Things to do & places to visit in Malibu, California, United States

Malibu city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 9:26.

Top things to do (16)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Nicholas Canyon Beach (15 reviews)
- Secluded beach
Beaches

We found it on our way back to Santa Barbara on the Highway 1, and enjoyed the sunset. It felt so pristine and secluded. The entrance is hard to find. Easy to miss when u pass it. Please keep it clean. See more..
5.0 Frederick Weisman Museum of Art (9 reviews)
- The best kept secret
Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

Michael, the curator is extremely talented in choosing interesting installations for this museum on the Pepperdine University campus. Admission is free and the site is beautiful. See more..
5.0 Ramirez Canyon Park (3 reviews)
- Nature’s Finest and Fresh air
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Former home of Barbara Streisand now a nature conservancy park. See more..
4.5 The Getty Villa (2.546 reviews)
- Small art museum in Malibu
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Special Holiday Hours: Sunday, December 25, 2016 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, December 27, 2016 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, January 1, 2017 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM This museum is dedicated to the art of the ancient Greeks, Romans and other classic civilizations. See more..
4.5 Zuma Beach (832 reviews)
- Great accessible beach with lots of activities - but closed bathrooms
Beaches

Live out the California dream of surf, sand, and sun at one of Los Angeles’ finest beaches. Besides being a popular filming location, Zuma Beach is known for its clean water conditions and excellent surf. It’s also an ideal spot to see dolphins and California sea lions frolicking in the waters during the warm summer months. With 1.8 miles of beach frontage, this seaside gem affords plenty of space for you to play frisbee, people-watch, try kite-flying, or simply enjoy a picnic. There are food stands selling snacks and drinks at each end of the beach. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 El Matador State Beach (730 reviews)
- Breathtaking beach. Spend an hour or a day.
Beaches

Hidden under dramatic bluffs overhanging the Pacific, El Matador State Beach is a spectacular sight thanks to the big rock formations dotting its shore. Have a picnic on the hilltop or surf the crashing waves—the beach is accessible via a steep flight of stairs. You can also explore the caves tucked into the cliffs. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the water. You can also walk to Lechuza Beach or San Juan Leighton Beach from El Matador. There’s a parking fee at El Matador Beach, but it’s worth it as you’ll get access to basic facilities such as public restrooms. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Point Dume State Beach and Preserve (397 reviews)
- An incredible hike with gorgeous views
State Parks

Point Dume is a majestic headland that juts out onto the Pacific Ocean, with a boardwalk and viewing point that offers splendid views of Santa Monica Bay. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to the white sand. Unwind and watch thrillseekers rock climb and repel off the cliffs that tower over the beach. Hit the trails and make your way up yourself. The cliffs offer spectacular 360-degree views and are a great place to catch a glimpse of grey whales on their migration between December and April. You’ll also have a chance to spot birds, dolphins, and seals on this easy hike. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach (244 reviews)
- Peaceful Beach for Artists like Myself
Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM State Parks • Beaches

I the Leo Carrillo Beach and it is one of my favorite beaches on the PCH whenever I go to visit family in LA. On my last visit I watched an artist paint a gorgeous seascape/landscape. It was so peaceful to see all the activity around me and hear the soothing waves. I am looking forward to going back soon and bringing my own canvas to paint on next time. See more..
4.5 Pepperdine University (195 reviews)
- Hard not to Love
Educational sites

Pepperdine University stole my heart when I visited the law school in April 2003. Until then, I had made up my mind to attend Vanderbilt University Law School and had even put a deposit on an apartment in Nashville. On a whim, I bought a plane ticket and flew from Penn State to California for Pepperdine's Admitted Students Day. By the end of the day I knew that Pepperdine was where I wanted to spend the next three years of my life! It's a beautiful beautiful campus, but even more important is its incredible sense of community not to mention the friendly and kind people who work and live there. If you ever have a chance to visit California be sure to take a trip up Los Angeles and if you ever have a chance to visit Los Angeles, you'd be silly not to head over to Malibu and see one of the most gorgeous college campuses in the nation. See more..
4.5 Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum (184 reviews)
- really delightful and at $7 an absolute steal
Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Speciality Museums

The historic home of Merritt Huntley Adamson, a local rancher, is set along the beautiful Malibu coastline and is home to a museum that explores the history of Malibu. See more..
4.5 Solstice Canyon (88 reviews)
- Nice Hike
Canyons

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, this scenic coastal canyon offers up many panoramic hiking opportunities. See more..
4.5 Westward Beach (50 reviews)
- Best Beach in Malibu
Beaches

this is my favorite, and I live here ! the parking is free, ( if you can find it ) you park on the sand and your there ... it is not as busy as the rest, BUT its the best. See more..
4.5 Backbone Trail (29 reviews)
- Rent a mt. bike from Topanga Creek Bicycles.
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Spectacular scenery over three ridges in the Santa Monica Mountains. See more..
4.5 Carbon Beach (19 reviews)
- Worth the effort to get there
Spent < 1 hour Beaches

