Craving sunshine, surf, and celebrity-worthy views? Head to Malibu, California! Stretching along 27 miles of scenic Pacific coastline, Malibu is known for its stunning beaches, cliffside homes, and laid-back luxury. From tidepool hikes to fine dining, Malibu offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and coastal glam.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Malibu is in late spring through early fall (April–October). Expect warm, sunny days ideal for beach outings, surfing, and hiking. Winter months are cooler and quieter, but still great for coastal walks and whale watching.
How to Get There
- By Car: Malibu is located along Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), about 45 minutes west of downtown Los Angeles.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), roughly 30 miles away.
- By Public Transit: Metro buses and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus offer limited service; a car is recommended for flexibility.
Where to Stay
- Malibu Beach Inn – Oceanfront boutique hotel with private balconies and luxury amenities.
- Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club – Chic resort nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains with access to a private beach club.
- The Surfrider Malibu – Stylish coastal hotel across from Surfrider Beach with rooftop dining and a relaxed vibe.
Top Attractions
⮕ Travel Back to Ancient Rome at The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is the former residence of Paul Getty, and is designed to resemble a 1stcentury Italian villa. It serves today as an educational center and museum that houses the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of more than 44,000 Roman, Greek and Etruscan artifacts.
The Villa serves as a campus for the UCLA/Getty Master's Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation. The permanent collection of 1,200 works is on view in 23 galleries, while five more galleries show changing or visiting exhibits.
Good to know: The Villa is surrounded by a large, beautiful formal garden filled with roses and trailing English ivy, with a number of Roman statues snuggled among the greenery.
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, Phone: 310-440-7300
⮕ Soak Up the Sun and Surf at Zuma Beach
As you drive along the East Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu, you will not be able to resist stopping for a while and stepping onto the fine sands of Zuma Beach. The largest, most beautiful and most popular beach in Malibu, this wide stretch of golden sand is perfect for swimming, building sand castles, playing beach volleyball, surfing and even fishing.
There are lifeguards on duty and the beach has consistently received a high rating for its quality.
Where to eat: There are several good restaurants nearby, from casual eateries to more gourmet meals.
Good to know: In the winter you can enjoy the view while hiking the ridge above the beach and watching the seals and dolphins.
⮕ Stretch Out and Relax at Westward Beach
Much quieter than Zuma Beach, Malibu's Westward Beach is a three-mile-long sandy stretch of beach below the west side of Point Dume, with fine blond sand and clear blue waters. Sea cliffs sticking out into the ocean shadow the beach below, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. There are showers, restrooms and picnic tables, as well as the popular restaurant The Sunset.
What's nearby? There are several hiking trails leading from the beach up to Point Dume Natural Preserve. Nearby Pirates Cove Beach is hidden behind the high cliff wall.
Local travel tip: Westward Beach is also great for spotting sea lions, seals and dolphins who like to visit the area.
Address: Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
⮕ Step Into Malibu’s Past at the Adamson House and Lagoon Museum
Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum is a Spanish Colonial Revival-style house with spectacular views of Surfrider Beach and lush landscaped grounds, built in 1929 for the affluent Rindge family. The house is covered with beautiful tiles in rich blues, greens, yellows and oranges created in the renowned Malibu Potteries, and is located on the beach and surrounded by a high chain-link fence for privacy.
Guided tours of the house provide a rare opportunity to see the way of life and the history of Malibu at the beginning of the 20th century.
Where to find it: The Malibu Lagoon Museum is located next to the Adamson House and contains a rich collection of artifacts, photographs and rare documents telling the story of the colorful Malibu history.
Good to know: The museum covers the periods from the era of early Chumash Indians to the times of Spanish California.
Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, Phone: 310-456-8432
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Unwind at Malibu Country Mart
Did you ever wonder where the rich and famous who call Malibu home shop for their groceries? The answer is: In Malibu Country Mart, right in the Malibu Civic Center. The Malibu Country Mart is a 6 acre unique mix of high-end shopping, playing and dining, where you can get pampered, fix your car, get a designer gown for tonight's party, have a fancy meal or check out the latest show at the gallery.
This 'boutique mall' or 'lifestyle center' has a range of buildings of mixed Spanish, modern, Mediterranean and rustic styles.
Good to know: The buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens dotted with original sculptures, picnic areas, kids' playgrounds and outdoor restaurants.
Where to find it: Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, California 90265, Phone: 310-456-7300
⮕ Hike and Catch Views at Point Dume State Beach and Preserve
Point Dume State Beach and Preserve is a beautiful sandy beach shadowed by overhanging headlands and cliffs, with romantic rocky coves and vast expanses of soft white sand. It is perfect for swimming, scuba diving, surfing and fishing.
