Top 5 Lakes around Université Pepperdine
Best lakes around Université Pepperdine are primarily found within its Malibu campus and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. Pepperdine University is situated in Malibu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with its campus featuring two notable ponds within Alumni Park. These ponds function as open reservoirs, storing reclaimed water for campus irrigation and contributing to the park's scenic beauty. While natural freshwater lakes are not common in the immediate coastal vicinity, the area offers diverse aquatic features including reservoirs, coastal lagoons, and…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Century Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Malibu Creek Rock Pools
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Malibou Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Université Pepperdine .
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills, Malibou Lake is a private reservoir surrounded by rustic homes and hillsides dotted with oak trees. Created in 1922, the Medea and Triunfo creeks feed the reservoir, which sits adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park. The lake has a long history as a Hollywood filming location, most notably Frankenstein (1931)—the iconic scene of the monster and a little girl.
0
0
While bike paths through Malibu are 'here now" and suddenly gone and you're in traffic, there are few places as pleasant to visit by bicycle as Malibu. Be sure to bike up Malibu Road, but if you're adventurous and in good shape, take the bottom of Mulholland rd (from far north of Malibu) up to the valley side of the canyon. You can then reward yourself with a long downhill ride on curvy Decker. (You'll be on your breaks for miles). This is a great town to lunch, coffee or just watch the waves.
0
0
If you are looking for a scenic and refreshing trail run in the Santa Monica Mountains, you should check out the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park. This 2-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek through oak and sycamore woodlands, offering views of volcanic rock gorges and pools. The Rock Pool is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and even cliff-jumping, if you are feeling adventurous. You can also extend your run by exploring other trails in the park, such as the Grassland Trail or the M*A*S*H site. Just make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen, and trash bags, as the park can get hot and crowded in the summer. And don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of nature and the history of this park, which has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows.
0
0
Century Lake is a beautiful and serene destination for trail runners who want to enjoy the scenery and history of Malibu Creek State Park. The lake was created by a dam built by the Crags Country Club in 1903, and later became part of the 20th Century Fox Ranch, where many movies and TV shows were filmed, including Planet of the Apes and MASH. The trail to the lake is about 1.5 miles from the parking area, and is mostly flat and easy, except for a rocky creek crossing. You can relax by the lake and admire the views of the Santa Monica Mountains, or explore the nearby helipad and MASH set. This is a fun and historic run that will make you feel like you are in a different century.
0
0
wonderful cooling. It gets crowded in the afternoon
0
0
The Malibu Lagoon is where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. At the Malibu Lagoon day use area, visitors will find picnic tables and nature trails, excellent for bird watching and the study of a unique tidal wetland ecosystem. Malibu's historic Surfrider Beach was one of the first places where modern surfing culture developed. The adjacent Malibu Lagoon Museum allows visitors to walk through the history of the area from the regional capital of the Chumash tribe, to the early Californio ranchos and later, the American gentleman’s ranches, to the birth of the surfing era. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835
0
0
Malibu's historic Surfrider Beach was one of the first places where modern surfing culture developed. The Malibu Lagoon is where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. At the Malibu Lagoon day use area, visitors will find picnic tables and nature trails, excellent for bird watching and the study of a unique tidal wetland ecosystem. The adjacent Malibu Lagoon Museum allows visitors to walk through the history of the area from the regional capital of the Chumash tribe, to the early Californio ranchos and later, the American gentleman’s ranches, to the birth of the surfing era. Museum docents give delightful tours filled with historical anecdotes. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835
0
0
Idyllic lake community. Unfortunately the private homeowners association prohibits access to the lake, even to people living in the area ...
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of 'lakes' can I expect to find near Pepperdine University?
The immediate vicinity of Pepperdine University, located in coastal Malibu, does not feature traditional natural freshwater lakes. Instead, you'll find a variety of aquatic features including man-made ponds within Alumni Park on campus, reservoirs like Century Lake, coastal lagoons such as Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and creek-fed rock pools like the Malibu Creek Rock Pools.
Are the Alumni Park ponds at Pepperdine University accessible to the public?
The two ponds within Alumni Park at Pepperdine University are part of the campus's aesthetic and environmental initiatives, storing reclaimed water for irrigation. While Alumni Park itself offers stunning ocean views and is a peaceful setting, the ponds are not for typical lake recreation like swimming. Visitors can enjoy the park's serene environment.
What are some family-friendly lake-like spots in the Malibu area?
For families, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an excellent choice. It offers picnic tables and nature trails, perfect for bird watching and exploring a unique tidal wetland ecosystem. Century Lake also features lush wetlands and groves, providing an easy and scenic walk for all ages.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes or rock pools?
Yes, the Malibu Creek Rock Pools are a popular spot for swimming, offering a refreshing experience amidst volcanic rock gorges. Visitors often bring their bathing suits, though the water can be quite fresh. The ponds at Pepperdine University and Malibou Lake are not suitable or accessible for public swimming.
Are there hiking trails near these aquatic features?
Absolutely. Many of these spots are integrated into extensive trail networks. For example, you can find easy hikes like the 'Rock Pool and Century Lake Trails' which lead to Century Lake and the Malibu Creek Rock Pools. You can explore more hiking options in the area by checking out the easy hikes around Université Pepperdine guide.
What historical significance do some of these lakes hold?
Century Lake, created by a dam in 1903, was part of the 20th Century Fox Ranch and served as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Planet of the Apes and MASH. Malibou Lake also has a long history as a Hollywood filming location, notably for Frankenstein (1931).
Is Malibou Lake publicly accessible?
Malibou Lake is a private reservoir surrounded by rustic homes. Unfortunately, the private homeowners association prohibits public access to the lake itself, even for people living in the immediate area. While scenic, it's not a public recreation spot.
What opportunities are there for bird watching?
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an excellent location for bird watching. As the point where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, it forms a unique tidal wetland ecosystem that attracts a variety of bird species.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Pepperdine University?
Yes, the Malibu area offers challenging cycling routes. While not directly around the 'lakes' themselves, nearby options include the 'Zumas & Trancas Canyon loop' and 'Latigo Canyon Loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the cycling around Université Pepperdine guide.
What is the best time to visit the Malibu area for lake-related activities?
The Malibu area generally enjoys pleasant weather for outdoor activities. For swimming at the Malibu Creek Rock Pools, summer can be popular but also crowded. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring the wetlands and lagoons, with fewer crowds.
Can I bring my dog to the lake trails?
Specific dog policies vary by location. For trails within Malibu Creek State Park, which includes Century Lake and the Malibu Creek Rock Pools, dogs are generally permitted on leash on paved roads and fire roads, but often not on single-track trails or in sensitive natural areas. Always check specific park regulations before visiting.
What kind of wildlife can be observed near these lakes?
The diverse ecosystems around these aquatic features support various wildlife. At Malibu Lagoon State Beach, you can observe numerous bird species in the tidal wetlands. Areas like Century Lake, with its lush wetlands, also provide habitats for local flora and fauna, especially as the area recovers from past wildfires.
Most popular attractions around Université Pepperdine
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Université Pepperdine ? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