This beautiful beach takes some effort to find. It’s blocked by a long series of expensive beach homes and has only a few points to access it ( visible on Google maps). Street parking is extremely limited and there do not seem to be any parking lots to access. No amenities nearby such as restaurants or bathrooms (bring snacks and drinks). It’s a narrow beach, saving you a long walk to the water. When we were there, only handful of people were there. Spotless place, no garbage. In our view, a much more relaxing place to be than the big public beaches like Santa Monica See more..
4.5 El Pescador State Beach (19 reviews)
- Nude sunbathing
Beaches

I am a local, and this has always been the beach, for hidden nude sun bathing... Find an area and no one will bother you See more..
4.5 Malibu Bluffs Park (16 reviews)
- Excellent Spot for a sunset over the mountains
Spent < 1 hour Parks

Stopped here on whim because we knew the sun would be setting shortly. Glad we did. Grounds are very nicely kept. Bathrooms were clean. Nice concrete path to follow. Or take the dirt trails through the hills. We followed the path around towards the edge of the cliff and walked down to a number of concrete picnic tables to watch the sun set. There park itself was fairly quiet with only a handful of visitors. A few hikers passed through. Excellent views of Pepperdine. The sunset does eventually get blocked out by the hills but the view was still gorgeous. Parking was free. See more..
4.5 Zuma and Trancas Canyons (14 reviews)
- Not an Easy Hike but Great Views
Spent More than 3 hours Canyons

If coming in the summer, bring lots of sunscreen, a hat and extra water. It got very hot and there is no shade. We hiked up to the top to see great views of Zuma beach. Worth it and burned lots of calories. It's not an easy hike as it's straight up and part of the trail is sand. See more..
4.5 Charmlee Wilderness Park (9 reviews)
- Park is NOT closed
Parks

This park was closed temporarily after fire damage in 2018. It reopened to the public in 2020 with limited trail use. As of 2022, it is nearly fully reopened. Spring wildflowers we’re beautiful this year. See more..
4.0 Malibu Pier (833 reviews)
- Good place to stop in Malibu
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

We visited this place on our way to San Francisco. Parking was not easily available but we got parking space for $15. The beach is clean and we walked all the way to the front to enjoy the scenery. The ocean looked clean and we some surfers in the water. We noted a number of lifeguard stations on the beach. The cafes there offered a variety of food but we decided to have lunch at our next stop in Santa Barbara. Nice place to stop. The restrooms were averagely clean. Munir Daya See more..
4.0 Paradise Cove (616 reviews)
- Do Not Park in the Lot at the Beach
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs

Featured in everything from a Beach Boys album cover to the 2015 'SpongeBob' movie, this beach is a Malibu hot spot known for its cinematic views. Jump into the water for some surfing, relax on the wide, sandy coastline, or take a romantic stroll along the pier, where Robert Redford and Demi Moore reconciled in 1993’s 'Indecent Proposal'. Paradise Cove isn’t the most accessible, but the public beach can get fairly crowded. You can rent a chaise lounge or palapa and dine with your feet in the sand at the Paradise Cove Beach Café, with friendly seagulls for company. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Malibu Lagoon State Beach (238 reviews)
- Beauriful lagoon and beach
Beaches

The water was so nice and the waves of moderate proportions. The lagoon is off limits but watching the birds was very interesting. We spent a nice afternoon swimming and relaxing on this beach. The Malibu Village is right across the parking lot on the PCH and that’s a great plus. You can add shopping, lunch at Malibu Kitchen and ice cream at GROM to your Malibu Lagoon beach day. :) See more..
4.0 Malibu Country Mart (112 reviews)
- fun sipping & shopping
Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Shopping Malls

