Today, you’ll learn about the best things to do in Malibu.
If you find yourself visiting Los Angeles and have a few days, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not taking at least one to spend some time in Malibu.
Known for the disproportionate number of both music and film industry celebrities who live there, you’ll find that that is not coincidental.
Malibu is perhaps the most beautiful area of California.
If you grab a rental car, hop on the 10 Freeway and drive west for approximately 15 minutes through Santa Monica, you’ll merge with Route 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway.
Going north after about five minutes on your right, you’ll see a sign saying ‚Entering Malibu‘.
You’ve now begun a drive of 22 miles of what may be the most beautiful miles of California coastline.
A coastline dotted with truly amazing beaches, wonderful parks, great restaurants and bars and, simply, lots to do.
No small wonder that so many of the most “famous and beautiful” choose to live there.
Let’s take a look at just a handful of both totally natural and human kind creations along these splendid 22 miles.
1. Getty Villa
Less than 10 minutes up this amazing coastline, passing through Pacific Palisades with its magnificent homes, you’ll reach a destination on your right where you may want to allot a good amount of time exploring what is now named The Getty Villa (changed from the Getty Museum in 2006).
Originally established by John Paul Getty in 1974 on the property he owned and lived, he used it as a home for his personal holdings. He then converted it into a museum.
After nine years of renovation, the Getty reopened.
Over 1,200 artifacts are on display, most dating back to between 6,500 BC and 500 AD. There are a wide range of themes, from the Trojan War to ancient gods and goddesses.
There are a couple hundred rooms at the Villa, each one numbered and named based on its theme.
In addition the Getty Villa is home to the University of California’s Archeological and Ethnographic Conservation Program.
Perhaps the best known of the many beaches in Malibu awaits you about twenty minutes up the road.
2. Point Dume
Point Dume State Beach and Preserve provides a gorgeous expanse of sandy beach with an overhang of cliffs.
It’s a great spot to just chill out and lay in the sun.
Or you may want to fish, dive, swim or surf. Operated and run by the County of Los Angeles, there is no lack of all sorts of facilities.
Between the months of December and April, you’ve got a good shot to spot migrating California gray whales.
A trail within the Beach and Preserve brings you up a short hike that rewards you with great views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay, and, on a clear day, you can gaze out to see Catalina Island.
Not a spot you want to miss and truly one of the best things to do in Malibu.
3. Adamson House
Continuing your journey, and frequently called one of the best places to visit in California, the Adamson House is a true architectural marvel that looks out over the Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
It is often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Tile.
Built resembling Mediterranean Revival design, a few unique features make it a one-of-a-kind. Specifically the multiple ceramic tiles.
At the entrance of the home lies a “Persian rug,” spanning 60 feet and made entirely of tiles.
Custom tiles are found throughout the full interior, ranging from Art Deco to Native American and from nautical to Andalusian in theme. Even bathrooms, kitchen, floors, fountains, benches and pool are covered with them.
Let’s spend some time exploring a few of the many amazing beaches Malibu has to offer.
4. Zuma Beach
The largest and probably most visited is Zuma Beach.
With 1.8 miles of clean beachfront, 105 acres of land, a couple thousand parking spaces, beach wheelchairs, and tons of facilities, it’s a great place to head to.
Golden sands, lots of lifeguards allowing for safe swimming and surfing, volleyball nets on the beach, and fishing provide you with lots to do.
And the several restaurants, ranging from bathing suit casual to quite fancy provide you with lots to eat.
If you come in the winter, there’s a very good chance you can watch the dolphins and seals play.
5. Leo Carrillo State Park
Named for the actor who played Pancho in the movie Cisco Kid, this is a long beach spanning 1.5 miles.
Exploring the stretch of beach, if you’re not swimming, surfing, or windsurfing, you’ll find coastal caves, tide pools, backcountry trails, and campgrounds.
6. Surfrider Beach
If you’re a surfer, you need to go to Surfrider Beach.
Known as a World Surfing Reserve, the beach has three point breaks in the waves that are incredibly popular among both short and longboarders.
The first point is the most famous and a great spot for novices. The second and third breaks are ideal for shortboarding.
