20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Malibu, California

Malibu is a beautiful suburb of Los Angeles, located a few miles north of the city.

It has a charming beach community that is full of beautiful homes and gated communities. This place is perfect for first-time traveling women over 50 who want to get away from it all or just to explore. 

There are many things to do in Malibu that will keep you busy for days! If this sounds like your choice of an adventure, read on to find out the best and fun things you can do in Malibu, California!

Travel Tip! Book your accommodations early to get the best deals and discounts.

20 Best Things To Do in Malibu That You Can’t Miss

Malibu, without a doubt, is among the most beautiful places to go to in the US. There are breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and wonderful roads that lead to countless wineries. 

If you are curious about what to do in Malibu, we will take you through 20 things to do that we love — from surfing and swimming to shopping at the local boutiques and dining out at some of the city’s finest restaurants.

1. Explore the Majestic Malibu Beaches

Point Dume State Beach and Preserve should be on your checklist if you want to explore the majestic Malibu beaches. With the beautiful sandy beach and overhanging cliffs and headlands, you can certainly enjoy a relaxing stay under the sun!

More than a relaxing stay, you can also do other water activities at Point Dume State Beach, including:

• Fishing
• Diving and swimming
• Wildlife sightseeing
• Boating
• Surfing 

If you plan to visit the state beach between December to April, you can enjoy seeing California gray whales as they start to migrate for the season. It is a family-friendly tourist spot that also offers a hiking trail which eventually leads to the breathtaking views of Santa Monica Mountains and Bay and Catalina Island.

Head over to the Point Dume State Beach when the weather’s clearer to enjoy the mix of dunes and coastal bluff. 

Address: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

2. Tour the Adamson House

Visiting The Adamson House is perfect for first-time travelers who enjoy getting to know the history and culture of the places they go to. It’s considered one of the best locations to visit in California with its grand and elegant architecture. 

The Adamson House looks over the Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Its interiors have beautifully crafted intricate patterns, so most people refer to The Adamson House as the Taj Mahal of Tile.

This grand house was built in 1929 by the Rindges family to serve as a wedding gift for their eldest daughter. The Rindges were entrepreneurs who centered on making pottery and ceramics. Until today, their legacy lives on as the Adamson House is filled with majestic ceramic tiles inside. 

If you plan to book a tour to The Adamson House, remember that photography is not allowed inside the house. You can take photos around the garden area instead. 

Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

3. Shop at the Malibu Country Mart 

When you come to Malibu, you should not miss out on shopping and dining! Malibu Country Mart is a shopping center located outdoors at the Malibu Civic Center. You get to enjoy the beautiful sunshine as you shop in high-end brands like 7 for All Mankind, John Varvatos, or L’Occitane. 

Malibu Country Mart also offers several dining spots. Grom Malibu is the place to be when you want to eat gelatos to beat the heat. Moreover, Malibu Kitchen also has a lot of dessert treats for your sweet tooth cravings, while Taverna Tony’s Greek Restaurant lets you enjoy good food with live music and belly dancers. 

If you enjoy picnics, Malibu Country Mart is surrounded by beautiful garden areas filled with picnic spaces, eateries, and playgrounds for your kids. It’s often considered an outdoor boutique mall because of its laid-back vibe, ideal for tourists. 

Don’t worry about parking spaces when you visit because they are plentiful, and you’re sure to find a spot for your vehicle. 

Address: ​​3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

4. Wine Tasting at Malibu Family Wine

Visiting the Malibu Family wine is also a fun thing to do in Malibu. Not only does it offer delicious and unique-tasting wines, but Malibu Family Wines also offers different packages and activities. Some of these activities include:

• Yoga and Mimosas
• Sips and Giggles Comedy Night
• Movie Nights 

These activities are open between July to October. If you want to keep things light, you can always visit this place with your friends and loved ones and enjoy a glass of wine or two!

Malibu Family Wines is also a great place to visit when you want to enjoy a nice picnic with your cheese platter. It’s the perfect place to unwind and cap off the night. 

Address: 28001 Dorothy Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States

5. Try Eating at the Malibu Farm

If you are health-conscious and looking for restaurants serving healthy meals for your Malibu trip, Malibu Farm Restaurant and Cafe are the places to be. All ingredients used in their menu are locally sourced. 

For the Malibu Farm Restaurant, it takes pride in its sustainable and quality-fresh meals. Try out the restaurant’s special mimosas and open-face omelet, cauliflower pizza, and their famous unique burgers. 

However, the Malibu Farm Cafe offers counter-service only; its bestsellers are the morning burritos and classic BLTs. Both the restaurant and cafe are situated along the pier. You can always try eating here while enjoying the Malibu sunset. 

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

6. Enjoy a Day at the Getty Villa

Marvel at the beautiful ancient Greek and Roman architecture of the Getty Villa. This villa is modeled after a famous Roman country house built in the first century in Italy. Inside the Getty Villa are over 1,200 artifacts with different themes ranging from the Trojan War and different ancient Gods and Goddesses. 

