Things to do in Malibu for your next visit here.
Malibu, California, is famous for its beaches, celebrities, and luxury residences. Malibu has several activities for tourists and locals.
Beach first. Zuma Beach, Surfrider Beach, and El Matador Beach in Malibu are among California’s most gorgeous. Swim, sunbathe, surf, or wander the beach.
Hikers will enjoy Malibu’s paths. Solstice Canyon, Escondido Falls, and Malibu Creek State Park trails are great. These routes provide spectacular mountain and coastal vistas and may even include animals.
Wine enthusiasts should visit Malibu Wines. This Santa Monica Mountains vineyard provides wine tastings, live music, and food trucks. The winery’s vistas make for a peaceful day.
Malibu offers several restaurants and shops. The outdoor Malibu Country Mart has several shops and eateries. Sushi fans must visit Nobu Malibu, while Malibu Farm serves fresh, organic meals with seaside views.
Finally, see Malibu’s cultural sites. The Getty Villa is a stunning museum with Greek and Roman treasures. The Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum display Malibu’s history.
If you’d like to learn more about each of the 15 things to do in Malibu read on to learn more.
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What Is Malibu Known For
Malibu is famous for its laid-back vibes, beautiful landscapes, and beaches.
Malibu’s beaches draw tourists from throughout the globe. These beaches have beautiful landscapes, pure water, and superb surfing waves.
Celebrity Homes are nearby and your chance of spotting a celebrity are pretty good. I saw Tony Danza on my last trip to Malibu. The Pacific Coast Highway passes several celebrity homes in Malibu.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular in Malibu’s gorgeous natural setting.
Fine dining in Malibu has several high-end restaurants and cafés with spectacular ocean views.
Malibu’s vineyards and wineries are booming. These vineyards provide tours and California’s top wines.
Cultural attractions such as The Getty Villa Museum in Malibu have an amazing collection of ancient art and relics.
Malibu’s beaches, environment, and lifestyle are famous. It’s a terrific place to unwind and have fun outside the city.
This is a great area to visit especially if you enjoy coastal vibes and a chill environment.
Is Malibu Worth Visiting
Absolutely recommend visiting Malibu, California!
It’s a gorgeous coastal town on the Pacific Coast Highway famed for its beaches, affluent lifestyle, and outdoor activities.
Malibu’s beaches are world-class, with pristine water and superb surfing waves. Malibu offers something for everyone: surfing, sunbathing, or nightlife.
Malibu’s beaches and natural beauty provide hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian riding. Santa Monica Mountains provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and adjacent landscapes.
Many high-end Malibu restaurants and cafés provide ocean views and wonderful meals. Malibu’s vineyards and wineries attract wine aficionados.
15 Things To Do In Malibu
#1. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach’s major draw. The mile-long beach has smooth white sand and clean water for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Surfers of all abilities love Zuma Beach’s waves.
This Beach boasts several facilities in addition to its lovely beach. There are playgrounds, volleyball courts, and picnic spots with barbecues. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and more for a great day in the sun.
And Zuma Beach offers hiking and exploration for adventurers. Santa Monica Mountains hikes provide beautiful coastal and hill vistas.
It is easily accessible but the parking can get packed fast. Take the Pacific Coast Highway to Zuma Beach Road. Weekends and high season jam the beach’s big parking lot.
Zuma Beach is ideal for a fun-filled day in the sun. When in Malibu, explore its gorgeous beach, outdoor activities, and landscape.
It gets really packed over the weekends so if you can try to plan your visit during the weekdays from 10 AM – 2 PM.
#2. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Tourists and residents visit Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The tranquil seas make the beach ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. The lagoon’s diverse birdlife makes it a popular birding location.
The beach provides picnic sites with grills, bathrooms, and showers. During peak season, lifeguards keep swimmers safe.
The 1920s-era Adamson House is a popular site in Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The mansion is currently a Malibu history and architectural museum with guided tours.
Visit Malibu Lagoon State Beach easily by taking the Pacific Coast Highway to Cross Creek Road. Weekends and summertime are the busiest times to visit.
#3. Malibu Pier
The historic Malibu Pier overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Malibu shoreline. The pier offers panoramic views, fishing, and a relaxing walk.
Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar is a Malibu Pier attraction. This renowned restaurant serves farm-to-table food. The outside deck offers coastal views and wonderful meals.
Gray whales migrate from December to April and may be seen from the pier. You may even see dolphins or sea lions playing in the water.
Easy access to Malibu Pier just drive to Malibu Pier’s parking lot from the Pacific Coast Highway. The vistas and experiences are worth the parking cost.
#4. Leo Carillo State Park
Western Malibu’s beachfront Leo Carrillo State Park is lovely. This park has beautiful beaches, tidal pools, and hiking routes. I’m thrilled to show you this magnificent destination’s best attractions as an expert.
The park features nearly a mile of shoreline for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach has many excellent tide pools. Crabs, sea urchins, and starfish are visible. Wear proper footwear and don’t disturb animals.
