Soaking up some sun in Malibu is the perfect alternative to spending your vacation fighting traffic in Los Angeles. It’s scenic, laid back, and full of incredible things to keep you and your family for days. From hiking to surfing and dining on fresh-caught seafood, there is no shortage of reasons why you should consider visiting this wonderful coastal town.
Back in the 70s, Malibu was a refuge of sorts for all kinds of different misfits. You had beach bums, hitchhiking teens full of wanderlust, and wealthy Baby Boomers from New Hollywood who were attracted to Malibu’s artsy, boho vibe over the classic Hollywood lifestyle.
Sadly, those days are in the rearview mirror. The counter-cultural icons of yesteryear are now either dead or retired, and Malibu is no longer a place where the average individual could afford to live. Even so, Malibu is still one of the best places in California to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities that the state is full of.
It’s hard to believe that this laid-back seaside town is just a 40-minute drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from LA. Residents like to boast that their town has 21 miles of scenic coastal beauty, and many celebrities who enjoy their privacy call Malibu their home. If you’re lucky, you might even see a star out and about.
The climate is consistently pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 49 degrees to 76 degrees F year-round. The coastline is loaded with nooks, pocket beaches, and scenic vistas overlooking seas cliffs.
There are so many reasons why a visit to Malibu is a must if you’re in the area. To give you a better idea of what to expect, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the top sights and attractions in and around Malibu, California. So, keep watching to learn what awaits you on your next Californian vacation.
Zuma Beach
This is one of the biggest and most popular beaches in LA country. It’s known for having vast, sprawling sandy areas and world-class surf. If you plan on going for a swim, be aware that the water tends to be a bit cooler than some of the other beaches around Malibu.
Zuma beach offers public restrooms, two concession areas, and eight parking lots capable of accommodating 2000 vehicles.
One of the best features of Zuma beach is that the area is wheelchair accessible, and rentals are available for those that have a difficult time getting around.
Neptune’s Nest
This no-frills seafood restaurant has been popular with bikers for years. It can be found on the Northwestern side of Malibu, not far from some of the most popular beaches. One side of the establishment serves up fried food and canned and bottled drinks, while the other side offers fresh and live seafood with cocktails and draft beer.
Neptune’s Nest has been featured in numerous TV shows and films, including Point Break, Gilmore Girls, and The Fast and the Furious.
The Grotto Trail
If you’re up for a hike, this beginners-level three-mile round trip trail is highly recommended for it’s beauty alone. It leads to a cave and waterfall, so make sure you bring your camera. So, if you’re interested in a relatively easy hike with a nice little payoff at the end, this is the one for you.
Surfrider Beach
Taking up about a mile of the California coastline, this beach has some of the best swimming and surfing in Malibu. It was first made popular by the surf films of the 50s and 60s.
Since it’s a part of Malibu’s Lagoon State Beach Area, there is plenty of wildlife to stop and appreciate. If you’re an avid birder, you can see over 200 species of migrating and native birds in the area. Bring your binoculars and make a day of it!
You should try to arrive early, though, as parking is limited and spaces fill up quickly during the summer months.
El Matador State Beach
El Matador is one of the most picturesque places in all of Los Angeles country. It’s not the largest beach, but it features these gorgeous jutting rock formations. Wear your hiking shoes and try to bring too much gear with you because there is a little bit of a hike required to get to the beach, but once you’re there, spread out your towel and admire the natural beauty. Be advised, there are no lifeguards on duty or any facilities like bathrooms, but if you’re looking for a romantic place to watch a sunrise or sunset with your special someone, this is it!
Point Dume State Beach and Preserve
If you’re looking for the quintessential Malibu Beach, this one should definitely be on your list. Point Dume’s beautiful expanse of sandy beach, adorned with cliffs, overhangs, and rocky coves, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
It’s operated by the County of Los Angeles and offers all of the facilities that you could want and need. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, this is also a great spot to fish, dive, and surf. Between December and April, you might even get a chance to spot a migrating gray whale!
