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 ₹14,547 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹14,547
₹16,729 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Good place to stay by the beach"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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 ₹20,413 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹20,413
₹22,863 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (114 reviews)
"The staff and cleanliness were excellent. The amenities could use some improvement such as a microwave in the room and the TV and the room phone didn't work."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ₹68,884 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹68,884
₹79,217 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (424 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.
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (665 reviews)
"The room was a mini apartment and it was unexpected but absolutely beautiful. I would stay here ten times over!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (151 reviews)
"Make sure you have a charged phone with wifi, or else print your information, there's no one there to help you outside the locked gate, nor is there a person to buzz you in. If you get someone on the phone, they will only send you info to your email or text, not tell you codes on phone, so you need ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Fenix Hotel Hollywood
Gilmore One

Gilmore One

4 out of 5
14839 Gilmore St, A, Van Nuys, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Van Nuys. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Woodley ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (59 reviews)
"Peaceful"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Gilmore One
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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