This museum has several numbered rooms, each with its theme. The Getty Villa is also the home of the Archeological and Ethnographic Conservation Program of the University of California. 

Visiting the Getty villa requires advanced booking of tickets, but admission is free! You just have to pay $15 for parking when you decide to go here by car. 

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States

7. Enjoy Nature at Malibu Creek State Park

If you plan to spend your family vacation in Malibu, be sure to include Malibu Creek State Park in your itinerary. This park is a family-friendly tourist spot considered to be Santa Monica’s crowned jewel for recreation. 

You would probably be familiar with this park if you have watched Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Malibu Creek State Park is the shooting site of these famous movies.

When you visit Malibu Creek State Park, you will get to enjoy sightseeing on its beautiful campgrounds. You will certainly fall in love with nature as this park houses oak savannas, tall grass plains, thick forests, sharp mountains, and hill peaks. 

Don’t miss out on the 15-mile sycamore and oak woodland hiking trail if you want to try hiking. Enjoy the forest wildlife while you’re at it!

Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, United States

8. Satisfy Your Seafood Cravings at the Duke’s Malibu 

Experience Hawaii in the heart of Duke’s Malibu! Satisfy your seafood cravings as you indulge in well-prepared meals by the beach in this famous restaurant bar. The bestsellers are the lobster prime sirloin combo, Hula Pie, furikake ahi tuna, coconut shrimp, and other Hawaiian specialties. 

Hang out with your loved ones by the beach while sipping cocktails at the Barefoot Bar. The bar also offers different flavored cocktails and beers. 

Duke’s Malibu offers a laid-back vibe while giving tourists and locals stunning views of the Malibu ocean. Its interiors are also funky, vibrant, and colorful. 

Address: 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

9. Bring Your Dog to the Leo Carrillo State Park

Take a day out with your dogs in Leo Carrillo State Park. It’s a dog-friendly state park that offers beautiful spots for sightseeing. This state park is a 1.5-mile beach stretch and offers a wide array of activities, including:

• Beachcombing
• Swimming
• Windsurfing
• Surfing 

When you visit the state park, you will get to find coastal caves, backcountry hiking trails, beautiful campgrounds, and tide pools. The Leo Carrillo State Park is relatively in a secluded area, so if you are looking for a spot to relax and take a breather, don’t miss out on this tourist spot. 

Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

10. Watch the Waves at the Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier is the perfect vacation spot for anglers! It’s a fishing pier sitting next to Surfrider Beach that spans almost 780 feet. If you just want to lounge around and watch surfers brave the waves, this is the place to be. The vibe is cheerful and vibrant; it’s also filled with brackets if you wish to go fishing. 

You can also enjoy the Malibu view while eating at restaurants along the pier, including Malibu Farm Restaurant and Cafe. 

Address: 23000 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

11. Surf at Surfrider Beach 

If you want to surf or have family members surfing, check out Surfrider Beach, otherwise called the “World Surfing Reserve.”  The beach shows off three different point breaks popular among short boarders and longboarders.

A great spot for expert surfers is its first point, and it’s usually the most populated area of the beach. The beach’s second and third points are used for short boarding. 

If surfing is not something you’re looking forward to, you can always lay your beach mat on the sand and enjoy the view of the Malibu sun and surfers braving the Malibu waves. 

Address: Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

12. Enjoy the Ocean View at Malibu Seafood 

Trying out their local seafood is a must when visiting Malibu, and Malibu Seafood is the perfect place. The owners of this place are commercial fishers and have been open since 1972. It is found on the Pacific Coast Highway with a large and vibrant signboard that’s too unique not to notice.

Eating at Malibu Seafood offers an outstanding view of the ocean with delicious seafood meals. Among the popular dishes here are fish chips, ceviche, fish tacos, and clam chowder. They also serve ice cream for desserts. 

If you do not plan to stay and eat, you can always check out the fish market part of this restaurant. This place sells homemade coleslaw, shellfish, and fillets; they also sell spices, cookbooks, and kitchen tools. 

Address: 25653 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

13. Relive Your Favorite Movie Moments at the Neptune’s Net

Another amazing place for delicious Malibu meals is Neptune’s Net. They have been open since 1956 with a colorful and vibrant front porch that looks over the County Line Beach. This place has two versions:

• Restaurant side, which serves fried food and different beverage selections
• Seafood side which offers live seafood and draft beer

Some of their bestsellers are clam chowder, shrimp tacos, fresh lobster, and seafood baskets. It’s also a screen favorite as Neptune’s Net has been featured in many movies and television shows, including Gilmore Girls, Point Break, and Gossip Girl!

Address: 42505 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

14. Relax at the Zuma Beach

If you just want a day at the beach to relax and take a dip in the Malibu waters, visit the local favorite, Zuma Beach. It’s along the East Pacific Coast Highway and is considered to be the biggest beach in Malibu.

