Malibu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Malibu showing swimming, a sandy beach 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

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

Eastern Malibu
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Central Malibu

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

If you're spending some time in Western Malibu, El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Western Malibu
Malibu Country Inn
Malibu Country Inn
3 out of 5
6506 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, CA
The price is NZ$463 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$463
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (833 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay. Very quiet and comfortable. Used this as main hub to travel to Santa Barbara, Griffith Park and Hollywood."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Malibu Country Inn
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu
4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is NZ$676 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
NZ$676
per night
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (277 reviews)
"Cute California beach house vibe and the staff was super nice!"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

The Surfrider Malibu
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 NZ$527 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$527
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Firestone Fieldhouse and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"Was so great to be able to spend the night on the property before the graduation ceremony. Traffic can be rough getting to the school and I wasn’t going to miss the big event!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

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.
Malibu Beach Paradise Apartments
Malibu Beach Paradise Apartments
3.5 out of 5
22816 Pacific coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Malibu. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and a garden. Popular attractions Malibu Pier and Carbon Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (204 reviews)
You're gonna feel relaxed
"I went to see friends in the area. I was happy with my stay, however, there is some up keep needed such as the windows not all locked or were needing to ne replaced. I felt safe so that wasn't a concern. Getting to the water wasn't easy-going. A better pathway diwn would be nice. I use to live in ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Malibu Beach Paradise Apartments
Luxurious beachfront home with ocean views & deck - private stairs to the beach
Luxurious beachfront home with ocean views & deck - private stairs to the beach
Malibu
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
Perfect view
"Vacasa is easy to work with. Property was as described. Clean and well appointed. Phenonemal view! Would absolutely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2024

Luxurious beachfront home with ocean views & deck - private stairs to the beach
Malibu Ocean Front Sanctuary
Malibu Ocean Front Sanctuary
Malibu
Stay at this apartment in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and La Costa Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Great location
"Feels like you’re in the ocean."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Malibu Ocean Front Sanctuary
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.

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