Malibu

Travel Guide
Malibu showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and swimming
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 €179 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€179
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (797 reviews)
"Very convenient for my work. Rooms need a little attention and the pillows were like rocks. Service was great!!!!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Malibu Country Inn
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu
4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is €530 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€530
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (265 reviews)
"Incredible property … well designed and lots of amenities (e.g., paddle & surf boards, instructors for surfing or yoga, roof top restaurant, etc.). The staff was top notch … polite & professional."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 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 €246 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€246
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Firestone Fieldhouse and Puerco ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
"Very safe and beautiful views from the top of the campus."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 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 terrace. Popular attractions Malibu Pier and Carbon Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (196 reviews)
"Beautiful view and large apartment!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 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
Stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
Amazing Malibu Gem
"Beautiful home with an amazing view and a great location. Thank you for making our Malibu stay perfect!"

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2023

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, onsite parking, and a patio. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and Big Rock Beach are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Beautiful views
"My daughter and I enjoyed our stay. Never visited Malibu before and it didn’t disappoint. The views are spectacular. The host was very quick to respond to any questions or concerns I may have had during our stay. The only negative was try to make a left turn from the driveway onto the PCH. It’s a ..."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2023

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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