Malibu

Travel Guide
Malibu featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Malibu showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and swimming
Malibu which includes 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

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 €143 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
€143
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2025
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! (963 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable The beach is only a short walk from the motel and places to eat are a few minutes drive."

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2024

Malibu Country Inn
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu
4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is €502 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
€502
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (322 reviews)
"What a surprise this hotel was. Such a gem in Maibu .they give you a super cool car/ surf boards / wet suits . Staff were amazing - so friendly but not over the top so you feel like you’re staying in your own little place. Amazing attention to detail. Coifee brought to your room in the morning. Beautiful ..."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

The Surfrider Malibu
The M Malibu
The M Malibu
2 out of 5
22541 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is €274 per night from 31 Dec to 1 Jan
€274
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 Jan 2025
Stay at this motel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Carbon Beach and Malibu Pier are located nearby.
7/10 Good! (363 reviews)
"Beautiful scene and the area around looks amazing."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

The M 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.
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 garden. Popular attractions Malibu Pier and Carbon Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (217 reviews)
"Great location, although our unit did not have view of beach. Limited deck availability for beach/ocean viewing."

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2024

Malibu Beach Paradise Apartments
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Malibu
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Getaway
"It was just a short get away from Venice. I love Malibu & wonderful to get to go back"

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2024

Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
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
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Magnificent Malibu
"This spacious and well-thought-out floor plan enhances the magnificent view and has so many amenities we can't list them all built-in. The highlight was the microwave-in-a-drawer. Very quiet while we were there. Easy to get to and plenty of parking. We hope to be able to come back!"

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2024

Luxurious beachfront home with ocean views & deck - private stairs to the beach
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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