- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Malibu
Malibu's history is tied to the Rindge family, who protected it as a private rancho. The Adamson House, a key landmark, features original Malibu Potteries tile, a local craft whose factory was lost in a 1931 fire, making the house a unique time capsule.
Beyond its 21 miles of coast, the Santa Monica Mountains offer extensive trails like the Solstice Canyon Loop. At low tide, Leo Carrillo State Park reveals vibrant tide pools. Answering what is Malibu famous for must include its sea caves at El Matador Beach.
The culinary scene centers on fresh Pacific seafood and a farm-to-table ethos. Local spots source from producers like Thorne Family Farm. While Nobu offers famed dining, a true local experience is grabbing fresh fish tacos at a shack right on the PCH.
- MalibuUnited States
- MalibuUnited States
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- MalibuUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #BeachTowel
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Swimwear
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #MalibuBeach
- #PepperdineUniversity
- #ZumaBeach
- #PointDumeStateBeach
- #MalibuPier
- #ElMatadorBeach
- Surfing at Zuma Beach
- Hiking at Point Dume
- Exploring Getty Villa
- Sunset at Malibu Pier
- Dining at Nobu Malibu
Recommended Hotels in Malibu by Experience
Things to do in Malibu
Discover
Exploring Malibu reveals a stunning coastline with iconic sights. Discover landmarks like the historic Adamson House, expansive Zuma Beach, and the dramatic coastal bluffs of Point Dume, or view ancient art collections at the Getty Villa.
Experience
Surf the legendary waves at Surfrider Beach, hike the trails in Solstice Canyon to a waterfall, or drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy the Malibu Farmers Market on Sundays or attend the annual Malibu Arts Festival in the summer.
Point Dume State Preserve
Coastal bluff with hiking trails and panoramic ocean views.
Zuma Beach
One of LA County's largest and most popular sandy beaches.
The Getty Villa
Museum featuring Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.
Adamson House Museum
Historic house with original furnishings and Malibu tile.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Park with a beach, tide pools, and coastal caves to explore.
Malibu Pier
Historic pier ideal for fishing, strolling, and ocean views.
Solstice Canyon Loop Trail
Popular hiking trail leading to a waterfall and ruins.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Los Angeles International (LAX), about an hour's drive away. The most direct way for how to get to Malibu is with a car rental. Rideshares and a pre-booked Malibu shuttle bus are other options. Note there is no direct train to Malibu.
Getting Around
Driving in Malibu is necessary as everything is spread out along the coast. A car rental in Malibu offers the most freedom. Limited public transport in Malibu includes Metro Bus 534 along the PCH, connecting to Santa Monica. Rideshares are available.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Malibu, account for heavy PCH traffic, especially on weekends. Beach parking is limited and costly; arrive early for a spot. Cell service is unreliable in canyons, so download maps beforehand. This is key for first-timers.
Where to Stay in Malibu
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Malibu's food scene, where you eat fresh-caught fish and farm-to-table salads. The local cuisine in Malibu is defined by oceanfront dining, a relaxed habit of enjoying meals with stunning Pacific views. Taste the difference.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Malibu, try Nobu Malibu's upscale scene, book ahead. The Sunset Restaurant is a beachy bar for sunset drinks. Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is a casual pier spot for a quick bite, expect lines on weekends.
Nobu Malibu
Famed Japanese fare with ocean views. Book well ahead.
Malibu Farm Restaurant
Farm-to-table dishes on the pier. Casual and popular.
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market
Fresh, no-frills seafood spot. It is BYOB.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Rustic steakhouse known for game. Historic, cozy vibe.
Moonshadows
Chic American seafood over the waves. Lively bar scene.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Malibu's heritage through the Chumash Day Powwow, a must-see cultural celebration honoring the area's indigenous people with songs and dances. This annual gathering connects the community to the historical roots of the land once called Humaliwo.
Enjoy
Discover creative things to do in Malibu with its vibrant arts scene. Enjoy the Malibu Arts Festival's showcase of local sculptors and painters or catch a new film at the Malibu International Film Festival.
Chumash Day Powwow
April event honoring Native American culture with dance.
Malibu Arts Festival
July festival featuring painters, sculptors, and jewelers.
Malibu Chili Cook-Off
Labor Day weekend carnival with chili tasting and music.
Malibu Int'l Film Festival
Annual event showcasing emerging filmmakers from around the globe.
Nautica Malibu Triathlon
September swim, bike, and run event along Zuma Beach.
Malibu Farmers Market
A weekly Sunday gathering with local produce and artisans.
Holiday Tree Lighting
December ceremony with carolers and festive treats.
Just Beautiful Scenery
Malibu is just as stunning as you see in the films. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is spectacular, with endless ocean views and cliffs. It is a really chill place to just unwind and soak in the California sun. A perfect escape.
Perfect Beach Days
Spent most of my time just relaxing on the sand. Zuma Beach is massive, so you never feel crowded. The water is cold but refreshing and the sunsets are incredible. It's the ideal spot if you just want to read a book and listen to the waves.
Amazing Coastal Drive
The coastline here is absolutely breathtaking. We drove for hours just taking in the views. Point Dume was a great stop for a short walk with panoramic sights of the ocean. It's a very special part of the California coast for sure.
Great Waves
Malibu has some truly classic surf spots. The waves at Surfrider Beach were consistent and fun, with a great long ride. The whole area has a laid-back surf culture. It was cool to see so many locals out there enjoying the water.
Elegant and Relaxed
Such a gorgeous place to get away. The restaurants with oceanfront views are incredible. We had a great meal near the Malibu Pier. It feels very exclusive but also very calm. A nice change of pace from the city.
More Than Just Beaches
People talk about the coast, but the hiking is fantastic. The trails at Solstice Canyon offer amazing views where the mountains meet the sea. It was so peaceful and the landscape is very different. A great way to see another side of the area.