Malibu

Travel Guide

Malibu showing a coastal town and general coastal views
Malibu showing swimming, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Malibu showing a coastal town and a house
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/La Tourism Marketing
Malibu featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

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 featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and rocky coastline

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 RM1,143 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
RM1,143
RM1,315 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Good For A Short, Fun Stay
"On the whole, the Malibu Country Inn is fun and cute, if not a bit shabby chic. It could use a few updates, i.e. the ice machine was not working and some features advertised were just for show (the in room fireplace is only decorative). That said, it is close the beach, affordable, and in an amazing ..."

Reviewed on 20 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 RM1,193 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM1,193
RM1,336 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (115 reviews)
Awesome Place to Stay
"The staff was awesome and the hotel was modern. The only negative was that the bed was a bit uncomfortable for me but I would stay here again. Amazing place to stay in Malibu."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Villa Graziadio at Pepperdine University
The Surfrider Malibu

The Surfrider Malibu

4 out of 5
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
The price is RM1,711 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM1,711
RM2,141 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Malibu. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (366 reviews)
"Rooftop was closed for private event. Not good for people staying at hotel."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

The Surfrider Malibu
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! (674 reviews)
"Fabulous place. Great location. Gritty, but whole foods. Best of all worlds."

Reviewed on 22 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
"The property is located close to most tourist areas and since it was my first time in LA that was great. The place is nice and the staff is very responsive. The only thing is if you rent a car and would like to park it in the premises, call them as soon as you make a reservation to reserve a parking ..."

Reviewed on 20 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 WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Woodley ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (60 reviews)
Great Place Horrible Parking
"It was a pretty good stay and very nice room and place overall was very clean and nice the parking is HORRRIBLEEE THOUGH we could never ever find street parking we had to park two blocks down bc of how bad it was first night we almost couldn’t even find a spot it was so frustrating made us so hesitant ..."

Reviewed on 20 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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