30 things to do in Malibu, the beach town where time flows elegantly!
Hello, this is REI from the SoCalization Marketing Department. Malibu is a city in Los Angeles County that is a mix of laid-back tourist spots and high-end luxury spots. It has a calm atmosphere even in the Southern California area, and is known as a place where Hollywood stars and billionaires who value privacy are located, as it is about an hour away from Los Angeles.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like overseas travel is still a long way off, but some of you may be starting to make travel plans for this year. Just thinking, "I want to go to XXXX once the coronavirus is over!" can make you feel excited, can't it?
So, we've put together this travel guide of 30 things to do in Malibu, California.
Once travel restrictions are lifted, be sure to visit Malibu and enjoy a luxurious stay!
For those who want to feel nature first
1. Point Dume State Beach: Enjoy a variety of water sports
Operated and maintained by Los Angeles County, the beach has all the amenities and offers a variety of activities, including fishing, diving, swimming and surfing.
The Point Dume State Beach hiking trail is a short but beautiful hike that offers views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island, and near the top there is a beautiful lookout point and a path that leads to a lesser known, isolated beach.
And from December to April, you can even see the migration of California gray whales! Whale watching is something you should experience at least once in your life, so why not try it in Malibu?
2. How about playing volleyball at Zuma Beach, a popular beach in Malibu?
Zuma Beach, the city's largest and most popular beach, is known for its great waves and golden sand, making it the perfect place to spend the day enjoying a variety of recreational and fun activities, including volleyball, sandcastle building, swimming, surfing and fishing.
There are also a variety of excellent restaurants nearby where you can enjoy delicious food after a day of fun.
3. Enjoy the tranquil coastline at Leo Carrillo State Park
Photo: @triprink
Leo Carillo State Beach is famous for swimming, beachcombing, surfing, and windsurfing.
The park offers interactive exhibits and several trails to keep visitors entertained, and is a less crowded, quieter option than Zuma Beach.
4. Malibu Pier is famous in Malibu.
A famous tourist attraction, Malibu Pier is a 780-foot long fishing pier built in 1905. It is the center of surf culture in California, also known as the "American Riviera."
Of course, you can go fishing or surfing, but it's also nice to stroll around the area and just gaze at the magnificent panoramic view of the blue ocean.
Be sure to also watch the sunset from the pier.
5. Solstice Canyon, a popular hike in the Santa Monica Mountains
Solstice Canyon is a unique historic site located in the Santa Monica Mountains.
It's surrounded by tall, gorgeous waterfalls and can be reached on the popular Solstice Canyon Loop, a three-mile hike.
Alternatively, the interior of Solstice Canyon can be reached via a further rigorous six-mile trek, offering a fun challenge for hiking enthusiasts.
Solstice Canyon has a variety of trails to choose from depending on your level, making it a great place for beginners and experts alike.
Be sure to visit this scenic coastal canyon and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views.
6. El Matador State Beach: A great place to watch the sunrise or sunset
El Matador State Beach is a small, little-known, hidden gem located in a more laid-back part of Malibu Beach, just past Leo Carrillo State Park.
There aren't many facilities and no lifeguards, but it's very beautiful and the combination of rock formations, rock formations and caves creates a lot to see.
We recommend going there to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is known to be a popular spot for photography lovers, so if you want to take some spectacular photos of nature to post on Instagram, be sure to visit!
7. How about camping at Point Mugu State Park?
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains , Point Mugu State Park features five miles of coastline.
The park covers an area of over 14,000 acres and is home to pristine beaches, rocky mountains, sand dunes, flourishing valleys and enormous canyons, perfect for exploring.
Coyotes, raccoons, skunks, reptiles, birds, fish and more live here, and if you're lucky you might even spot whales and dolphins just offshore.
There are two campsites for camping and trailers in the park, where you can enjoy camping in a beautiful environment overlooking the blue ocean and rolling hills. If you want to camp in the great outdoors of Malibu, you should definitely go to Point Mugu State Park!
8. Go on an underwater adventure with Malibu Divers
Malibu Divers is a one-stop shop for divers in the Malibu area, offering a wide range of dive training for all skill levels, even beginners.
