Malibu, CA

Travel Guide

Malibu showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Malibu featuring general coastal views, a beach and swimming
Malibu showing a house and a coastal town
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/La Tourism Marketing
Malibu which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
This laid-back beach city is a popular destination for surfers and sunbathers. Spot famous residents, explore the university and enjoy the view from the pier.

Malibu is a picturesque beach city north of Los Angeles. It is home to many scenic beaches and a thriving community of surfers, who refer to the city as “Bu.” Its temperate climate and scenic coastline make it the ideal beach getaway. Malibu is especially popular with celebrities, due to its proximity to Hollywood. Sunbathe on the white sand and cool off in the ocean or explore the city’s museums and colonial houses. 

Ride the waves at Surfrider Beach. Its choppy waves are ideal for experienced surfers. Enjoy the scenic views from Malibu Pier and dine on fresh seafood at the café. If you prefer, go fishing off the pier and catch your own. Bring your own gear or rent it from a shop at the ocean end of the pier. 

Spend the afternoon at the stunning El Matador Beach. Marvel at the caves, rock formations and panoramic ocean views. It is more remote than other beaches and is only accessible via a dirt path and staircase.

Sunbathe on Zuma Beach, another great surfing location. Join in a game of volleyball, go for a swim or lay out a blanket and have a picnic on the warm sand. Malibu was once famous for its nude beaches, but they are now illegal in Los Angeles County. 

Cycle along the Pacific Coast Highway for unobstructed views of cliffs and ocean. Visit Adamson House, the villa where the city’s original owners once lived. The Malibu Lagoon Museum is part of the complex. Peruse the hand-painted murals on the walls and learn about the family that occupied the house.

Tour the grounds of Pepperdine University. It is famous for its scenic campus with charming gardens, ocean views and an art museum. Visit the Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and browse sculptures, antiques and ancient artifacts from Greece and Rome.

Malibu is about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. By bus it takes about twice as long. Head inland to explore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Where to stay in Malibu

Malibu showing general coastal views, rocky coastline and a coastal town

Eastern Malibu

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Eastern Malibu, Carbon Beach and Malibu Pier are top sights worth seeing.

Eastern Malibu
Default Image

Central Malibu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Malibu, Paradise Cove and Point Dume Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Central Malibu
Default Image

Western Malibu

4/5(16 area reviews)

While visiting Western Malibu, you might make a stop by sights like El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach.

Western Malibu
Malibu Country Inn

Malibu Country Inn

3 out of 5
6506 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Malibu Country Inn
Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse

Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse

Malibu
Book a stay at this beach condo in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Corral State Beach and Puerco Canyon Beach ...
Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse
Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University

Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University

2.5 out of 5
24255 East Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
The price is ¥39,259 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥39,259
¥43,971 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center ...
Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse

Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse

Malibu
Book a stay at this beach condo in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Corral State Beach and Puerco Canyon Beach ...
Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse
Casa del Mar by Oraklus

Casa del Mar by Oraklus

Malibu
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and La Costa ...
Casa del Mar by Oraklus
Oceanfront Cottage On Sandy Carbon Beach – Pelican

Oceanfront Cottage On Sandy Carbon Beach – Pelican

Malibu
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Malibu Pier and Carbon Beach are located ...
Oceanfront Cottage On Sandy Carbon Beach – Pelican
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Malibu