Malibu

Travel Guide

Malibu showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Malibu featuring general coastal views, swimming and a sandy beach
Malibu featuring a coastal town and a house
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/La Tourism Marketing
Malibu showing a coastal town, 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 neighbourhood 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 a coastal town, general coastal views and rocky coastline

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

5/5(1 area review)

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

5/5(1 area review)

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 CA $179 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $179
CA $206 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean and neat. Comfy beds. Nice view"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 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 Dec. 31, 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 CA $427 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
CA $427
CA $479 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (123 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 Aug. 7, 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 Dec. 31, 2024

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"Beautiful home, breathtaking location. Very responsive"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Casa del Mar by Oraklus
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)
"Perfect, peaceful getaway!!"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Oceanfront on Dry Sandy Carbon Beach - Sandpiper
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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