This coastal city along 23 miles of Pacific shoreline is a prime surf spot and celebrity haven, with luxury homes nestled between rugged mountains and sandy beaches.
Malibu stretches for 21 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. You can watch waves crash against golden sand beaches while mountains rise from the shoreline. Spend your day surfing at Surfrider Beach, walking through ancient Roman art collections at the Getty Villa, or hiking to waterfalls in Solstice Canyon. Since the 1920s, many celebrities have made this coastal town their home.
Exploring Malibu's Beaches
At Surfrider Beach next to Malibu Pier, you'll find three distinct surfing points for different skill levels. Zuma Beach runs for nearly two miles, and its location farther from Los Angeles means fewer visitors than other nearby beaches. Walk through multiple sea caves and rock formations at El Matador Beach, where cliffs create intimate beach coves. From December to April, you can spot migrating gray whales from Point Dume State Beach.
Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains
Over 500 miles of trails wind through the mountains behind Malibu. Walk the Solstice Canyon trail to reach a 150-foot waterfall and explore the ruins of a burned-down mansion. Take a 2.5-mile round trip to see Escondido Falls, where water cascades down three tiers reaching 150 feet high. Follow the trails at Point Dume Natural Preserve to reach viewpoints overlooking the coastline and Santa Monica Bay.
Cultural Sites
The Getty Villa houses thousands of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts in a building designed to look like an ancient Roman villa. Visit the Surf Museum inside Pepperdine University's Payson Library to see 30 historic surfboards from the 1910s onward. The 1929 Adamson House contains detailed Mediterranean and Islamic-inspired tiles made by Malibu Potteries, which defined early California design styles.
Local Food Scene
Eat right by the water at several beachfront restaurants. At Nobu Malibu, you can taste Japanese dishes while looking out at the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. Buy fresh-caught fish at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and eat at their outdoor picnic tables. Head to Malibu Farm Restaurant on the pier for breakfast and lunch made with ingredients from local farms.
Getting Around Malibu
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) connects all major spots in Malibu. While public buses run along PCH, you'll need a car to easily reach beaches and mountain areas. All public beaches have parking lots, but arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot.
