El Matador is one of three beaches that make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. Each beach has a separate parking lot and unique setting. El Matador is famous for its stunning cliffs, rock formations, and isolated beach. Lifeguards patrol daily in summer and occasionally during off seasons.
Hours: 8am to Sunset
Beach Rules: No Dogs; No Alcohol; No Camping; No Fires
Access: A steep dirt trail leads to two equally steep staircases. It's a trek but well worth it.
Restrooms: 2 portable restrooms in parking area.
Parking: A small dirt lot requires the following fees below. Parking on the highway is free.
Day Use: $4.00
Senior Day Use: $3.00
Disabled with Pass: $2.00
Parking is self regulated which means that you put your cash or check into an envelope available from a kiosk in the parking lot. Seal and deposit payment into the slot. Keep the stub and put it on your car's driver side dashboard so the parking patrol knows you paid. The same stub is good at all three Robert H. Meyer beaches for that day. Bring cash, checks, and a pen or pencil.
Showers: No
Pros: The beach is far from highway noise and homes. Feels like a true escape. The cliffs and beach are gorgeous.There's also 2 picnic benches on the bluffs if you don't want to make the trek down to the beach.
Cons: The two staircases leading to the beach are very steep. See photo. Restrooms are portable and located in the upper parking lot. After a large surf swell or storm the beach is covered with piles of kelp (seaweed) and thousands of flies.
Things to Do 