We offer a variety of experiences, from guided dive trips to nine of Southern California's most famous islands and reefs to chartering for unique underwater adventures, and many of our tours include meals, hotel accommodations and transportation.
You can also purchase a variety of items in store, including dive gear, guides, and logbooks.
9. Whale watching in Malibu
Whales migrate along the Malibu Coast each year, mainly between February and April, and you can easily spot them while walking along the beach or pier.
In addition to whales, you can easily see sea lions, seals, and dolphins, so be sure to try and spot them.
The best place to see whales is Point Dume , as mentioned earlier.
10. Nicholas Canyon Beach, popular with surfers
Nicholas Canyon Beach is often called "Point Zero" among surfing enthusiasts, but it's also a great place to just hang out.
With its idyllic scenery, it is loved by locals as a place where you can enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving and beachcombing.
Though not as well-known as other parts of the city, Nicholas Canyon Beach is a popular spot with food stalls and lifeguards on duty in the summer.
It also has modern amenities such as showers, toilets, seating areas and picnic tables.
Beach weddings are also a famous part of American culture, and Nicholas Canyon Beach is one of the beaches chosen by those who want to have an intimate beachside wedding.
11. Take a tour with Malibu Coastal Adventures
Run by U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain Dave Ogle and his licensed team, Malibu Coastal Adventures specializes in designing and executing customized water adventures for guests, offering unique options for each group's personalized Malibu experience.
You can join various tours such as fishing trips, surfing lessons, boat trips, scuba diving, paddle board lessons, coastal cruises, and even whale watching. If you want to do something authentic when you go to Malibu, but don't know what to do, joining a local tour is one option.
For those who want to experience Malibu's art and culture
12. See an incredible art collection at the Getty Villa
Opened in 1974, Getty Villa is a museum that displays the art collection of the Gettys.
The villa was once the home of Paul Getty, one of the world's richest men, and was designed to resemble an Italian villa from around the 1st century.
Currently housing over 1,200 artifacts, most of which date from 6,500 BC to 500 AD, themes range from the Trojan War to ancient gods and goddesses. Outside, a beautiful English ivy and rose garden dotted with majestic Roman statues will make for some photogenic art that will stay with you forever.
Please note that to visit this museum you must reserve tickets in advance (tickets are free).
13. Adamson House, a popular Malibu destination
Built in 1929, the mansion is a historic property that sits on 13,000 acres covering the city of San Antonio and the area previously occupied by Hispanic settlers.
Adamson House was built by Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey, who ran a pottery company, as a wedding gift for their eldest daughter. Their pottery company created ceramic tiles with various motifs, inspired by various cultures and muses, and each one was gorgeous and magnificent. Unfortunately, their pottery company was destroyed by fire in 1932 and closed, but it is still a very popular tourist spot as a building that highlights their craftsmanship.
Some of the tiles they manufacture have been installed in the Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles City Hall, and even the Mayan Theatre.
The Adamson House was built to resemble a Mediterranean Revival design, but has some unique features that are unique to the Linge family, particularly the extensive use of ceramic tile.
If you're in California and want to see this family masterpiece in its entirety, you should visit the Adamson House.
14. Malibu Hindu Temple
Despite its name, the Malibu Hindu Temple is not actually located in the city, but in nearby Calabasas, California, in the Santa Monica Mountains.
For those interested in different cultures, this Hindu temple is one of the must-see tourist spots, provided you don't mind traveling out of town.
Of course, it is a temple so please remember to be respectful of the surroundings.
The temple kitchen also offers delicious vegetarian meals.
15. Check out California art at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum!
The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, located at the wealthy private school Pepperdine University, was founded in 1992 and exhibits historical and contemporary art by famous artists from across the country, with a particular focus on California art.
Of course, visiting famous art museums is great, but there's something very exciting about seeing local art in smaller museums.
16. If you want to enjoy shopping, head to Malibu Country Mart!
Malibu is known for being home to many wealthy celebrities and business people, many of whom probably get their groceries at Malibu Country Mart . Located inside the Malibu Civic Center in California, the mart is a six-acre destination that offers upscale shopping, dining and entertainment options.