Where can I see whales in California? Point Dume State Beach and Preserve is a popular spot to look for California gray whales during their migration period between December and April.
A mild ascending hiking trail takes hikers to a unique accumulation of coastal bluff sand dunes.
Stop for the photos: The bluff offers spectacular views of the Santa Monica Bay, Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains and Catalina Island on a clear day.
Pro tip: There is a boardwalk near the summit with a viewing platform and a stairway on the east side that leads to some small isolated beaches and occasional tidepools.
Where to find it: Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, Cliff Drive, Malibu, California, Phone: 805-488-1827
⮕ Stroll, Fish, or Dine With a View at Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier is a 780 foot long fishing pier located next to Malibu's Surfrider Beach, the center of surf culture in California, a cheerful, festive heart of Malibu oceanside. The pier is a favorite spot for watching surfers ride the waves, cheering them on and fearing for them when they fall.
What is the beach famous for? The beach is famous for its natural three-point break that creates waves of up to 300 yards.
Is there fishing in Malibu?: The Malibu Pier is dotted with the brackets for fishing rods and reels and there is always someone patiently waiting for a fish to bite.
Pro tip: The pier is also a pleasant place for a stroll, especially just before the sunset.
Where to eat: There are several restaurants on Malibu Pier, offering fish and seafood, wine, cocktails and great views.
⮕ If You’re Craving Oceanfront Fine Dining, Reserve a Table at Geoffrey’s
What started in 1948 as the old Geoffrey's, the destination for stars such asFrank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley MacLaine and Lana Turner, designed by the famous architect Richard Neutra, grew into a modern, chic California restaurant that continues to be a popular spot in Malibu for special occasions.
Spectacular views of the ocean from the outside terrace and the elegant indoor dining room compete with the artistry that comes from the Executive Chef Bijan Shokatfard's kitchen. The menu is heavily focused on seafood and is paired with a superb wine selection.
Pro tip: If you come for brunch, be sure to try the heavenly Ahi Tuna Tartar with avocado, ginger, scallions, Tobiko caviar and Wonton crisps.
Where to find it: Geoffrey's, Geoffrey's, 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90265, Phone: 310-457-1519
Where to Eat
- Nobu Malibu – World-famous upscale Japanese dining with unbeatable ocean views.
- Malibu Farm – Popular organic café on the pier serving fresh, coastal-inspired fare.
- Broad Street Oyster Company – Casual seafood shack with lobster rolls, oysters, and local beer near the Malibu Country Mart.
Local Events
- Malibu Chili Cook-Off (September) – Beloved local fair with food vendors, live music, and carnival rides.
- Malibu Film Festival (Fall) – Independent film showcase celebrating creative talent from around the world.
- Summer Concert Series (June–August) – Free live music events hosted in Malibu parks and beaches.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Malibu, California
- El Matador State Beach (10–15 min) – Explore sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and photogenic rock formations along this rugged stretch of coast.
- Point Dume State Beach (10–15 min) – Hike bluffs for panoramic views or spot dolphins and whales offshore.
- Solstice Canyon (15–20 min) – Hike a peaceful trail through the Santa Monica Mountains to a waterfall and historic ruins.
- Leo Carrillo State Park (20–25 min) – Camp, tidepool, or surf at this beach with coastal caves and dramatic cliffs.
- Malibu Creek State Park (25–30 min) – Hike through scenic canyons and film set remnants from *M*A*S*H* in this vast natural park.
- Corral Canyon Cave (aka The Cave of Munits) (25–30 min) – Venture to a hidden sandstone cave and lookout point with epic ocean views.
- Topanga State Park (25–30 min) – Access over 36 miles of trails with mountain and ocean vistas in the largest wildland within city limits in the U.S.
- Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center (at King Gillette Ranch) (25–30 min) – Learn about local ecosystems and enjoy easy trails and wildlife viewing in a stunning setting.
FAQ
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What makes Malibu unique?
- Malibu is a romantic, luxurious, and spectacularly beautiful beach town.
- It is home to many rich and famous individuals.
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What is Malibu known for?
- Malibu is famous for its homes high up on the bluff, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
- It boasts miles of fine sand beaches and is a hotspot for fantastic surfing waves.
- The town is also known for its iconic fishing pier and great shopping at the Malibu Country Mart.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in Malibu?
- Visitors can explore diverse restaurants and unique Malibu beaches.
- There are plenty of outdoor activities, including:
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Photography
- Tide pool exploring
Map:
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