El Matador Beach takes some effort to get to, but once there you find delicate white sand and beautiful pebble beaches. On busy summer days, the shores are dotted with people peacefully hiding from the crowds of LA. As for swimming, this beach is one of the rare places in SoCal that you can actually jump in the water and still see your feet. Rock formations and tide pools reveal themselves at lower tides, while the shoreline hides a series of shallow caves and secluded coves. A generous hike in keeps the crowds down, while the chi-chi zip code provides the occasional glimpse of celebs out for a seaside constitutional. Amenities are minimal, but there are a several picnic tables on the bluff overlooking the beach trail, and a few (very) rudimentary Port-a-Potties.