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 NT$4,986 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$4,986
NT$5,734 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Front desk was kind, pleasant, efficient and helpful. They quickly addressed an issue we had with the TV. Thank you for making our stay a comfortable one."

Reviewed on 2025/6/17

Malibu Country Inn
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn
4.5 out of 5
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Fully refundable
The price is NT$20,504 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
NT$20,504
NT$23,579 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
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! (418 reviews)
"Amazing experience!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/10

Malibu Beach Inn
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu
4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is NT$10,758 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$10,758
NT$13,582 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (356 reviews)
"Thank you for your service."

Reviewed on 2025/6/11

The Surfrider Malibu
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.
Cheerful 2 Bedroom with Sunset Views
Cheerful 2 Bedroom with Sunset Views
4 out of 5
20650 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and La Costa ...
Cheerful 2 Bedroom with Sunset 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

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