The Open Road Travel

Malibu is a destination that most people think of as nothing more than a high-end beach resort. While the area certainly does have wonderful beaches, it also has plenty more to offer as well. That is why we decided to create the following list of the 15 best things to do in Malibu, California.

From historic attractions and iconic locations to stunning natural features, we will expose the very best sights and sounds that Malibu has to offer. That way, you can plan a travel itinerary that turns your next visit to Malibu from a beach trip to an all-round dream vacation.

While the area on which it sits has been settled since at least 1802, Malibu was only established as a city in 1991.

While often erroneously believed to be a part of Greater Los Angeles, it is located in Los Angeles County, where it is the 13th least populous city, with around 12,000 residents.

One of the safest areas in the county, it is well known for beautiful beaches and gated communities, both of which are often frequented by celebrities and the rich. It is also among the most famous surfing destinations on Earth and located along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway.

The city’s tagline proclaims Malibu is home to “27 miles of scenic beauty”. While it is known for its stunning natural beauty spots and coastal views, this moniker is inaccurate, as the official area of Malibu is listed at just 19.9 square miles.

The best time to visit Malibu, California, is between mid-May and mid-August.

This window will allow you to enjoy some of the warmest, driest weather the region has to offer each year, while minimising the chance you get caught in the height of California wildfire season, which peaks from late August to early November.

As we move on to our list of the 15 best things to do in Malibu, California, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Malibu is known for.

The Adamson House Museum is a stunning 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival style building that was once home to the area’s elite.

Visitors can appreciate the beautiful architecture and gardens on its exterior, before venturing inside to see its collection of period furniture and historic art and artefacts from the region.

23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265

Designed for Jean Paul Getty as his private residence, the Getty Villa is a recreation of a traditional style 1st century Italian villa. Well known for its breathtaking architecture, it has also been converted into one of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s two campuses.

It is home to a collection that includes over 44,000 artefacts, with pieces from Etruscan, Greek, and Roman civilisations that date from 6,500 BC to 400 AD. This makes it a fabulous stop for history buffs who are interested in learning about more than just the local area.

17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, 90272

Solstice Canyon is a fabulous hiking destination and one of the best things to do in Malibu away from the coast for those who like to stay active.

Various trails for differing abilities take you past sights like historic stone structures, waterfalls, and picnic spots, while you will be surrounded by vibrant wildlife throughout.

There are even designated dog walking areas, so those who want to explore Malibu with their four legged friends can do so.

3455 Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, 90265

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area sits immediately to the north of Malibu. At almost 157,000 acres, it is the largest urban park on Earth.

With flat and mountainous sections, rock formations, vibrant wildlife, breathtaking panoramic views, more than 500 miles (800 km) of hiking trails, picnic areas, and so much more, it is one of the best places to appreciate the landscape of southern California.

26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 91302

Dume Cove is Malibu’s most southern point and offers a little bit of everything the area’s iconic coastline is known for.

Most notably you have Point Dume, with its rocky, secluded cove that hides a tranquil beach and sand dunes, where you can enjoy some of the best ocean views in the area.

You then have both Big Dume Beach and Little Dume Beach. A pair of wonderful, sandy beaches backed by cliffs, the combination of powerful breaks and an isolated location make them a perfect spot for either surfing or simply relaxing on the sand.

29208 Cliffside Drive, Malibu, 90265

Malibu Pier is a historic pier erected in 1905 that reaches out into the Pacific Ocean. Those who hike to its end will get to see some of the most incredible unobscured ocean views in the region, while it is also an incredibly popular place for a peaceful spot of fishing.

For those who don’t fancy the walk, the wonderful shops and restaurants that line it provide opportunities to purchase food, drinks, and souvenirs, while enjoying a relaxing day by the sea.

23000 California Route 1, Malibu, 90265

The 110 acre scenic area known as Malibu Lagoon is among the most popular beach destinations in the U.S.

Swimmers will enjoy exploring the beautiful, protected waters of the lagoon itself, while the fabulous golden sands of the beach are a perfect place to relax in the sun and top up your tan.

Malibu Lagoon also backs onto Surfrider Beach. The world’s first “World Surfing Reserve”, this makes it an equally ideal spot for those who want a slightly more exhilarating watery experience as well.

Malibu, California, 90265

For many people, when they think of Malibu, the award winning sitcom “Two And A Half Men” is the first thing that springs to mind. While most of the show was filmed in a studio, fans will be excited to know that there are some famous locations they can visit.

