Malibu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Malibu featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Malibu which includes swimming, general coastal views and a beach
Malibu which includes 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 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 showing general coastal views, rocky coastline 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

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 £145 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£145
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
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 17 Jun 2025

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 £589 per night from 26 Jun to 27 Jun
£589
26 Jun - 27 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 10 Jun 2025

Malibu Beach Inn
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu
4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is £343 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£343
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (356 reviews)
"Thank you for your service."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

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.
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Malibu, CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Las Flores Canyon Beach and La Costa Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Wonderful Stay
"This is such a wonderful home to enjoy if you love being next to the ocean. The views are spectacular!We awake both mornings to dolphins swimming nearby, pelicans flying overhead, the sound of the waves, and views of Santa Monica is the distance. The property is well designed, light, spacious, comfortable ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2025

Two Bedroom Beach House Minutes From Carbon Beach
Mt Malibu Mansion w/ Amazing Ocean Views, Guest House, 2+ Acres, Hot Tub!
Mt Malibu Mansion w/ Amazing Ocean Views, Guest House, 2+ Acres, Hot Tub!
Malibu, CA
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Serra Retreat and Carbon Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Most excellent set up keeps the whole family entertained.
"The location worked very well for us. We were in town primarily for a wedding at Malibou Lodge. We also enjoyed the close proximity to Pepperdine University, Surf rider beach, the PCH, Malibu Canyon Rd. & the 101.The house was great for entertaining the 12 of us. Our grandson especially enjoyed the ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Mt Malibu Mansion w/ Amazing Ocean Views, Guest House, 2+ Acres, Hot Tub!
"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
Malibu, CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Puerco Canyon Beach and Corral State Beach ...
Perfect place, excellent time!
"We had a blast celebrating my husband's birthday here over the weekend. The location was perfect and the property was wonderful. We were a little surprised that permanent residents also live in the house, but it turned out not to be a big deal. Everybody loved it, and we made memories to last a lifetime. ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2024

"Unrivaled Luxury at Premier Beachfront Getaway: Private Beach Access"
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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