Malibu

Travel Guide

Malibu featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Malibu showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and swimming
Malibu which includes 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 featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and a coastal town

Eastern Malibu

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

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 €128 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€128
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Close to the beach and town"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Great place to unwind
"Spent 4 nights here to focus on setting new goals for our business. The sound of the waves was relaxing. Our dog Max loved his short walks on the beach."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

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 €307 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€307
14 Aug - 15 Aug
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! (122 reviews)
"Wish they had king beds. The towels were the most luxurious I've ever had in a hotel. The real glasses and mugs was nice instead of plastic cups that I encountered elsewhere nearby."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Great place to unwind
"Spent 4 nights here to focus on setting new goals for our business. The sound of the waves was relaxing. Our dog Max loved his short walks on the beach."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

Sunrise Malibu Road Beachfront Penthouse
Oceanfront on Dry Sandy Carbon Beach - Sandpiper

Oceanfront on Dry Sandy Carbon Beach - Sandpiper

Malibu
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"We have stayed here before, great location, great property manager!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Oceanfront on Dry Sandy Carbon Beach - Sandpiper
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"we loved the house, the location is excellent and perfect for our weekend plans."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Casa del Mar by Oraklus
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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