20 Things To Do In Malibu

Malibu is well known as the home of some of the best beaches and surfing spots in the United States. A hub of celebrities, socialites and casual tourists, it is a great relaxing vacation destination. However, most people know very little about Malibu beyond beaches and surfing.

Those interested in sightseeing or more activities usually head to nearby Los Angeles instead, which is a shame, as Malibu has a great deal to offer. Start with these 20 things to do in Malibu and you’ll soon discover there’s more to the area than sand, sea, sun and surf.

Malibu

20 Things To Do In Malibu

1- Embrace History At Adamson House Museum

Adamson House is a beautiful beach house that was erected in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

With its façade beautifully decorated with tiles, its interiors filled with classic furniture, and both surrounded by stunning gardens, the house has been converted into a museum, where visitors can see and appreciate the historical styles of the area with their own eyes.

Adamson House Museum is at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

2- Explore The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Located immediately to the north of Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the world. Covering nearly 157,000 acres, it is filled with over 500 miles of hiking trails.

With flat and mountainous sections, stunning rock formations, abundant wildlife, vibrant coastal chaparral, beautiful panoramic views, and idyllic picnic areas, the Santa Monica National Recreation Area is the perfect place to explore and enjoy the Californian landscape.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 91302.

3- Soak In The Sights At Point Dume

Point Dume is a secluded cove and the southernmost point in Malibu.

The rocky cove protects a beautiful beach and sand dunes, which are hidden away from the masses and boast an incredibly tranquil atmosphere.

With the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Chanel Islands available from its bluff viewpoints, Point Dume is an equally perfect destination for people looking to take in stunning views or enjoy a relaxing day laying on the sand.

For an adventure, try a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced instructor.

Point Dume is at Cliffside Drive & Birdview Avenue, Malibu, 90265.

4- Take A Stroll Out On Malibu Pier

Erected around 1905, the Malibu Pier is one of the most iconic locations in Malibu.

Stretching out into the Pacific Ocean, it is home to a small yet beautiful collection of shops and restaurants.

Visitors can take a stroll along its length to pick up some seaside staples before sitting back and relaxing with a drink or meal while taking in the stunning views or doing a spot of people-watching.

The pier is even a popular spot for recreational fishing due to the significantly reduced water disturbances from being further from the shore.

Malibu Pier is at 23000 California Route 1, Malibu, 90265.

5- Go Swimming In Malibu Lagoon

The Malibu Lagoon is a 110-acre scenic area with one of the most popular beaches in the United States.

Everyone from tourists to celebrities come to relax on its golden sands, away from the more crowded beaches found in LA.

The lagoon itself is the perfect option for people hoping to swim in the sea without worrying about the powerful currents in unprotected areas of the ocean.

Meanwhile, the area outside the lagoon is a popular surfing spot known as Surfrider Beach, the first designated “World Surfing Reserve” on Earth.

Malibu Lagoon is in Malibu, California, 90265. Book Private Surf Lessons in Malibu here or try Stand up Paddle Boarding.

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6- Spot Some Whales At Malibu Bluffs Park

Malibu Bluffs Park is a beautiful community park in the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

With sports fields and a playground, it is a fabulous place for families to spend a relaxing day out, enjoying the fresh air and fabulous views.

However, the most popular feature is the “Whale Watch” installation.

With a bench in the shape of a whale’s tale and several telescopes, it gives visitors a great place to look out to sea and try to spot some of the region’s iconic marine wildlife.

Malibu Bluffs Park is at 24250 California Route 1, Malibu, 90265.

7- Spend An Afternoon Relaxing On Little Dume Beach

Little Dume Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach backed by towering cliffs that create a truly secluded atmosphere.

It is one of the best spots in the region for surfing due to the powerful breaks in the area, yet is much less well-known than options like Surfrider Beach.

This makes it the perfect option for those wanting to spend a day on the waves without being surrounded by mobs of people.

Little Dume Beach is at 29208 Cliffside Drive, Malibu, 90265. Looking for a surfing lesson? Check this out.

8- Uncover The Hidden Treasures Of The Sea Cave

The Sea Cave is a picturesque, secluded opening in the Malibu cliffside, located just off Sequit Point.

While difficult to find and only accessible when the tide is out, it is more than worth a visit when you get the opportunity.

The deep cave carves its way from the ocean, filled with marine wildlife and scenery usually reserved for adventure movies.

Whether you want to go on an adventure or take in a unique view of the California sunset, there are few better places to do so than right here.

The Sea Cave is at 36000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

9- Set Sail To Channel Islands National Park

Located just off the coast of Malibu, Chanel Islands National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers some of the most wonderful views and landscapes you will find anywhere in California.

There are countless species of unique birds, rare animals like the island fox, island fence lizard, island night lizard, deer mouse, spotted skunk, and vibrant plant life and waters filled with wonders.

With regular boats departing from nearby Oxnard, the Chanel Islands are the perfect destination for anyone seeking a true Californian adventure.

Channel Islands National Park is at Channel Islands Harbor, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, 93035.

10- Discover The Natural Beauty Of Escondido Falls

Located deep within the Escondido Canyon, Escondido Falls is a stunning waterfall, split into both upper and lower sections.

