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
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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
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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
The price is ¥24,240 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥24,240
¥27,876 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"We liked the peace and quietness."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Malibu Country Inn
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 ¥34,358 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
¥34,358
¥38,481 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (107 reviews)
Great Location, Great View and Great Staff
"My friend and I stayed there just because it was the location that we needed. We liked it so much that we came back on our next girl trip. The receptionist (Claudia?blonde hair) is just a gem and made our stay, she also remembered us from the year prior! See you next year!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn
4.5 out of 5
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is ¥110,047 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥110,047
¥126,554 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a private beach. Popular attractions Malibu Pier and Carbon Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (419 reviews)
"Staff did’t want to offer beach chairs. They were concerned about high tide at 1:30 pm. The tide never came high enough to be of concern. To beach access."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Malibu Beach Inn
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.
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Wonderful Stay
"This is such a wonderful home to enjoy if you love being next to the ocean. The views are spectacular!We awake both mornings to dolphins swimming nearby, pelicans flying overhead, the sound of the waves, and views of Santa Monica is the distance. The property is well designed, light, spacious, comfortable ..."

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2025

Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
Malibu
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Puerco Canyon Beach and Corral ...
Perfect place, excellent time!
"We had a blast celebrating my husband's birthday here over the weekend. The location was perfect and the property was wonderful. We were a little surprised that permanent residents also live in the house, but it turned out not to be a big deal. Everybody loved it, and we made memories to last a lifetime. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024

"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
Luxurious 8-bedroom malibu Skyview estate With endless Stunning  mountain views.
Luxurious 8-bedroom malibu Skyview estate With endless Stunning mountain views.
2 out of 5
Malibu
Stay at this vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted tubs, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Serra Retreat and Carbon Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Beautiful Space and Amazing Views
"Sam was a gracious host and very helpful when I had any questions! The views were absolutely amazing and I could not have asked for better weather :) The only thing to point out was that the canopies weren't there and the pool was a little unkempt (to be fair, I did not explicitly say I would be ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Luxurious 8-bedroom malibu Skyview estate With endless Stunning mountain views.
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

Reviews of Malibu

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
36
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

STUNNING!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful place to visit. Lots to do and beaches and views are beautiful. Lots of food and dining selections.

4/5 - Good

Daniel

El Matador Beach and Point Dume State Marine Reserve are wonderful.

5/5 - Excellent

J.Epperson

Traffic sucks, but the area is beautiful and the weather is amazing.

3/5 - Okay

CurtBlackburn

The Woosley Fires of 2018 really did a number on Malibu and surrounding area, its been a year and very little building happening. Quite sad really.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was a beautiful weekend but it is very busy on the Coast Highway.

Cities near Malibu