In addition to luxury brands such as L'Occitane, All Mankind, and John Varvatos, there are also local products on display, so you can choose souvenirs from a wide range of options.
At Malibu Country Mart you can get groceries, fix your car, buy a gown, dine on fine dining, check out the galleries and get pampered, all in one place.
17. Nati Boutique: Where Malibu fashionistas buy their clothes!
Nati Boutique is known as a popular destination for fashionable people visiting Malibu. As voted "Best Women's Malibu Boutique" by Malibu Choice magazine for three consecutive years, it is a very popular store where you can buy comfortable and affordable clothing and accessories.
The store stocks a variety of wardrobe staples and transitional pieces handpicked by owner Anat "Nati" Winston, so whether you're looking for a bohemian ensemble or a cool evening outfit, Nati Boutique has the perfect outfit.
18. The Roberts House
The Roberts House, named for Commissioners Fred and Florence Roberts, who built it in 1952, has been featured in Architectural Digest for its grandeur and Polynesian design. In 1982, a fire nearly destroyed the historic structure, and all that remains are the bomb shelter, bathtub, four fireplaces, studio, and foundation of the home.
In 1988, thanks to real estate developer Bill Dempsey, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy took possession of the ruins, where they remain to this day.
For those who enjoy a bit of melancholic history, a trip to Roberts House may be one of the best things to do in Malibu.
For those who want to enjoy Malibu's gourmet food
19. I want to eat food made with locally grown ingredients at Malibu Farm!
If you're looking to enjoy healthy meals made with locally sourced and hearty ingredients , Malibu Farm is the place to go. It's a cafe and restaurant that serves sustainable ingredients and fresh, high-quality food.
Farm Restaurant is popular not only for its waterfront location, but also for its farm-to-table meals, which use many ingredients sourced from California. Farm Cafe , on the other hand, is counter service only, but has the same sustainable concept. They are famous for their breakfast burritos, or BLTs, which you can casually grab while walking along the pier.
This Malibu Farm Restaurant is also opening in Japan for the first time at Riviera Zushi Marina , so if you want to experience the Malibu atmosphere in Japan, be sure to check it out.
20. If you want fresh seafood, head to Malibu Seafood
Opened in 1972 and run by commercial fishermen of all stripes, Malibu Seafood serves up delicious, fresh seafood and fish, and is so popular that there's a small line most days. Located on Pacific Coast Highway, you can enjoy a delicious meal while looking out over the ocean.
Popular dishes there include fish and chips, clam chowder, ceviche, and fish tacos, and they also offer ice cream sandwiches for after-meal snacks.
The restaurant is also a fish market, selling homemade coleslaw, fish fillets and shellfish, as well as a wide selection of cookbooks, spices, kitchen utensils and pastes.
21. Savor Japanese-Western fusion cuisine at Nobu Malibu
Nobu Malibu , a famous seafood restaurant that is often seen on celebrities' social media, is also located along Pacific Coast Highway and is in a prime location towering over a beautiful beach.
It serves mouthwatering Japanese-California fusion cuisine, with dishes like sashimi tacos, rock shrimp tempura, and wagyu beef combining California ingredients with a Japanese twist.
22. Neptune's Net, a restaurant often used as a filming location for Hollywood movies
Neptune's Net has been serving fresh seafood since 1956, overlooking the beautiful ocean and County Line Beach. Neptune's Net's most famous dishes include clam chowder, seafood basket, shrimp tacos, and fresh lobster. Neptune's Net is a California representative restaurant where you can experience the essence of California seafood cuisine.
This cool looking restaurant has also been used as a filming location for many famous movies, including " Losin' It ", " Point Break ", " The Fast and the Furious ", " The Hills ", " Gossip Girl ", " People Like Us ", " Iron Man 3 " and even " GTA 5 ". Why not have your photo taken pretending to be your favourite movie actor?
23. Jefferies, the store beloved by great men
First opened in 1948 , GEOFFREY'S is a favorite restaurant of the stars and celebrities, one of the few haunts to have been visited by such greats as Lana Turner, Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine and Marilyn Monroe.