Zuma Beach is a 1.8 mile beachfront with different facilities, including beach wheelchairs and countless parking spaces. It also offers different activities when you plan to visit this place for a full day. 

You can enjoy relaxing and sunbathing while lounging on the golden sand, or you can also dip in the ocean and try out surfing. If you are a volleyball fan, there are nets and ideal volleyball spots. And if you want to fish, all you have to do is show a fishing permit, and you’re good to go. 

This place also has a wide selection of eateries ranging from casual to fancy dining if you get hungry. 

During the winter season, you can experience watching seals and dolphins. You can also enjoy ridge hiking above the beach for the entire year-round. 

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

15. Check Out the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe 

If you want your privacy as you explore Malibu, Paradise Cove Beach Cafe offers a private beach and cove. It’s one of the popular beaches in Malibu, and you’re allowed to bring alcoholic beverages when you book at this place. 

However, you have to prepare an expensive $40 parking fee when you plan to go here, or you can dine at the cafe for at least $30. That way, you only need to pay $6 for parking. 

If you get hungry, try out the beach cafe that offers tasty meals. Fresh lobster, carrot cake waffles, french toast, and double cheese omelets are tourist favorites. 

Address: 28128 Pch, Malibu 90263

16. Book Nobu Ryokan Malibu 

Nobu Ryokan Malibu is a contemporary Japanese-style hotel with a modern masterpiece of luxury rooms and private terraces. This hotel consists of 16 rooms and features teak soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, tranquil outdoor patios, and beautiful art pieces that have stood the test of time. 

You get to experience serenity and tranquility when you visit this place, as it also overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget that you will also get to enjoy luxurious amenities bringing you high-class comfort and indulgence. 

Aside from the elegant hotel featuring Japanese architecture, food is also something you should not miss out on. Experience Japan at a whole new level even when you’re in Malibu with mouthwatering Japanese dishes prepared by Nobu Matsuhisa, the iron chef himself, and Gregorio Stephenson.

Address: 22752 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu 90265

17. Have a Fun Adventure at Circle X Ranch 

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, visit Circle X Ranch, mile-long, and it will not disappoint. It was previously a boy scouts camp before it became open to people looking for a fun adventure to do in Malibu.

The most famous spot in Circle X Ranch is Sandstone Peak, the highest peak along Santa Monica Mountain Range. A sunny day in Circle X Ranch allows you to enjoy breathtaking sights of the Channel Islands, Mount Baldy, Anacapa, and Santa Cruz Island.

You should also not miss out on the majestic nature and wildlife when you take a tour of this hiking spot. If you just want to relax, the ranch is always open for picnics and camping.

Address: 12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

18. Splurge on World-Class Dining at Moonshadows

If you are prepared to splurge on world-class dining, check out Moonshadows. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal, a romantic dinner, or a quick bite in the sun, Moonshadows will provide all that you need. It’s right in the center of Malibu, and it offers luxurious cuisine while allowing you to appreciate the beautiful ocean views. 

The specialty of this place is seafood, ranging from iced oysters on half shells, surf and turf skewers, Southern California bouillabaisse, to miso-glazed escolar. 

You can always lounge in the outdoor dining area while watching the sunset and enjoying a night out with your loved one. 

Address: 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu 90265-5428

19. Explore Point Mugu State Park 

Situated in Santa Monica Mountains is Point Mugu State Park, mile-long, which lets you enjoy the Malibu beach and its grand nature in one destination. 

Point Mugu State Park contains canopies, valleys, hills, beaches, hiking trails, and dunes. It’s also popular for the five-mile coastline and coastal areas which you can explore. This state park also offers other areas in which you can surf and swim. During winter, you can also enjoy watching whales migrating. 

If you plan to stay here for more than a day, check out its available campgrounds, which you can use for tent camping or trailer camping. These campgrounds are Sycamore Canyon and Thornhill Broome. 

Address: 9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

20. Tour the Escondido Falls 

Appreciate the beauty of Malibu with the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains, Escondido Falls. The two-tiered Escondido Falls has a total height of 150 feet that gushes down onto beautiful limestone rocks.

If you plan to take a tour of these majestic waterfalls, remember that drought may dry up the Escondido water during the dry months in California. It’s recommended to visit the falls during colder months so you’d get to appreciate this beauty. 

Address: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

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Plan Your Next Trip to Malibu

Malibu surely has all the must-see and must-do attractions right at your fingertips. There are great beaches, celebrities, great shopping, and most importantly, natural parks that you can explore anywhere you want.

If you have chosen Malibu as your first destination, we hope we have helped you with the best things to do in Malibu. What are you waiting for? Make a plan today!

And Don’t Forget!

• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan on walking around or hiking.
• Stay healthy. Pack your best activewear and stay on top of your daily workout!
• Take care of your skin with only the best skincare products.
• Need a new luggage, backpack, or travel bag? Here’s our top recommendation!
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