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 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

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 P9,521 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P9,521
P10,949 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"We liked the peace and quietness."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 P13,495 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P13,495
P15,115 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (107 reviews)
Great Location, Great View and Great Staff
"My friend and I stayed there just because it was the location that we needed. We liked it so much that we came back on our next girl trip. The receptionist (Claudia?blonde hair) is just a gem and made our stay, she also remembered us from the year prior! See you next year!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn
4.5 out of 5
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is P46,476 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P46,476
P53,448 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
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! (419 reviews)
"Staff did’t want to offer beach chairs. They were concerned about high tide at 1:30 pm. The tide never came high enough to be of concern. To beach access."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (657 reviews)
BEAUTIFUL room!
"Such an amazing experience! The hotel staff was knowledgeable, helped with food and activity recommendations. The room was phenomenal, most comfortable beds ever! Spacious. The views in the penthouse were incredible. It was a great location, too! I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Gilmore One
Gilmore One
2.5 out of 5
14839 Gilmore St, A, Van Nuys, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Van Nuys. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sherman ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (53 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious common area, large TV with subscription. Room and private toilet is also very clean and bed is comfortable with large full length mirror. The building is a bit hard to find with limited street parking. The place is walking distance to McDonald’s and 711, with around 10-15 ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Gilmore One
Fenix Hotel Hollywood
Fenix Hotel Hollywood
4 out of 5
7070 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (140 reviews)
"Nice facilities and amenities. The rooms look way better than the hotel’s curb appeal. Very thin walls. Great security."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Fenix Hotel Hollywood
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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