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 Rp2.130.700 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
Rp2.130.700
Rp2.450.305 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"We loved this place. The room was super cute and clean private patio with a spa. Will definitely go back."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 Rp5.224.312 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
Rp5.224.312
Rp5.851.229 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center and ...
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 3 Aug 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 Rp13.521.750 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
Rp13.521.750
Rp15.550.013 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
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! (425 reviews)
"Just a relaxed, incredible place. Restores the soul."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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 holiday home in Malibu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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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