Why visit Malibu
Malibu trades the city's bustle for 21 miles of cinematic coastline, where surf breaks, sea caves, and mountain canyons meet the Pacific. It is the place to slow down, chase a sunset at El Matador, watch the swells roll in at Surfrider, and let the Pacific Coast Highway drive itself become the highlight. For nature lovers and couples, it is LA's most scenic and serene escape.
The Malibu coast was long inhabited by the Chumash people before becoming part of the Spanish-era Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit land grant. In the early 20th century the entire stretch was privately owned by Frederick and May Rindge, who fiercely fought to keep it isolated, but a Supreme Court case eventually forced the coastal road through, opening the area. In the 1920s May Rindge leased beachfront lots to film stars, creating the original 'Malibu Colony' and beginning the area's association with celebrity. Incorporated as a city in 1991, Malibu has balanced its rugged natural beauty and surf heritage with periodic wildfires and an enduring reputation as an exclusive coastal retreat.
Top Attractions
- Zuma Beach
A long, wide sandy beach popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
- Surfrider Beach
A legendary surfing spot beside the Malibu Pier with a classic point break.
- Malibu Pier
A historic pier with restaurants, shops, and sweeping coastline views.
- Getty Villa
A museum of ancient Greek and Roman art set in a recreated Roman country house.
- El Matador State Beach
A photogenic cove beach framed by sea caves and dramatic rock formations.
- Point Dume
A clifftop natural preserve with panoramic ocean views and seasonal whale watching.
A Suggested Day
- 1Begin with the scenic drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway, taking in the ocean and mountain views.
- 2Tour the Getty Villa's ancient art collection and recreated Roman gardens (reserve a free timed ticket in advance).
- 3Stop at the Malibu Pier and have a casual lunch at Malibu Farm.
- 4Spend the afternoon swimming or surf-watching at Zuma or Surfrider Beach.
- 5Walk the bluff trail at Point Dume for panoramic views and seasonal whale watching.
- 6Finish at El Matador State Beach for a dramatic sunset among the sea caves and rock formations.
Where to Eat
- Nobu MalibuJapanese
An upscale oceanfront outpost of the famed Nobu sushi brand.
- Malibu FarmCalifornia / farm-to-table
A breezy restaurant and cafe on the Malibu Pier with seasonal local fare.
- Neptune's NetSeafood
A no-frills roadside seafood shack popular with surfers and bikers since 1956.
- Geoffrey's MalibuCalifornia
A romantic clifftop restaurant with terraced ocean views.
Where to Stay
- LuxuryNobu Ryokan Malibu
An intimate, Japanese-inspired beachfront retreat beside Carbon Beach.
- BoutiqueThe Surfrider Malibu
A small upscale boutique hotel across from Surfrider Beach with a rooftop deck.
- Mid-rangeMalibu Country Inn
A cozy, relaxed inn near Zuma Beach for a quieter stay.
Best Photo Spots
- 📸 El Matador State Beach sea caves
- 📸 Point Dume bluff overlook
- 📸 Malibu Pier
- 📸 Pacific Coast Highway coastline
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Top Attractions Near Malibu
MuseumsGetty Villa
The Getty Villa is a recreated ancient Roman country house overlooking the Pacific that houses the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Set among gardens, fountains, and a peristyle pool, it pairs world-class classical art with one of LA's most serene settings.
BeachesPoint Dume
Point Dume is a dramatic Malibu headland where bluff-top trails overlook a wide sandy cove and the open Pacific. It is a prime spot for whale watching, tide pooling, and one of the most cinematic coastal views in Southern California.
LandmarksSanta Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a historic wooden pier jutting into the Pacific, crowned by the small Pacific Park amusement park and its solar-powered Ferris wheel. It marks the symbolic western end of Route 66 and is one of LA's most festive seaside gathering spots.
Malibu FAQ
Do I need a car to visit Malibu?
Essentially yes. Malibu stretches 21 miles along PCH with no rail service and large distances between attractions, so a car is the practical way to explore.
Is the Getty Villa free?
Admission to the Getty Villa is free, but a timed-entry reservation is required and parking is charged. Check the official website before visiting.
Which Malibu beach is best for a sunset photo?
El Matador State Beach, with its sea caves and rock formations, is the most photogenic at sunset, though it involves a stairway descent from the bluff.