Visitors will hike through the canyon, along a popular trail, while crossing creeks and experiencing the true Malibu landscape, before being greeted by one of the most stunning natural features in the area.

Escondido Falls is on Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, 90265.

11- Visit To “Charlie’s House” From Two And A Half Men

Despite the majority of the iconic sitcom Two And A Half Men being set in Malibu, it was largely filmed on a sound stage in a Los Angeles studio.

However, the outside of Charlie’s Malibu beach house is authentic and is located in Malibu.

In fact, it is located in two places.

The front of the house is located on a residential road in northeastern Malibu.

Fans of the show can take a drive to see this famed location for themselves.

However, it is a private home, so make sure to be respectful and don’t trespass.

The iconic rear of the house is a little harder to view, as it is located on Malibu Beach in the Malibu Colony gated community.

That said, those who gain admission will not only see one of the show’s most iconic locations but may also spot any A-list celebrities who live in the colony.

Front Of House: 2315 Live Oak Meadow Road, Malibu, 90265.
Rear Of House: Malibu Beach, Malibu Colony Road, Malibu, 90265.

12- Enjoy The “Best Beach In America”

El Matador Beach is a collection of three medium-sized beaches at the base of some of Malibu’s famous cliffs.

With its combination of long, sprawling sections of golden sand and stunning geological features, El Matador Beach often ranks among the best beaches in the United States.

While this means it can sometimes get a little crowded, there are plenty of quiet times, as well as amenities like bars and parking.

This makes it a destination worth checking out for any beach lovers wanting to experience the best Malibu offers.

El Matador Beach is at 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

13- Hit The Waves Off At Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach is the perfect destination for those who have never tried surfing or are inexperienced yet want to participate in Malibu’s favourite pastime.

With surf shops in the vicinity to rent or purchase gear from, lifeguard towers to keep you safe, strong yet not overpowering currents, and even a fabulous beach to relax on when you’re done, Zuma Beach truly is an aspiring surfer’s dream.

Zuma Beach, Malibu, 90265. Book your Private Surf Lessons in Malibu online before you go.

14- Hike Through Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon is a sprawling inland canyon filled with numerous walking trails, with options for both gentle strolls and more strenuous hikes.

With the remains of old stone structures, a waterfall, picnic areas, vibrant wildlife, and dog walking areas, it is a perfect opportunity to explore the Malibu landscape away from the waterfront.

Solstice Canyon is at 3455 Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, 90265.

15- Have A Cultural Experience At The Getty Villa

Located just on the eastern outskirts of Malibu, the Getty Villa is a stunning mansion designed in the style of a 1st-century Italian villa.

The former home of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty, it is one of the two campuses of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

In addition to its stunning architecture, visitors will be treated to more than 44,000 artefacts covering Greek, Roman, and Etruscan civilisations between 6,500 BC and 400 AD, making for a truly historic experience.

The Getty Villa is at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, 90272. Journey Back in Time at The Getty Villa by booking your tickets here.

16- Treat Yourself To A Meal At Moonshadows Malibu

Moonshadows Malibu is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Malibu.

Known for serving modern American cuisine and a range of handcrafted drinks, guests can sit on the tiki-themed patio and enjoy dining and drinking while soaking in the stunning ocean views.

Moonshadows Malibu is at 20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

17- Visit The Iconic Paramount Ranch

Located near Malibou Lake in the Agoura Hills, the Paramount Ranch is an iconic site used as a shooting location in various Hollywood films for almost 100 years.

Visitors will discover an old west town, complete with locations such as its famed church, surrounded by stunning hiking trails.

Whether you hope to see a location from one of your favourite films or enjoy the Californian countryside, the Paramount Ranch is a great place to do so.

Paramount Ranch is at 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, 91301.

18- Attend An Event At The Firestone Fieldhouse

The Firestone Fieldhouse is a 5,000-seater indoor arena on the grounds of the famed Pepperdine University.

Its primary usage is as the home venue for the men’s and women’s Pepperdine Waves basketball and volleyball teams.

As, by far, the most popular sporting teams in Malibu, this makes the Firestone Fieldhouse the perfect place for sports fans to get their fill of competitive action during their visit.

It is also the second-oldest arena in the West Coast Conference, adding a historic edge to the experience.

For those who aren’t interested in sports, the arena even hosts everything from concerts and conventions to lectures and ceremonies, so it is definitely worth checking what is on while you are in town.

Firestone Fieldhouse is at 24225 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

19- Appreciate Californian Art At The Frederick R. Weisman Museum

The Frederick R. Weisman Museum is an art museum located on the grounds of Pepperdine University.

Established in 1992, it specialises in Californian art by both renowned and lesser-known artists.

It is a perfect opportunity for art fans to come and see some of the best works from the area and appreciate the styles native to the region.

Frederick R. Weisman Museum is at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265.

20- Cheer On The Athletes Competing At Pepperdine University

While Pepperdine University’s basketball and volleyball teams are undoubtedly their crown jewels, the university also has a number of outdoor sporting venues as well.

With a baseball stadium, football pitch, and tennis centre, sports fans can spend a day cheering on the young athletes as they hone their skills while soaking in the beautiful rays from the Californian sun.

Eddy D. Field Baseball Stadium, Tari Frahm Rokus Field, & Ralphs – Straus Tennis Center: Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265. 

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