Explore the Beauty of Malibu, California
Driving north up Pacific Coast Highway, you will know you have left Los Angeles behind when you spot the sign that says ‘Welcome to Malibu, 21 miles of scenic beauty.’ It’s those dramatic coastline views, along with blissful beaches and glamorous hotspots, that make Malibu a must-visit destination.
Malibu is broadly divided into three large sections along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Western, Central, and Eastern. Much of it is residential, full of multi-million dollar beach homes and the occasional shopping center on the ‘landside’ (anything not on the beach). For visitors, there are four Malibu neighborhoods worth exploring for the day, or longer.
Carbon Beach (Eastern Malibu)
If you only have a few hours to spend in Malibu, Carbon Beach in Eastern Malibu is the place to go. For starters, it’s the closest to Los Angeles and Santa Monica, and it’s where most of the fun-in-the-sun action happens.
The Carbon Beach area features the Instagrammable Malibu Pier and its popular Malibu Farm café. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards next to the Pier or, if you’re an advanced surfer, catch a few waves at Surfrider Beach next door. For a less crowded beach day, find one of two coastal access gates amongst the expensive houses along PCH and set up on the sand amongst the residents of the so-called Billionaire’s Beach.
Malibu Country Mart, the unofficial city center, is situated in Eastern Malibu as well. With its trendy stores and celebrity-frequented restaurants, it can be a bit of a tourist trap, especially on weekends in the summer. However, locals come here too, many to visit beloved sandwich shop John’s Garden. Despite the flashiness, the unofficial dress code is jeans and flip-flops, or Uggs when the cooler weather hits.
Up the road is Malibu Colony, one of the richest – and very private – neighborhoods in Malibu, along with Pepperdine University, which extends inland slightly into Malibu Canyon. For visitors, the best place to head in the area is Malibu Bluffs Park opposite Pepperdine, an ideal spot for picnicking and playing against a vast Pacific Ocean backdrop.
Spending the night in Malibu? You’ll find the best hotels are in Eastern Malibu near the Pier — The Surfrider (popular amongst surfers), Malibu Beach Inn (great for families), and the ultra-exclusive Nobu Ryokan from chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert DeNiro, where making a reservation is as difficult as finding free parking along PCH.
Point Dume (Central Malibu)
Exploring Malibu’s natural wonders is best done from the Point Dume area. You can start the day hiking the Point Dume Nature Preserve, a moderate, wide-open trail with ocean views at every turn, which will also take you down to the beach. However, if you’re just looking for a relaxing beach day, you can bring your own beach gear to Westward Beach and grab food from The Sunset Restaurant, or opt for a full-service beach club experience at Paradise Cove Beach Café.
Since Point Dume is mostly a residential area filled with families, it’s not Malibu’s prime spot for nightlife. But south of the point is Geoffrey’s, an elegant oceanside restaurant with panoramic views from its outdoor terrace. Go for brunch when you can soak up the sun and ocean breeze, or at sunset when the restaurant’s fire pits turn on, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
Airbnb and other home rental sites frequently have listings in the Point Dume area, almost all with ocean views. Additionally, Hotel June, a remodeled roadside motel, has recently reopened along PCH. Part of the boutique hotel chain Proper Hotels, Hotel June offers petite, artsy bungalows outfitted with modern conveniences and private patios, making it an ideal spot for a short stay.
Zuma (Western Malibu)
There’s no better place to enjoy a beach day in Malibu than Zuma Beach in Western Malibu. With nearly two miles of sand, surf, beach volleyball, picnic tables, and food stands, you won’t have to leave until after the sun sets. Just bring an umbrella for shade during the day and a sweatshirt for warmth at night.
If you seek a little more solitude, you can walk down the bluffs off PCH to El Matador Beach. The beach itself is small compared to others in Malibu, but there are little pockets of sand to spread out on. If you arrive early, you might be able to secure one of the perches in the bluffs that overlook the giant rock formations near the ocean’s edge.
Similar to Point Dume, there’s not much nightlife in Zuma, though the Trancas Country Market has various dining options along with clothing boutiques and small goods shops. It’s also where you can pick up groceries and everyday essentials.
For some cinematic history paired with delicious seafood, ride up PCH to Neptune’s Net, located near the county line (on the other side lies Ventura County). The seafood restaurant and occasional biker bar first opened in 1956 and has been featured in popular films like Point Break and The Fast and the Furious.
There aren’t many proper hotels on this end of Malibu, which is why home rentals are usually a logical choice for overnight stays. However, the Malibu Country Inn is one good option, located just inland from Zuma Beach and featuring an outdoor pool.
Malibu Wine Country
Deep in the Santa Monica Mountains, about 20-30 minutes from PCH, lies Malibu Wine Country, an unofficial term for the handful of wine-growing operations that surround the border of Malibu and Agoura Hills. Much of the area was burned in the Wolsey Fire of 2018, but businesses are starting to reopen again, offering a unique glimpse into Malibu beyond its stunning beaches.
Reaching The Barn at Cielo Winery way up in the mountains is not easy, but once you’re there, you might question if you’re even in California anymore. The 30-acre estate was designed to resemble a house in Tuscany and offers panoramic views of the Malibu Hills. The Barn serves as the vineyard’s outdoor wine-tasting ‘room,’ where guests can enjoy wine-tasting flights, charcuterie, and pizzas. Occasionally, the vineyard hosts other experiences such as yoga and sound healing. Note that children are not permitted.
If you’re with a group of friends, consider visiting The Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch, offering casual dishes and modern cocktails served outdoors alongside lawn games like giant chess and cornhole. With all the photo opportunities and perfectly dressed visitors, you might feel as if you’re navigating through a live stream of Instagram posts — it’s good fun and family-friendly too.
Calamigos Ranch is also a small resort featuring 51 rooms, with options ranging from private cottages to larger suites, all equipped with private patios. Guests staying at the ranch have access to the Calamigos Beach Club down at the bottom of Solstice Canyon Road at PCH.