Leo Carrillo State Park has various canyon and hillside hiking routes in addition to the beach. The easy-to-moderate hikes provide excellent coastal and landscape vistas. Yellow Hill, Nicholas Flat, and Nature Trails are popular.
The park offers RV and tent camping. Oaks and valleys surround the campsites. Daytime picnic and barbeque sites are provided.
Highway 1 north of Malibu leads to Leo Carrillo State Park. The park is 28 miles from Santa Monica and 20 from Malibu. Arrive early, particularly during peak season, since parking is sometimes hard to come by.
Leo Carrillo State Park is a must-see for Malibu’s natural splendor. Everyone may enjoy the beaches, tidal pools, and hiking routes. Bring sunscreen, hiking boots, and a sense of adventure to Leo Carrillo State Park.
#5. Malibu Farmers Market
The Malibu Farmers Market sells local food, crafts, and artisanal items. I’ll tell you everything about this market, including how to get there.
Malibu Farmers Market is open Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm it’s located at 23519 Civic Center Way. The market overlooks the seaside and provides a calm ambiance to peruse sellers’ booths and enjoy the sun.
The market sells fresh produce, honey, nuts, flowers, and more. Bakeries, sandwiches, and hot dinners are also available. The market sells handcrafted soaps, candles, and jewelry.
The Malibu Farmers Market includes shopping, live entertainment, and educational programs. Live music and cuisine demonstrations are featured at the market.
From Highway 1, take Civic Center Way to the Malibu Farmers Market. Civic Center Way meets Stuart Ranch Road near the market. Street and market-adjacent parking is free.
#6. Malibu Creek State Park
The park has hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The park’s canyons and slopes include nearly 35 kilometers of hiking paths with stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
The park has approximately 60 tents, trailers, and RV campsites. Your outdoor excursion is calm at the Creekside campsite.
Anglers love the park’s rainbow trout and steelhead-stocked brook. The park has various picnic sites for lunch or supper.
Las Virgenes Road connects the Ventura Freeway (101) to Malibu Creek State Park. Take Las Virgenes Road south for 3 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn left on Mulholland Highway and go 1 mile to the park gate on your right.
The park’s daily usage cost varies by season and day. The park’s website allows camping reservations from dawn to dusk.
#7. Point Dume Beach
Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California, offers breathtaking ocean vistas and coastal exploration. Point Dume State Beach’s visitor information, including directions, is here.
Point Dume State Beach has plenty to see and do. The beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
Hiking routes to the top of the beach cliffs give stunning views of the ocean and coastline.
Whale viewing is common at Point Dume during migration season.
Point Dume State Beach Directions:
West on PCH for 11 miles from Santa Monica.
Left onto Westward Beach Road.
The Point Dume State Beach parking lot is half a mile along Westward Beach Road.
Bring cash or a credit card to pay for parking.
Arrive early to get a parking place during busy hours.
Point Dume State Beach Tips:
- Hiking up the cliffs requires comfy shoes.
- The beach is hot and sunny, so bring sunscreen and water.
- Follow routes and respect animals.
- Before coming, check the tide schedule since high tide might impede beach strolling and exploration.
- Malibu’s shoreline is best seen at Point Dume State Beach.
- Point Dume provides beach relaxation, cliff hiking, and whale watching.
#8. Malibu Country Mart
Malibu Country Mart is a retail center and tourists seeking luxury visit it.
Some of the stores you will find are: 7 For All Mankind, James Perse, and Chrome Hearts sell luxury apparel, jewelry, and accessories at Malibu Country Mart.
Art galleries, home design stores, and casual to gourmet dining are all available.
Malibu Country Mart’s Sunday Farmers Market is a highlight. Fresh fruit, baked foods, and other local items are sold here.
From Los Angeles, travel US-101 N to CA-23 S, then CA-1 S to Malibu Country Mart. Malibu Country Mart is at 3835 Cross Creek Road, 90265. Parking is abundant.
The Malibu Country Mart is a must-see for shopping, dining, and culture.
#9. Malibu Surf Lessons
Malibu’s beaches and surfing are famous. Malibu is a great place to start surfing for tourists. Many local surf schools and instructors teach beginners and advanced surfers.
Malibu Surf Shack is popular. Malibu Surf Shack provides individual and group surf instruction for all ages and abilities on the beach. Their teachers will show you how to paddle out and catch waves.
Take US-101 N to CA-23 S, then CA-1 S to Malibu Surf Shack. Right into Malibu Road, left onto Pacific Coast Highway. 22935 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, is the surf school on your right.
Surf Malibu, another prominent Malibu surf school, provides individual and semi-private training with qualified instructors. They supply surfboards, wetsuits, and lessons tailored to your ability level and objectives.
Take US-101 N to CA-23 S, then leave onto CA-1 S to reach Surf Malibu. Left onto Malibu Canyon Road, right onto Pacific Coast Highway. 22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, is the surf school on your left.
Malibu surf lessons are unforgettable. It’s the best place for a California surf lesson with expert instructors and lovely beaches.
#10. Malibu Riders
Malibu Riders is a prominent Malibu horseback riding business. Guided trail rides through Malibu’s mountains and canyons are spectacular.