Today, Jeffrey's is known as a chic California eatery for fine dining and special occasions and remains one of the finest restaurants the city has to offer.
The outdoor terrace offers beautiful ocean views, while the indoor dining room exudes elegance and sophistication.
The most popular dish here is the ahi tuna tartare, served with tobiko caviar, ginger, avocado, green onion, and wonton crisps. You might enjoy your meal even more if you imagine that you are eating at the same restaurant where Marilyn Monroe ate.
24. Hawaii in California?! Hawaiian cuisine at Duke's Malibu
Duke's Malibu is named after Duke Kahanamoku, a Native Hawaiian water dweller and Olympic swimmer famous for surfing and swimming, who is said to have helped popularize surfing not only in California but throughout the United States and the world.
Not only can you see the ocean, but the interior is also full of things to see, with surfboards, funky colours and a fun, lively style.
Popular with tourists and locals alike, it has a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, with the veranda offering a more romantic feel.
Popular menu items at Duke's include Hawaiian-inspired specials like ahi tuna furikake, coconut shrimp, and hula pie.
We offer a delicious and enticing menu of beers, tropical cocktails and speciality foods.
25. Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn for an extraordinary view
Carbon Beach, also known as "Billionaire's Beach," is the most luxurious beach area in Malibu. Malibu Beach Inn , located there, is the most luxurious hotel in Malibu, overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean.
A private beach, private balcony, soundproof rooms, meeting rooms, a gym and other amenities are available to ensure a comfortable and rewarding stay.
How about spending your day waking up to the soothing sounds of the ocean in the morning and watching the coast illuminated by the setting sun at the end of the day?
Actually, wine is famous! For those who want to drink delicious wine
26. Malibu Wine Safari: Drink wine while playing with animals
Malibu Wine Safari is a unique California experience where you can explore 1,000 acres of vineyards and encounter a variety of exotic animals that live on the property.
You can also feed the animals food provided by the facility, such as bananas, carrots, and pellets.
Enjoy a local wine tasting while saying hello to giraffes, alpacas, zebras and bison!
27. Malibu Wine Hike - Hike through an estate
Malibu Wine Hike offers a scenic hiking tour of Saddlerock Ranch Estate.
Located in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains, the estate boasts over 1,000 acres of land, vineyards, horse pastures, agriculture and wildlife.
The vineyards produce two labels (Semler and Saddlerock) and offer wines ranging from crisp Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling Rose to rich Merlot and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon.
28. Lots of events happening at Malibu Family Wines!
Malibu Family Wines not only offers delicious drinks, but also great events.
In the evenings from July to October, they hold movie nights and comedy nights, as well as yoga and mimosa programs.
A movie night with everyone drinking wine sounds like a lot of fun!
29. Rosenthal Estate Tasting Room on the Malibu coast
Located just across from the beach in Malibu, California , Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate Tasting Room is a place where you can enjoy Rosenthal and Surfrider wines in a casual atmosphere. There are food trucks on weekends, and you are free to bring your own food and picnics, so you can enjoy wine and a picnic while enjoying the ocean view. Romantic!!
30. Malibu Rocky Oaks
This is one of Malibu's top tourist spots, where you can enjoy wine from award-winning vineyards.
The secret to the wine's deliciousness is that it is grown on steep slopes at 2,000 feet above sea level, providing excellent drainage and sunshine, perfectly meeting the ripening conditions for delicious wine. New local government regulations mean that buildings cannot be built on such sites in Malibu, and the vineyards, estate, and style of wine at Malibrook Oaks will never be replicated.
It is a very luxurious-looking winery and is also used as a filming location for the original American version of the hugely popular fiance-hunting reality show, Bachelorette, which is currently a hot topic in Japan.
At SoCalization, we offer Malibu wines so you can feel like you're in Malibu even while in Japan!
summary
What did you think? There are so many places to visit in Malibu! Please use this as a reference when planning your next trip.
It may still be difficult to travel abroad at the moment, but I think many people are enjoying the feeling of traveling by eating delicious food and drinking alcohol at home. Please try our Malibu wine.