Malibu is a long, narrow strip of coast west of Santa Monica, where the Santa Monica Mountains drop to the Pacific along the Pacific Coast Highway. The classic stops are Surfrider Beach beside the pier, one of the most famous surf breaks in California, the Malibu Lagoon wetland and the Adamson House, a tile-rich Spanish Colonial home that is now a museum. Many visitors simply drive the highway, stopping at beaches and viewpoints, and the scenery is the main attraction.
The heart of Malibu for visitors is around the pier and Surfrider Beach, where you can watch surfers work the long point break, walk the pier and eat at a casual seafood place. The beach itself is public and free to visit, though parking can be limited and costs vary by lot, so check the signs.
Nearby, Malibu Lagoon State Beach protects a wetland that attracts birds, and the Adamson House, with its decorative tilework and gardens, offers a look at the area's early history. The county's beach guide has current information on facilities and conditions.
Further along the coast are other beaches, from the sandy stretch at Zuma to the cove-and-sea-stack scenery at El Matador, which has its own entry in this guide. Canyon roads climb into the Santa Monica Mountains for hiking, and some of the area's wineries offer tastings, so you can combine the beach with a short hike or a glass of wine. The coastline is rugged and the highway is narrow, so allow extra driving time, particularly on summer weekends and after storms, when parts of the road can be affected.
Malibu works best as a half-day or full-day drive from Santa Monica or Hollywood. Go in the morning to beat traffic and parking pressure, stay for a late lunch with an ocean view, and aim to head back before the evening commute builds. Weather is cooler and foggier near the water, especially in late spring and early summer, so bring layers.
Respect private-property signs and stay within the public access areas, and check surf and water-quality conditions if you plan to swim. For many visitors, a few hours here are the most relaxing part of a Los Angeles trip.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided coastal drive and beach visits along the Pacific Coast Highway, with stops at Surfrider Beach, the pier, the lagoon and the Adamson House.
Best time
Morning for traffic and parking; late spring and early summer can be foggy near the water.
How long
A half day to a full day.
Tips
Allow extra time on the Pacific Coast Highway, bring layers, check parking rules at each lot, and verify surf and water-quality conditions before swimming.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers, surf watchers and couples who like a scenic drive.
- Families
- Families can enjoy the sand and pier; check water conditions before swimming.
- Couples
- A romantic coastal drive with an ocean-view lunch.
- Pair with
- El Matador Beach, Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa are along the same coast.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Is Malibu free to visit?+
Yes. The beaches and the highway are free, though parking can be limited and costs vary by lot.
What are the main sights?+
Surfrider Beach and the pier, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, the Adamson House museum, and beaches such as Zuma and El Matador.
How long does it take to drive from Santa Monica?+
Allow extra time, since the Pacific Coast Highway is narrow and traffic can be heavy, particularly on summer weekends.
Is the weather different from the city?+
Often cooler and foggier near the water, especially in late spring and early summer, so bring layers.
Can I surf?+
Surfrider Beach is a famous surf break, but conditions and crowds vary. Check local conditions, and consider a lesson if you are new.