The most iconic of these is the outside of Charlie’s beach house, which is actually in two places. The front of the house is found in north-east Malibu and can be easily visited. It is a private residence though, so make sure not to trespass.

The rear of the house is on Malibu Beach and is much harder to visit. Located in a gated community known as the Malibu Colony, you may have to get creative if you hope to see this one up close.

Front Of House: 2315 Live Oak Meadow Road, Malibu, 90265

Rear Of House: Malibu Beach, Malibu Colony Road, Malibu, 90265

Set in the Malibu hills, Malibu Bluffs Park is well known for its “Whale Watch” feature. An installation with a bench shaped like the tail of a whale and multiple telescopes, visitors come here in the hopes of spotting these glorious marine mammals from their lofty location.

Throw in features like a playground, picnic facilities, and sports fields, and it is among the best places to relax a little further inland when you visit Malibu.

24250 California Route 1, Malibu, 90265

 Chanel Islands National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that sits just a short boat ride off the coast of Malibu. Filled with an incredible range of unique wildlife, stunning views, and breathtaking landscapes, each of the islands has something slightly different to offer.

Boats set out each morning to the islands from the harbor in Oxnard, making this an easily accessible activity that doesn’t garner anywhere near the attention you might expect.

Channel Islands Harbor, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, 93035

A group of three beaches at the foot of some stunning cliffs, the area known as El Matador Beach has been dubbed the “best beach in America” by many.

With long stretches of soft golden sands, vibrant geological features, a collection of bars and restaurants, and ample parking, El Matador Beach gives you the chance to enjoy the beach however you want, whether you want to surf, swim, sunbathe, or simply relax.

32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265

Zuma Beach is home to a huge number of surf shops, surf schools, rental companies, and lifeguard towers, while featuring waves that are powerful but not overbearing. This makes it the perfect destination for those who want to learn how to surf.

Even if you have never tried it before, Zuma Beach has everything you need to get a crash course in surfing. From getting the right gear and instruction to feeling safe while you learn, by the end of your stay you can be hitting the waves with the best of them.

Zuma Beach, Malibu, 90265

While you may only be able to enter The Sea Cave near Sequit Point when the tide is out, it is an adventure fans of geology or pirates simply can’t afford to miss.

Venturing deep into the cliffside, the lucky few who make it inside can enjoy the unique marine wildlife that calls it home, soak in perfectly framed views of an ocean sunset, or live out your pirate fantasies while surrounded by some truly iconic rock formations.

36000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265

The Paramount Ranch is a legendary filming location just outside Malibu, in the Agoura Hills, that was used to shoot Hollywood movies, particularly westerns, for nearly a century.

An old west town and its iconic church will immediately have fans remembering scenes from their favourite westerns, while hiking trails allow you to explore the “wilder” side of the landscape.

Even if you aren’t a fan of westerns, the history and natural beauty on offer here makes it worth a visit.

2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, 91301

Pepperdine University is a legendary higher education institution and the campus and its stunning architecture will be enough to make it worth a visit for the majority of people. However, there is plenty more beyond that to be enjoyed here.

The 5,000 seat Firestone Fieldhouse indoor arena hosts both the men’s and women’s Pepperdine Waves basketball and volleyball teams, as well as events like concerts, conventions, lectures, speeches, and even the University’s graduation ceremonies.

The West Coast Conference’s 2nd oldest arena, it is a great stop to see some top level entertainment or explore a historic location.

If you enjoy sport but not basketball or volleyball, there is also a tennis center, baseball stadium, and football pitch nearby, so you are sure to get your sporting fix.

The Frederick R. Weisman Museum is a great stop for art enthusiasts. First opened in 1992, it is an art museum dedicated to Californian art by both new and established artists.

24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265

The Malibu Beach Inn is a stunning, 4-star property, located right on the legendary Malibu Beach gated community.

Boasting features like a spa and fitness centre, access to the private beach, and a beach club serving fabulous food and drinks, you can feel like a celebrity throughout your stay. Free Wi-Fi is available across the site, while private parking is also available on request.

All the rooms are spacious, designed with traditional wood furnishings, and come with balconies that provide stunning ocean views. They are also filled with luxuries like a digital entertainment centre with a flat screen cable TV, music, and games, as well as a selection of complimentary wines.

Malibu is a fabulous destination and a part of California that deserves to be known for so much more than beautiful beaches.

Our guide to the 15 best things to do in Malibu, California will hopefully have helped you to see that and plan your very own perfect travel itinerary for a dream vacation.

From when to go to where to stay and what to see, you have everything you need to start getting things booked. That way you can start looking forward to when you visit Malibu for yourself.