The Malibu County Mart encompasses six acres of prime real estate in the heart of Malibu. The 67 unique tenants comprised of high-end retail, dining, and service offerings are housed in an eclectic mix of architectural styles including Mediterranean, modern and rustic influences. The structures are complimented by world-class gardens, unique sculptures, outdoor dining and picnic areas, and the popular children's playground. The Malibu County Mart is leading the trend in Malibu in eco-friendly practices, from three electric car charging stations to a chemical-free sandbox in the children's playground. See more..
4.0 Malibu Family Wines (112 reviews)
- Great Friday lunch
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Experience wine as a Malibu Local. Malibu Wines tasting room is the cozy and chic destination favored by surf and sand loving oenophiles. Nestled high above the fabled coastline that has enchanted the famous and the fabulous throughout its storied history, Malibu Wines invites you to choose from a selection of wines harvested and produced from this legendary terroir. Ocean air, luscious sky, impeccable grapes, classic soil – each sip is a memory produced with love and affection from the locals. Viva Malibu!We proudly feature fine wine from Malibu Family Wines, proud producers of Semler and Saddlerock Wines. Malibu Family Wines is best known for integrating new-world technology with old-world artistry. The vineyards are located in the ideal environment for growing premium wine grapes – high altitude separated from the coastline, pristine weather conditions, rocky soil. Hand picked and harvested the same day, the vines are typically harvested in late September or early October. Wines are aged in a combination of French and American Oak. The final result is a perfectly designed blend of fruit, tannins, and structure, complex and drinkable. You will love the drive to our tasting room. Situated just minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway off of Mullholland Highway, Malibu Wines is located about 25 miles north of Santa Monica. Visitors are welcome to taste wines from 11 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday – Sunday. Please call us for seasonal hours. See more..
4.0 Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio (73 reviews)
- Great atmosphere with local wine
Friday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate is an exclusive vineyard in Malibu, California that produces its own selection of red and white wines. The first vineyard in Malibu and the only vineyard in the Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA, the estate is still owned by its namesake, George Rosenthal, who established the winery over 20 years ago. Today, the Rosenthal brand represents a combination of product and place: • Meticulously-crafted Wines - We feature a selection of full-bodied, fruit-forward, quintessentially Californian wines with a French touch, including the signature Rosenthal reds and whites, the limited-edition, small-batch Block M and G Collection wines and the Surfrider varieties. • The Malibu Estate Vineyard - Set on 250 picturesque acres in Malibu-Newton Canyon, this 32-acre vineyard is located four miles from the ocean at 1400 feet, within a perfect microclimate for growing high-quality grapes. • The Rosenthal Tasting Room - Just off the beach in Malibu, the Tasting Room offers a casual atmosphere in which to discover and enjoy the full selection of Rosenthal wines while enjoying live entertainment and the marvelous ocean view-either indoors or on our outdoor patio. See more..
4.0 Surfrider Beach (70 reviews)
- Nice Waves
Beaches

One of twenty-four beaches in Malibu. Very popular with surfers. See more..
4.0 Topanga Beach (57 reviews)
- Partially Flooded
Beaches

Okay, so I was visiting a bunch of the beaches I reviewed in a downpour, but it gave me an interesting perspective of the beaches. Topanga beach has a paid lot, but there is also quite a bit of street parking along PCH. Thee were a few other people like me, stopped there to witness Mother Nature in all her fury. Part of the lower lot was flooded, so the first set of stairs down led me to a dead end. The second set got me down there, but I did dare go on the beach due to the crashing waves. There is a large lifeguard building at this beach and it is wide. Even with it being high tide and the huge waves, there was still a good chunk of beach still there, though extremely wet. Also it is relatively close to LA, so I am sure it is popular with people who want to escape the city, but don’t want to go very far. See more..
4.0 Escondido Falls (34 reviews)
- A trickle
Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Hiking Trails

Nice hike. Walk through neighborhood of wealthy homes then a quiet trail. But I couldn’t hear a waterfall. Someone forgot to pay the water bill as it was barely a trickle. I’ve had kitchen leaks more flowing. I’m told it’s usually like that, except right after heavy rain when it’s all muddy. See more..
4.0 La Piedra Beach (12 reviews)
- ITS ALIIIIIIVE
Beaches

Its a little hard to find, but that is what makes coming here soooo worth it. At first, I didnt want to review, honestly, because this is my favourite beach because NO ONE IS EVER THERE, also, like i stated in the title ITS LITERALLY ALIVE, from sea stars, to anemones, little shrimps, to the moss covered cliff sides, every rock on this beach is teaming with life <3 and the pretty kind too. It would be a wonderful date spot, but I come here with friends when we need to wind down from a long weekend. I recommend travelling to the right of the path, because thats where all the pretty junk is. Also you have to pay to park there, it goes to the upkeep of the beach. See more..
3.5 Malibu Colony (43 reviews)
- Malibu, nice place to drive through
Neighborhoods

I was born and raised in Santa Monica and when I was a Senior in High School, I owned a horse that I kept at my friend's house in Malibu. I drove from SM to Malibu each weekend to go riding, and back in the mid-60's the drive along the cost was wonderful. I was just back for my 50th HS Reunion and made the same drive from SM to Malibu. Lots has changed in those 50 years, but the beauty of the ocean, beach and lovely homes long the road are the same. If you're in the area, don't miss this drive. See more..
3.5 Broad Beach (33 reviews)
- Love this beach but it's getting too very crowded
Beaches

Nice beach but I have to say, people pick up your garbage! It's getting very very busy. Lot's garbage left behind. It's a shame See more..