Malibu

Travel Guide

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

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 P7,458 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P7,458
P8,576 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful place, and we had a cute room. The beds were just too low, and the headboards were weird (had a space where pillows would fall off). Otherwise, it was accessible to the beach and nearby dining."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Malibu Country Inn
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 P18,285 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P18,285
P20,480 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (120 reviews)
"This hotel is part of a university. It's quiet, a lovely, well appointed room with a great view of the ocean from high above. There is no restaurant, lobby shops,etc., but you can buy a water or snack and the college has a nearby cafeteria. It's a short drive down the hill into Malibu with plenty ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University
Malibu Beach Inn

Malibu Beach Inn

4.5 out of 5
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P47,327 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
P47,327
P54,426 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
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! (425 reviews)
"Just a relaxed, incredible place. Restores the soul."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Malibu Beach Inn
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.

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