Tourist information and instructions for Malibu Riders:
- Malibu Riders provide basic equestrian riding.
- Riders get helmets, boots, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes from the corporation.
- Experienced guides will point out picturesque sights and give local knowledge throughout the one-hour-and-15-minute rides.
- Riders pay $100.
Directions To Malibu Riders:
2903 Corral Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, is the address of Malibu Riders.
From Santa Monica, follow PCH north for 11 miles to Corral Canyon Road.
Turn left into Corral Canyon Road and go 2 miles to the Malibu Riders ranch on your left.
There is On-site parking.
Malibu Riders provide a fun and unique way to see Malibu’s stunning environment for riders of all levels.
Take this unforgettable trip!
#11. Getty Villa Museum
The Getty Villa has a stunning collection of ancient Greek and Roman art. Malibu visitors must see it.
Below IsTourist info and Getty Villa directions:
Tourist Information: The Getty Villa is at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the museum is free. However, limited capacity requires early bookings.
The Getty Villa has 1,200 antique sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. The museum’s grounds, with fountains, reflecting pools, and Roman-style buildings, are famous.
From Malibu, follow CA-1 south for about 7 miles. You access Pacific Palisades from Topanga State Park. Just beyond Sunset Boulevard, the Getty Villa is on your right.
Parking is accessible on-site for a cost, and a free shuttle from the Getty Center (located off the 405 freeway) operates every 15-20 minutes with your entry ticket.
Art and history lovers will love the Getty Villa’s Pacific Coast Highway location. To get into this famous museum, get your tickets in advance!
#12. Malibu Playhouse
Theater fans should visit the Malibu Playhouse. The theater’s tiny and distinctive location gives audiences an immersive experience.
It’s located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu the Malibu Playhouse.
The theater is on the ocean side of the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) a few miles from the Malibu Pier.
Visitor parking is plentiful, although arriving early is advised.
The Malibu Playhouse offers classic and modern plays for tourists. The theater’s diversified and inventive programming covers a wide variety of subjects and genres.
The Malibu Playhouse provides seminars, lectures, and events in addition to plays.
#13. Hot Air Baloon Rides
A hot air balloon flight above Malibu is a unique way to see its magnificent splendor. Several firms provide hot air balloon trips over Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
You’ll fly over Malibu’s beaches, hills, canyons, and estates. Individuals and groups may enjoy the hour-long adventure, depending on the weather.
A hot air balloon journey above Malibu requires some planning. To guarantee a safe flight, check the weather prediction beforehand. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Malibu Hot Air Balloons, Skyline Balloons, and California Dreamin’ provide balloon excursions above Malibu. They supply the balloon, basket, safety gear, and transportation to and from the launch location.
You’ll meet your pilot and group at a meeting place before driving to the launch site. Weather and other reasons may change the launch site.
#14. Take a Scenic Drive On The Pacific Coast Highway
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway through California’s most stunning landscape is thrilling. The Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush green hills are seen from the route as it follows the shore.
The journey is ideal for seeing Malibu and its surroundings. Malibu visitors should use the Pacific Coast Highway to observe the area’s natural splendor.
The roadway passes rocky outcroppings, verdant woods, and breathtaking ocean views. Many charming towns and villages along the road.
Stopping at picturesque viewpoint locations along the Pacific Coast Highway is a delight. These viewing locations provide spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding countryside, excellent for taking photos or simply relaxing.
Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a Luxury Beach House for Less?
#15. Take A Hike At The Santa Monica Mountains
Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and city escapees will adore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
From the Hollywood Hills to Point Mugu in Ventura County, this lovely recreation area covers 150,000 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Visitors may hike, camp, picnic, and horseback ride. The recreation area includes wildlife and bird watching. It’s simple to spend a day in the Santa Monica Mountains due to its many attractions.
Take CA-1 to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. King Gillette Ranch near Calabasas is the major tourist center, accessible by US-101.
You may also leave the Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and follow directions to Topanga State Park or Malibu Creek State Park.
These Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area sites provide a variety of activities.
Scenic roads in the Santa Monica Mountains provide beautiful vistas. Mulholland Highway, Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and Malibu Canyon Road are notable picturesque drives. Take your time and appreciate each drive’s sights.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers picturesque drives, exhilarating adventures, and tranquil hikes. Bring a picnic and hiking boots to this gorgeous spot outside Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Now you know 15 things to do in Malibu.
Malibu, California, has several tourist attractions. And it features beaches and hiking for everyone. Surf at Zuma Beach, hike at Malibu Creek State Park or shop at Malibu Country Mart.
The Getty Villa and Malibu Playhouse provide unique and informative cultural experiences. Hot air balloon rides above Malibu and Pacific Coast Highway drives are also available.
Malibu offers cultural, outdoor, and beach activities. Malibu is near Los Angeles, making it convenient to visit for a day.
The Pacific Coast Highway offers spectacular coastal vistas and leads to Malibu. Buses and shuttles are also available.
It’s no surprise so many people visit this seaside jewel with its gorgeous views and varied activities.
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