Things to Do in Malibu

While its beaches are a primary draw, Malibu offers many activities extending far beyond the shoreline. The community's character is defined by its ability to offer both relaxation and adventure. Its landscape, which includes rugged mountains, deep canyons, and pristine beaches, provides a setting for a variety of pursuits, from serene nature walks to vibrant cultural experiences.

This guide will explore specific things to do in Malibu, highlighting the unique features and local details that make each activity a distinct part of the Malibu experience.

The Malibu Pier is an iconic landmark and a central point for coastal activities. The historic wooden pier, which dates back to the early 20th century, provides a scenic spot for strolling, fishing, and enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. Its classic structure and location next to Surfrider Beach make it a focal point of the Malibu coastline.

The pier is home to several restaurants offering classic seaside dishes and a vintage Malibu dining atmosphere, providing a place to dine with an ocean view. For those interested in fishing, bait and tackle are available for rent, and no license is required for fishing directly off the pier. Surfrider Beach is adjacent to the pier, a renowned surfing spot with a famous three-point break that attracts surfers worldwide.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which forms a dramatic backdrop to Malibu, offers a wealth of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. These trails allow one to explore a diverse landscape of coastal canyons, oak woodlands, and chaparral, with many routes offering panoramic ocean views.

One of the most popular trails is in Solstice Canyon, which features the ruins of the historic Tropical Terrace house, designed by architect Paul Revere Williams. The trail also leads to a perennial waterfall, providing a tranquil destination within a forested environment. For a more challenging hike, the trail to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a strenuous climb with breathtaking 360-degree views.

The Getty Villa is an architectural and cultural landmark that serves as a museum and educational center dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The villa itself is a meticulous recreation of a first-century Roman country house, providing an immersive and historically accurate setting for its collection.

The museum houses a collection of over 44,000 antiquities, including marble sculptures, ancient frescoes, and Greek vases. Visitors can stroll through four different gardens landscaped in the style of ancient Roman gardens, complete with fountains, statues, and exotic plants. The villa provides a serene and beautiful environment for learning about classical history and art.

Malibu is home to several public beaches, each with its own unique character. Zuma Beach is one of the area's largest and most popular beaches, with a vast stretch of soft sand and a large parking lot. It is a destination for swimming, body surfing, and beach volleyball, and it has many amenities, including food stands and lifeguard towers.

El Matador State Beach, in contrast, offers a more rugged and dramatic landscape. The beach is known for its sea-carved rock formations, caves, and towering bluffs. Visitors can descend a staircase from the top of the cliff to reach the sand. This beach is a favorite for photographers and those seeking a more secluded and picturesque coastal experience. The dramatic scenery and geological arches provide a unique backdrop for a day by the ocean.

The waters off the coast of Malibu are a migratory path for whales, providing an opportunity for seasonal whale watching tours. These boat trips offer a chance to observe marine wildlife up close in their natural habitat, creating a memorable experience on the Pacific.

Whale-watching tours often depart from the Malibu Pier, with experienced captains and crew who guide passengers to prime viewing areas. During migration seasons, gray whales and other marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds can be seen. These tours provide a different perspective of the coastline and an appreciation for the region's rich marine ecosystem. The tours also offer an opportunity for deep-sea fishing and other coastal excursions.

While Napa Valley is the state's most famous wine region, Malibu has its own vineyards and tasting rooms offering a unique wine experience. The Santa Monica Mountains' climate and soil provide a suitable environment for growing grapes, and local wineries produce a variety of vintages that reflect the region's specific terroir.

Rosenthal Estate's Malibu Estate Tasting Room is a notable destination. Guests can sample a selection of Rosenthal and Surfrider wines on a garden patio with views of the ocean. The tasting room also often hosts local food trucks, allowing wine to be paired with savory bites. This combination of local wine, scenic views, and casual dining creates a relaxed and sophisticated experience.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach, located where Malibu Creek meets the ocean, is a unique natural area that provides a habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. This is a destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers who want to explore a different coastal environment.

The park features a nature trail that winds through the wetlands, allowing visitors to observe the local ecosystem. The lagoon also underwent a major restoration project to restore the native riparian habitat. The park is home to the Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum, a National Historic Landmark, which offers a look into the area's history.

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