliffs—bring hair pins or a backup hairstyle option
- Tide changes quickly near caves—some areas become inaccessible fast
- Cell service can be spotty in parts of the park
- Restrooms are near the main lot, not scattered along the beach
Why I Love Shooting Here
Leo Carrillo feels like a place where everything slows down. It’s wild but soft. Open but intimate. I love how it gives couples space to just be—walking barefoot in the sand, laughing in the wind, forgetting the camera is even there.
It’s one of those locations that never feels staged. It just feels like a memory already happening.
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