Malibu, California Travel Guide
City Coastal city in California, USA
Pacific Coast Highway curves into Malibu for surfers at Zuma, the Getty Villa, and beachfront shacks serving grilled fish. Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains yield quieter views above the coast.
58°F
Why Visit Malibu, California? #
A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway explains Malibu’s appeal: surf culture, coastal trails and long sandy beaches define the place. Surfrider Beach and Malibu Pier attract surfers and sunset watchers, while hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains and seafood along the shore add outdoor variety. The town’s relaxed luxury and oceanfront vineyards make it both a natural retreat and a celebrity‑tinged escape.
Best Things to Do in Malibu, California
All Attractions ›
.jpg?width=600)
Malibu, California Bucket List
- Malibu Pier - Historic pier with fishing, restaurants, and surfers riding nearby Point Dume breaks.
- Getty Villa - Art-filled museum set in a Roman-style villa exhibiting ancient Mediterranean antiquities.
- Zuma Beach - Broad sandy beach featuring strong surf, lifeguards, and wide parking access.
- Point Dume State Beach - Coastal headland with sea-cliff trails, tidepools, and spectacular sunset viewpoints.
- El Matador State Beach - Sea caves and rock formations creating intimate coves favored by photographers.
- Solstice Canyon - Shaded canyon with easy hikes, a small waterfall, and Hollywood history ruins.
- Malibu Wine Safaris - Vineyard tours featuring local wines, animal encounters, and panoramic ranch views.
- Santa Monica & Venice - Oceanfront piers, bikeable boardwalks, street performers, and varied dining options nearby.
- Santa Barbara - Mediterranean-style city with beaches, wineries, and historic mission about one-hour drive.
Best Time to Visit Malibu, California #
Late spring through early fall is the nicest time in Malibu for warm sun, surfing, and coastal hikes while evenings stay mild. Winters are milder but wetter and windier.
Best Time to Visit Malibu, California #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Malibu, California
Malibu is a coastal city west of Los Angeles without its own airport or rail station; most visitors arrive via LAX and continue by car. Traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway can be heavy-plan travel windows carefully.
Los Angeles International (LAX): Malibu has no commercial airport; fly into LAX then drive or take a rideshare along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Drive time varies with traffic-typically 40-90 minutes-and rideshare/taxi fares often range $50-$120 depending on time and demand.
Burbank (BUR) / Long Beach (LGB): Smaller LA-area airports are options but transfers to Malibu are usually longer and less direct than from LAX. Expect similar rideshare/taxi pricing and 1-2 hour travel times depending on traffic patterns.
Train: There is no direct passenger rail service to Malibu; the nearest Amtrak/Metrolink stations are in Van Nuys, Burbank or Santa Monica (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops in some nearby cities). From those stations you need a bus, rideshare or rental car-total travel time can be 1-2 hours.
Bus: Metro and local bus routes serve parts of Malibu (e.g., Metro 534, 534/534X variants and local transit), but coverage is limited and services can be infrequent. Expect multi-step journeys and allow extra time for transfers.
How to Get Around Malibu, California #
Malibu is car-centric - a car makes getting around far easier than public transit. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the main artery; parking is available but can be scarce on busy weekends and at beach access points. Limited bus service connects Malibu with Los Angeles and nearby communities; expect rideshare and taxis for short hops. Cycling and walking work well along the beachfront and pier areas for short distances.
Where to Stay in Malibu, California #
- Malibu Beach Inn (off-season deals) - Small beachfront boutique with deals
- Small motels & inns - Limited affordable private rooms
- Malibu Beach Inn - Oceanfront boutique hotel
- Nobu Ryokan Malibu - Minimalist luxury with ocean views
- Nobu Ryokan Malibu - High-end coastal boutique
- Luxury oceanfront villas & inns - Exclusive beachfront accommodations
Where to Eat in Malibu, California #
- Nobu Malibu - Upscale Japanese-Peruvian sushi with ocean views.
- Malibu Farm Pier Cafe - Farm-to-table breakfasts and salads on Malibu Pier.
- Geoffrey's Malibu - Oceanfront classic California dining, romantic sunsets.
- Duke's Malibu - Hawaiian-inspired seafood in a relaxed beachfront setting.
- Malibu Farm Restaurant - Seasonal vegetables, simple coastal plates and smoothies.
- Nobu Malibu (bar seating) - Sushi-focused bar with striking ocean vistas.
- Geoffrey's Oceanside Terrace - Terrace tables ideal for sunset dinners and drinks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Malibu, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Malibu, California #
Malibu’s nightlife is low-key and centred on upscale restaurants, beach bars and sunset dining rather than clubs. Evenings are best spent at oceanfront eateries or wine bars with coastal views; late-night options are limited.
- Nobu Malibu - High-end oceanfront restaurant popular for evening dining and sunsets.
- Geoffrey's Malibu - Well-known seaside restaurant with views, dinners and relaxed nighttime atmosphere.
Shopping in Malibu, California #
Shopping in Malibu leans toward boutique and lifestyle stores rather than big malls. Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Village host clothing boutiques, home goods and select local brands, plus cafés for a relaxed shopping stroll. For major retail or discount shopping you’ll need to travel to larger Los Angeles districts.
- Malibu Country Mart - Upscale outdoor shopping plaza with boutiques, cafés and family-friendly events.
- Malibu Village - Small collection of shops and restaurants near central Malibu shopping district.
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)