25560 Pacific Coast Hwy , Malibu , CA 90265
Also known as Corral Beach, Dan Blocker Beach is located on a narrow strip of land directly across the highway from Corral Canyon Park. With limited parking options available on Pacific Coast Highway, it is rarely crowded and is one of Malibu's quietest beaches. The beach is named after the actor of "Bonanza" fame. Several actors from the show, including Michael Landon, have previously owned the property.
Ever been to the mile-long Dan Blocker County Beach in Malibu (near Corral Canyon Rd.)? If the answer is no, you can partly blame Los Angeles County, which makes it pretty difficult to actually get down to the surf, according to the Los Angeles Times. In addition to a chain-link fence blocking off much of the beach, there's no sign, no parking, no permanent restrooms, and, most strikingly, no pathway down the 20-foot bluff from the PCH to the beach (people still manage to lug kayaks and surfboards down there, though). The County has owned the 11 acre property--named after the Bonanza actor--since 1995 and operated it for even longer, but it's done very little to make it accessible to the public. After receiving a $700,000 grant for improvements from the California Coastal Conservancy in 2004, the County dawdled, spending only $113,000; the agreement was terminated in 2010 and the money was taken back.
Now Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner, a Malibu city councilmember and surfboard shop owner, wants the city to take over Dan Blocker, run it as Malibu's first city beach, and handle the issues with accessibility and amenities. But the county insists they are finally taking action and says the Board of Supes will vote this year on "a $4.8-million proposal to build 15 parking spots, a walkway, benches, drinking fountains and restrooms on two acres of bluff-top." A spokesman for Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who represents this part of the County, told the Times, "It's not going to be a city beach."
This strip is 1.5 miles long and covers 13 acres but only about half of it is improved and accessible. The rest is being held in reserve, for when funds become available to improve it. A narrow sandy beach below a rather craggy bluff area, it is used mostly for swimming and surfing, although it does not have a big following. Surfers say the waves are lazy and inconsistent. The beach is never crowded, probably because it has limitations. Parking is on the roadside where permitted. Drinking water and restrooms are provided but there is no lifeguard service.
There is a story behind this beach and how it came into the public domain in segments. It has a horsey flavor and is named for the late actor who was one of the ''Bonanza'' boys on television. Blocker, who died in 1972, played the amiable, gentle giant role of Hoss Cartwright. But this was not his land, nor was he known as a beach lover. The name was the doing of ''Bonanza'' actors Lorne Greene, Michael Landon and others who were partners in Latigo Shore Properties.
Latigo owned three beach parcels totaling 4.6 acres and valued at $3 million, as determined by a 1977 court ruling in an inverse condemnation suit. The state as buyer had only $2 million at the time for purchasing parkland, so the Latigo partners accepted the $2 million and donated their other one-third interest. As part of the settlement, the partners specified that the public-use beach be named for Dan Blocker.
The strand's previous name of Corral Beach persists and shows up on some maps and guidebooks. The name stems from its location at the base of Corral Canyon Road, and Corral Creek empties into the ocean here.
The largest portion of this beach, 8.4 acres at the eastern end, was granted by the state Department of Transportation in 1983 at no cost.
There is a story behind this beach and how it came into the public domain in segments. It has a horsey flavor and is named for the late actor who was one of the ''Bonanza'' boys on television. Blocker, who died in 1972, played the amiable, gentle giant role of Hoss Cartwright. But this was not his land, nor was he known as a beach lover. The name was the doing of ''Bonanza'' actors Lorne Greene, Michael Landon and others who were partners in Latigo Shore Properties.
Latigo owned three beach parcels totaling 4.6 acres and valued at $3 million, as determined by a 1977 court ruling in an inverse condemnation suit. The state as buyer had only $2 million at the time for purchasing parkland, so the Latigo partners accepted the $2 million and donated their other one-third interest. As part of the settlement, the partners specified that the public-use beach be named for Dan Blocker.
The strand's previous name of Corral Beach persists and shows up on some maps and guidebooks. The name stems from its location at the base of Corral Canyon Road, and Corral Creek empties into the ocean here.
The largest portion of this beach, 8.4 acres at the eastern end, was granted by the state Department of Transportation in 1983 at no cost.
It is also good for sunbathing, walking, biking, skating but not surfing. For our necessities: the restrooms are well maintained, there is a lifeguard and cafes scattered around the area.
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