Right next to Surfrider Beach is Malibu Pier.
7. Malibu Pier
A fishing pier spanning 780 feet, it provides a great spot to sit or stand to watch the surfers.
If you’re there to fish, the pier is filled with well placed brackets to place rod and reel.
8. El Matador State Beach
This beach is smaller than many, but its combination of rocky outcrops, stone formations and caves create a special kind of beauty.
One of the more laidback beaches, it’s a little past Leo Carrillo State Park.
Visiting El Matador State Beach is not just one of the top things to do in Malibu, it is also mentioned in our list featuring the best beaches in California, be sure to check it out!
9. Point Mugu State Park
Still in Malibu you can travel from the small and picturesque to the vast and grand.
Point Mugu State Park, famous for its five miles of pristine coastline, comprises 40,000 acres with two canopies, multiple valleys, hiking trails spanning over 70 miles, many hills and beaches, and sand dunes.
There are places to swim and surf, and, especially in the winter months, maybe watch some migrating whales.
Point Mugu has two designated campgrounds: Sycamore Canyon and Thornhill Broome. Both accommodate either trailer or tent camping.
We’ve looked at just a handful of Malibu’s many beaches.
If you want to spend some real time on and/or in that amazingly beautiful water, check out Malibu Coastal Adventures.
10. Malibu Coastal Adventures
11. Malibu Divers
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or eager to learn, Malibu Divers is a premier destination for underwater exploration among the things to do in Malibu.
Training is offered for folks of all skill levels: rescue divers, free divers and even kids.
In addition, Malibu Divers offers a wide range of guided dive trips across the islands and reefs throughout Southern California.
12. Malibu Country Mart
Want to do some high-end shopping? Go to Malibu Country Mart.
Situated within California’s Malibu Civic Center, this expansive mart covers 6 acres and offers a variety of upscale shopping, dining, and recreational activities.
Often called the boutique mall, there are multiple buildings, created in multiple designs, including rustic, Spanish, Mediterranean and ultra-modern American architecture.
Each one is surrounded by spectacular gardens, playgrounds, sculptures, picnic spaces and eateries.
Although the area can get quite busy, it somehow doesn’t lose the typical Malibu laid back feel.
Hungry yet? Malibu has no shortage of eateries. The seafood is some of the best in California. Let’s take a look at just a few of the many.
13. Malibu Farm Restaurant and Café
Located right on the Pier is the Malibu Farm restaurant and Malibu Farm café.
The Farm restaurant is popular not only for its waterfront location, but for its pride in providing farm-to-table meals, ensuring sustainable food which is quite delicious.
14. Malibu Seafood
Opened in 1972, Malibu Seafood is owned by commercial fishers of all kinds.
Located right on the Pacific coast Highway, marked by a large, colorful billboard, Malibu Seafood provides a great ocean view while eating your great, fresh seafood dishes.
15. Neptune’s Net
Neptune’s Net has been open since 1956, without sacrificing any of its popularity.
Always a good sign.
Its front porch is colorful and always vibrant. It looks out over the turquoise water of the County Line Beach.
Its most popular offerings are its clam chowder, seafood basket, shrimp tacos and fresh lobster.
16. Geoffrey’s
Perhaps the most famous of Malibu’s restaurants is Geoffrey’s.
Opened in 1948, Geoffrey’s was a prime spot for stars and celebrities; one of the go-to places for folks like Frank Sinatra, Lana Turner, Shirley MacLaine and Marilyn Monroe.
Geoffrey’s has remained one of Malibu’s favorites. It still feels intimate with a large splash of class. If you want to dine at a table next where one of your favorite celeb’s sit, you’ve got a real chance.
So I hope this brief showcase of things to do in Malibu has convinced you that it truly deserves its reputation as one of the most charming beach towns in California.
And remember: There are a couple of ways to star gaze in Malibu. On a clear night, look up. There will be a plethora of stars looking back at you.
And, any time of day look ahead or to either side…there may well be a wholly different type of star looking at you.
If you also wanna learn about things to do in the whole LA area, be sure to check out our LA Bucket List with more than 100 places to visit!
Also, if you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:
