15 Best Things To Do In Malibu: The Ultimate Bucket List
Every weekend, Malibu's sun-soaked beaches and secluded coves draw hundreds of sun-seeking day trippers from Los Angeles and it's not hard to see why. White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and miles of sparkling ocean beckon year-round.
Malibu offers 27-miles of coastline with too many beaches to take your pick from. Whether you’re looking for a beach to learn how to surf or a stretch of white sand to sunbake, you’re bound to find a beach that suits!
But there is more to Malibu than beaches. The Santa Monica Mountains which run the entire length of Malibu’s coastline also offer opportunities to enjoy Southern California’s sunshine. In these mountains you’ll find hiking trails with ocean views, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful canyons.
So pack a towel and your swimsuit, and don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes, because in Malibu you can hike and swim all in the same day! Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Malibu.
Malibu Bucket List
Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is a museum that holds a vast collection of Greek and Roman artwork that are dated between 6,500BC and 500AD — all of which are housed inside a re-created Roman country home.
At this museum you can explore 4,000 years of ancient artwork from the Stone Age to the final days of the Roman Empire.
On the second floor of the museum you can take in temporary exhibitions featuring works of art from museums around the world and Getty's own collection.
Even if you’re not interested in art, the palatial courtyards and manicured gardens are alone worth visiting.
The villa’s largest garden features a beautiful reflecting pool, colonnaded walkways and views of the Pacific Ocean. Do you want the good news? Admission is free!
2. Paseo Miramar Trail
Paseo Miramar translates to "a walk with sea views" in Spanish, and true to its name, this hike offers phenomenal ocean views.
The trail is located at the southern end of Malibu in Pacific Palisades. You'll begin at a trailhead that will immediately begin a steep incline and it won't be long before you leave the dense L.A. neighborhood behind.
Once you reach the top, you'll be amazed by the expansive views of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach, and the Pacific Ocean.
If you're looking for an extraordinary place to watch the sun set over the ocean, this place is it!
3. Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier, famous for its white towers and rough hewn planks, is an iconic destination you can’t miss!
The historic pier was built in 1905 has since become Malibu's most recognizable landmark.
Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy magnificent views of Malibu’s scenic coastline and glistening ocean. Watch surfers catch a couple of waves at adjacent Surfrider Beach and if you're lucky, you may even spot a pod of dolphins riding the waves too.
4. Malibu Farm Cafe
Malibu Farm is a beloved cafe situated right on Malibu Pier. Whether you stop by for breakfast or brunch, it's the perfect place to enjoy a lazy Malibu morning.
There are actually two Malibu Farm restaurants here; a full-service restaurant at the start of the pier, and a counter service cafe at the end of the pier.
On the menu you’ll find dishes like blue corn nachos, fried egg sandwiches, crab cake, and coconut cod ceviche.
They also serve delicious and creative cocktails like the Starfruit (starfruit infused gin, turmeric, lemongrass + black pepper agave, lime juice, and bitters) and Plum (plum infused whiskey, mint + thyme + black pepper butterfly pea agave, and lemon juice).
5. Fish Off Malibu Pier
If you're looking for fun things to do in Malibu, bring your fishing rod or rent one from Ranch At The Pier and cast a line from Malibu Pier.
Fishing from Malibu Pier is a great way to spend a few hours in Malibu and you may even get lucky and hook a halibut or mackerel.
Since first opening to the public in 1938, Malibu Pier has been a popular spot with fisherman. In summer, the season peaks with halibut, thresher shark & bat rays while corbina & mackerel are year round catches.
Ranch At The Pier (which is located at the end of the pier) can hook you up with bait and essential tackle.
No fishing permits are required to fish from the pier.
6. Learn To Surf at Surfrider Beach
Surfrider Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Los Angeles famous among surfers for its long righthand break.
This world-renowned beach is also one of the best beaches for beginners to learn how to surf because it has gentle rolling waves during the summer.
There is a surf shop across the road from Surfrider Beach that offers board and wetsuit rentals along with lessons. You can also organize private surf lessons on Viator here.
7. Malibu Seafood
Malibu Seafood is one of the best seafood restaurants in Malibu! They serve a variety of seafood sandwiches, clams, steamed mussels, Dungeness crab, sea scallops, swordfish, mahi mahi, halibut, and more.
The food here is always excellent whether you order steamed, grilled, or fried seafood. You can even take home fresh catch and cook it yourself!
The only problem is that they consistently have long lines out the door, so if you want to eat here, be prepared to wait at least fifteen or twenty minutes to place your order.
8. Hike the Point Dume Cove Trail
The Point Dume Cove hiking trail offers amazing views over Malibu's beautiful beaches and stunning coastline.
On this easy trail you’ll hike across coastal bluffs at Point Dume Natural Preserve to two overlooks where you can see Dume Cove, Westward Beach, and Zuma Beach. If you’re lucky you might see dolphins, sea lions, and possibly whales at certain times of the year.
There is a spur trail that will take you down to Dume Cove Beach where you’ll find tide pools.
9. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is the most popular beach in Malibu. This beach is beautiful due to its white sand and stunning mountains that tower in the background.
If you’re looking for a beach to sunbathe and swim, Zuma Beach is absolutely where you should go for a beach day!
At the south end of the beach you’ll find volleyball nets and a large paid parking lot. The southern end of the beach is usually the most crowded, and the further north you go, the less beach-goers there are on the shores.
10. El Matador Beach
The most impressive beach in Malibu is El Matador Beach! This secluded beach features rugged sandstone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the ocean.
There are also huge sea stacks that line this beach’s shoreline. The interesting rock formations are very popular with photographers so don’t be surprised if you run into a photoshoot here.
El Matador Beach is just north of Zuma Beach. Access to the beach is via a short trail that leads to a steep staircase which will take you down to the shoreline.
11. Solstice Canyon Trail
Solstice Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes in Malibu!
It is a two-mile out and back hike that leads to a beautiful 30-foot tall waterfall.
You’ll follow a paved path to the ruins of an old ranch house before reaching Solstice Canyon waterfall.
If you would prefer a more challenging hike, you can continue along the Rising Sun Trail after visiting the waterfall. The Rising Sun Trail is steep but once you reach the top you’ll enjoy spectacular ocean views!
See what the Solstice Canyon and Rising Sun Trail looks like in this video of the hike here.
12. Visit Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is an 8,000 acre wilderness preserve that is home to picturesque grassy hills, impressive mountain peaks, and serene woodlands filled with gorgeous oak trees.
This stunning state park is often touted as the "Yosemite of Southern California". The park offers miles of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails for outdoor lovers.
There are a number of great hiking trails in Malibu Creek State Park but the best trail here is the Rock Pool & Century Lake Trail. It is an easy 4.4-mile trail that will take you to a hidden oasis where you'll find a rock pool surrounded by lush trees.
Other places you must see at Malibu Creek State Park include the MASH filming site and Malibu Lake.
13. King Gillette Ranch
Adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park is King Gillette Ranch, a large ranch that was once owned by King Gillette, the inventor of the Gillette razor blade.
Gillette purchased the 588-acre property in 1926 and built a sprawling mansion in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Today, King Gillette Ranch is a large park open to the public for hiking, picnics, and special events. There are several hiking trails through meadows and along mountain ridgelines.
The most popular hike here is to Inspiration Point where you can see amazing views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Canyon, and Calabasas.
King Gilette Ranch is home to numerous wildlife species and there is a good chance that you will see coyotes, deer, ground squirrels, and even rattlesnakes. Mountain lions also roam the area however you are unlikely to see these big cats.
14. Malibu Hindu Temple
One of the most unique places you can visit in Malibu is Malibu Hindu Temple.
The temple was built in 1981 in the traditional South Indian style. It is actually one of the largest Hindu temples in the western hemisphere!
Visitors are welcome to wander through the temple grounds to admire the building’s architecture with its intricate carvings.
There is also a dining area that serves authentic Indian food which you can learn more about here.
Malibu Hindu Temple is open to the public on weekends from 10am to 5pm and closed during the week.
Read: Visit Malibu Hindu Temple: A Hidden Gem in the Santa Monica Mountains
15. Neptune’s Net
Neptune’s Net is a popular seafood shack situated towards the far northern end of Malibu.
This historic restaurant has been around since the 1950s and has seen its fair share of celebrity customers. These days the eatery is frequented by bikers, road trippers, and tourists.
Neptune's Net has two different kitchens; the "Restaurant Side" serves fried food along with bottled and canned beverages, while the "Seafood Side" offers fresh and live seafood as well as draft beer.
If you can’t get a table, you can take your meal across the road to enjoy on County Line Beach.
Where To Stay in Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu Inn: Surfrider Inn is a four-star hotel located on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway directly across the road from Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach. This 20-room boutique hotel features a guest-only restaurant and rooftop bar.
Calamigos Ranch: Calamigos Ranch is a luxury guest ranch hidden in the Malibu Hills. The lavish accommodations are situated on a 250-acre property and feature private cottages and bungalows.
Bungalow at Carbon Beach: This ocean-front bungalow on “billionaire row” is a one bedroom vacation home that is very affordable for its location at Carbon Beach.
Top-Rated Tours in Malibu
Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour Explore Malibu from an open air bus and enjoy complimentary wine and snacks. Includes a photoshoot on the beach in Malibu.
Small Group Malibu Wine Hike Get to know a Malibu vineyard on a 2.5 mile loop guided hike. You'll get to see amazing views of the Malibu hills and cave paintings of the local Chumash people.
Scenic Malibu Electric Mountain Biking Tour Pedal along the trails of Malibu on an electric mountain bike during this adventurous excursion. Depending on whether you're a beginner or advanced rider, your guide will adjust their route and pace to your abilities.
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