There is also a pretty notable hiking trail that takes you on a scenic journey featuring stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Catalina Island, and Santa Monica Bay. At the end of the trail, there is a viewing platform and a few other paths that lead to smaller more isolated beaches worth exploring.
The Getty Villa
Established by oil magnate J Pau Getty in 1974, this museum which is housed in a faux Malibu villa inspired by the famed Villa dei Papiri ruins of Herculaneum, was subject to a great deal of controversy when it first opened.
Getty used the villa originally as his personal home. He housed all of his personal holding there, but it was later converted into a full-fledged museum to store antiquities and relics from the Mediterranean that Getty had collected over the years.
After being renovated, the villa was reopened in 2006 to much praise. Over 1200 pieces are on display at the museum – many of which date back to ancient times, covering a wide range of themes from mythological figures to the Trojan war.
There are two hundred plus rooms at the Villa – each numbered and named after it’s theme. The Getty Villa also houses the University of California’s Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation Program.
If you plan on visiting, you’ll need to secure a ticket in advance. Fortunately, tickets are free.
Malibu Pier
If you’re an avid fisherman, you should definitely pay a visit to Malibu Pier which is adjacent to Surfrider Beach.
This 780-foot-long fishing pier is one of the most popular spots to visit for anglers of all skill levels. But even if fishing isn’t your cup of tea, it’s also a great place to sit and watch the surfers do their thing.
This vibrantly cheerful spot provides ample space for anglers to place their rods and reels. It’s also a fantastic location to go to watch the sunset. Grab some take-out or pack a picnic and make a date out of it.
Malibu Divers
If you want to get out in the water and make a day out of snorkeling or scuba diving, this company has all of the bases covered. They offer diving courses and gear rentals while also providing guided diving trips across the reefs and islands of the Malibu area.
Charters can even be arranged for diving trips to further away locations. These trips normally include lodging, food, and transportation.
Malibu divers also provides training for rescue divers, free divers, and children.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
This is the only Malibu restaurant that features it’s very own private beach and cover. Over the years, many filmmakers have been drawn to this spot to film television and film scenes on location.
Come dinnertime, jazz music fills the air and fresh lobster is served up fresh with butter and lemon. Some of Paradise Cove Beach Cafe’s breakfast offerings include carrot cake waffles, french toast, and double cheese omelets.
Malibu Country Mart
This shopping center features upscale boutiques, trendy art galleries, several fantastic restaurants, and a handful of spas and salons. But what makes it so noteworthy is it’s astonishingly beautiful atmosphere. Located at the heart of the Malibu Civic Center, this is the premier place in town to go if you need to treat yourself to a little retail therapy. Make sure you try the fresh-made ice cream over at Grom! It’s some of this best in Los Angeles county.
Malibu Creek State Park
Featuring more than 7,000 rolling acres of tall grass plains, dramatic mountain peaks and oak savannahs, this state park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains. Some have even dubbed it the ‘Yosemite of Southern California’.
The rock pool, which is a must-see, has been featured in numerous television shows and films, including 1919s Daddy Long Legs and M*A*S*H.
The Adamson House Museum
This beautiful 1929 Spanish Colonial home and estate can be found along the Pacific Coast in Malibu Lagoon State Park.
Take a guided tour to learn all about the region’s history while getting an up-close look at the house. The interior of the residence still has many of the same furnishings and adornments that it did back in the 1930s.
We recommend visiting this attraction during the Holidays when the house, gardens, and pier are are decorated with vintage holiday décor. They also offer holiday tours led by experts along with refreshments and festive holiday music.
While you might think that Malibu is place only for the rich and famous, in reality it’s an excellent destination to visit by just about anybody.
What are you most excited to see on your upcoming trip to Malibu? If you’ve already visited before, what are some of your favorite attractions in the Malibu area? Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching, and Safe Travels!