Explore the best things to do in Malibu, CA including world-famous beaches, scenic hikes, oceanfront restaurants, Pacific Coast Highway views, hidden gems, and unforgettable coastal experiences near the 805 region.
Malibu is one of the most unforgettable coastal destinations in Southern California, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Santa Monica Mountains to create some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. Located just south of Ventura County, Malibu is an easy coastal getaway for visitors from the 805 region of California looking for a memorable day trip, weekend escape, or California beach adventure.
What makes Malibu special is that the experience begins before you even arrive. The drive along Pacific Coast Highway offers dramatic ocean views, cliffside scenery, hidden beaches, and plenty of reasons to slow down and explore. From famous beaches and hiking trails to oceanfront restaurants and historic landmarks, Malibu offers a mix of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and classic California coastal culture.
Whether you are planning a Malibu day trip, searching for the best beaches in Malibu CA, looking for hiking near Malibu, or exploring Southern California coastal attractions, this guide highlights the places worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Spend the Day at Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of the best beaches in Malibu for visitors who want the classic California beach experience. With a wide sandy shoreline, beautiful ocean views, and plenty of room to relax, it is a favorite stop for families, surfers, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy a full beach day.
Unlike some of Malibu’s smaller beaches, Zuma feels open and spacious. It is a great place to walk along the shoreline, watch surfers, enjoy a picnic, or stay for one of the area’s incredible sunsets.
Why Zuma Beach is worth visiting:
- Large sandy beach with easy access
- Great for swimming and relaxing
- Popular surfing location
- Beautiful sunset views
- Family-friendly atmosphere
2. Discover El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Malibu and one of the stops that truly captures the beauty of the California coastline.
The short walk down to the beach opens up to dramatic cliffs, sea caves, large rock formations, and unforgettable Pacific Ocean views. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the sunlight creates incredible colors across the water.
Things to do at El Matador Beach:
- Explore coastal rock formations
- Walk along the shoreline
- Take scenic photos
- Watch the sunset
- Enjoy a quiet beach experience
Parking can fill quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is usually the best way to enjoy this Malibu hidden gem.
3. Hike Malibu Creek State Park
Many visitors think of Malibu only for beaches, but the inland landscapes are just as impressive. Malibu Creek State Park offers a completely different side of the area with oak trees, mountain scenery, hiking trails, and peaceful natural surroundings.
The park is one of the best places for hiking near Malibu and provides a great option when you want to step away from the coastline.
Popular activities include:
- Hiking
- Nature photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Picnicking
- Exploring scenic trails
4. Visit Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the coast and a great place to experience the city’s laid-back beach culture.
Walking along the pier gives you views of surfers below, the Santa Monica Mountains behind you, and the Pacific Ocean stretching into the distance. It is a simple stop, but it captures the feeling that makes Malibu famous.
Things to do near Malibu Pier:
- Watch surfers at Surfrider Beach
- Take ocean photos
- Enjoy a coastal walk
- Relax by the water
- Experience Malibu’s surf culture
Malibu Pier (Photo by Gabe on Unsplash)
5. Explore the Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is one of the most unique cultural attractions near Malibu. Designed around an ancient Roman villa, this museum offers impressive architecture, gardens, art collections, and beautiful views overlooking the coastline.
Highlights include:
- Ancient Greek and Roman artwork
- Beautiful gardens
- Mediterranean-inspired architecture
- Ocean views
- A memorable cultural experience
6. Enjoy Malibu Wine Tasting
Beyond the coastline, Malibu is also known for scenic vineyards tucked into the surrounding hills. A Malibu wine tasting experience offers a slower-paced way to enjoy the area with mountain views, outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Malibu wine tasting experiences often include:
- Vineyard views
- Local wines
- Outdoor spaces
- Scenic drives
- Relaxing afternoons
7. Take a Drive Along Pacific Coast Highway
In Malibu, the drive itself is part of the adventure. Pacific Coast Highway is one of California’s most iconic scenic routes, offering ocean views, coastal cliffs, and some of the most memorable scenery in Southern California.
Best reasons to explore PCH through Malibu:
- Incredible coastal views
- Beach access points
- Scenic overlooks
- Photography opportunities
- Classic California road trip experience
8. Explore Point Dume
Point Dume is one of Malibu’s most impressive natural landmarks, offering dramatic cliffs, walking trails, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Things to do at Point Dume:
- Walk scenic trails
- Watch for whales during migration seasons
- Take photos
- Enjoy ocean views
- Watch the sunset
9. Enjoy Malibu Oceanfront Restaurants
Dining in Malibu is about more than the food — the setting is part of the experience. Oceanfront restaurants, sunset patios, and coastal views create a dining atmosphere that feels uniquely California.
Popular Malibu dining experiences:
- Oceanfront views
- Sunset dinners
- Fresh seafood
- California cuisine
10. Watch Surfers at Surfrider Beach
Surfrider Beach represents the heart of Malibu’s surf culture. Located next to Malibu Pier, this legendary beach is a great place to watch surfers, enjoy the scenery, and experience one of California’s most famous surf locations.
Overview of beach from Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, CA
11. Visit Adamson House Museum
The Adamson House offers a look into Malibu’s history and architectural heritage. Located near the beach, this historic home features beautiful design details, gardens, and a connection to the early development of Malibu.
12. Explore Santa Monica Mountains Hiking Trails
The Santa Monica Mountains surrounding Malibu offer some of the best hiking opportunities in the region. From easy walks to more challenging trails, visitors can experience mountain views, wildlife, and peaceful natural scenery.
- Solstice Canyon
- Malibu Creek State Park
- Backbone Trail
13. Watch a Malibu Sunset
Few places capture the California sunset experience quite like Malibu. The combination of ocean, cliffs, and mountains creates incredible evening views.
- El Matador State Beach
- Point Dume
- Malibu Pier
- Coastal overlooks along PCH
14. Find Malibu’s Hidden Gems
While Malibu’s famous attractions get most of the attention, some of the best experiences come from exploring beyond the main stops.
- Quiet beaches
- Scenic overlooks
- Less crowded trails
- Coastal viewpoints
- Local discoveries
15. Plan a Malibu Day Trip From the 805 Region
For visitors from Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County, Malibu is one of the best coastal day trips in Southern California.
- Morning beach visit
- Coastal hike
- Lunch with an ocean view
- Scenic drive along PCH
- Sunset by the water
Why Malibu Should Be on Your California Travel List
Malibu offers the best of California’s coastal lifestyle in one destination. From iconic beaches and scenic hiking trails to oceanfront dining and unforgettable views, it delivers the experiences people imagine when they think of Southern California.
For travelers exploring the 805 region of California, Malibu is a nearby escape that feels like a true vacation — a place where the journey, the scenery, and the memories are all part of the experience.