Introduction
When I first drove the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) into Malibu, California, I thought I’d arrive at a single destination—beach, sun, some surf. Instead, I found a place layered with surprises: rugged cliffs meeting the Pacific, hidden hiking trails through hills, serene moments watching waves crash, and a hint of luxury without losing nature’s wild side. Over the course of a long weekend, I encountered 12 experiences that captured Malibu’s dynamism—relaxed beach days and adventurous hikes, culture and calm. If you’re planning a visit (or simply dreaming), here are the 12 best and fun things to do in Malibu, CA, all things I lived, loved, and want to return to.
Let’s explore.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Malibu, CA (2025)
1. Walk the Iconic Malibu Pier & Surfrider Beach
One of the first stops was the historic Malibu Pier—built in 1905, it juts into the Pacific and offers a splendid vantage point for surfers, sunsets and the coastal breeze. According to Travel + Leisure, strolling the pier is a top thing to do in Malibu.
What I loved: Walking out on the pier, spotting dolphins or surfers, then pausing for a drink as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for golden‑hour view. Grab a bite at the pier‑restaurant if you have time.
2. Lounge or Surf at Zuma Beach
If there’s a quintessential “Malibu beach day,” it likely happens at Zuma Beach—wide, friendly, with good waves and enough space to spread out. The Planet D highlights Zuma as one of the best beaches in Malibu.
What I loved: Lying on the sand, watching kids build castles, and checking the surf scene a bit further on.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends—parking can fill up. Bring shade or umbrella for midday comfort.
See Also: 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Greensboro, NC
3. Hike to El Matador State Beach & Sea Caves
For something scenic and slightly off‑the‑beaten‑path, I hiked the steps down to El Matador State Beach—sea caves, arch rocks, tide‑pools and a wild Pacific view. It’s featured among the “must‑do” hikes in Malibu.
What I loved: The walk down the cliff, exploring tide pools, and then waiting for the sunset to light the rock arch.
Tip: Wear good shoes for the trail down. Stay until dusk for that magical light on the rocks.
4. Explore the Coastal Trails at Point Dume Nature Preserve
Another hike that gave me wide‑open perspectives was at Point Dume Nature Preserve—cliff‑top trails, sweeping ocean views and a sense of being at the edge of something big. Many locals highlight it as a scenic gem.
What I loved: Feeling the ocean wind, spotting seals or dolphins in the surf, and standing on the bluff above the pacific.
Tip: Arrive a little before sunset for fewer crowds and dramatic skies.
5. Visit the Getty Villa & Roman‑Style Gardens
Beyond the beaches, I found culture at the elegant Getty Villa—a museum modeled on a Roman country estate, housing antiquities and with well‑tended gardens. California.com lists it as a top thing to see in Malibu.
What I loved: Wandering the cloisters, admiring marble works and then sitting in a shaded garden with an ocean breeze.
Tip: Free admission (with reservation) but parking fills up quickly—book ahead.
6. Go Wine Tasting in Malibu Wine Country
Did you know Malibu also has hills full of vineyards? I discovered the region’s wine side in the hills above the coast. According to local guides, Malibu’s wine country is a surprising treat.
What I loved: A tasting flight, vineyard views with blue water in the distance, and learning that Malibu has a wine personality too.
Tip: Designate a driver or join a tour; some tasting rooms are tucked away and require a short drive from the beach.
7. Shop & Sip at Malibu Country Mart
More than just sun and surf, I found relaxed luxury in the heart of the town at Malibu Country Mart—boutiques, cafés, open‑air patios and a good place to rest between active stops. Wikipedia notes it as a popular gathering spot.
What I loved: Browsing interesting shops, grabbing a craft coffee, and being able to park easily and stroll for an hour.
Tip: If you want souvenirs or upscale finds, this is your spot. Keep an eye on parking weekends.
8. Hike the Trails at Malibu Creek State Park
For a larger nature escape inland from the ocean, I took a trip to Malibu Creek State Park—trail networks, rock formations, and even a set used in the TV show MASH*. The area is highlighted in hiking guides in Malibu.
What I loved: The shift from beach to canyon, the calmer atmosphere, the sound of creek water, and a moment away from the PCH crowds.
Tip: Pair with an earlier beach stop—start hiking mid‑afternoon when it’s quieter.
9. Visit Leo Carrillo State Park & Tide Pools
One morning I explored Leo Carrillo State Park—quiet shoreline, tide‑pools and an authentic coastal setting. Travel guides mention its charm and natural setting.
What I loved: The tide‑pools filled with sea life, the trail into the beach through trees, and a mellow start to the day.
Tip: Low tide is best for tide‑pool exploration. Bring a small water‑shoes or sturdy sandals.
10. Sunset at El Pescador or El Matador Beaches
While El Matador was already on the list, it’s worth specifically returning at sunset (or choosing its sibling, El Pescador Beach) for an unforgettable sky. One Reddit user summed it up: “El Matador for sunset.”
What I loved: Arriving just before dusk, the rock formations lit up, surfers returning to shore, the ocean glow.
Tip: Pack a small blanket and go early for a cliff‑top seat. Parking is limited so arrive before 5 pm in summer.
11. Drive Malibu Canyon Road & Coastal Highway
Sometimes the best thing to do is simply drive—the stretch of PCH and Malibu Canyon Road offers curves, ocean views, hills and glimpses into residential hillsides. A Redditor captured that feeling: “Malibu Canyon Road … a very well paved road but with heavy traffic.”
What I loved: Rolling along the coast with windows down, picking out beach accesses, stopping at overlooks.
Tip: Mid‑morning or later afternoon is best (avoid heavy tourist stopovers), and watch for scenic pull‑outs.
12. Incredible Dining & Beach‑side Cafés
No trip is complete without good food—and Malibu delivers. From seafood by the surf to beachfront cafés, I found culinary highlights. One guide mentions Gladstones as a staple since 1972.
What I loved: A crab sandwich overlooking the waves, a cocktail at sunset, a small breakfast café before hitting a hike.
Tip: Book for dinner at a beach‑front place if you want sunset views. For lunch, semi‑casual spots are easier to snag.
Final Thoughts
Malibu, California isn’t just a pretty spot on the map—it’s a destination where nature, relaxation, and a sprinkle of sophistication converge. My weekend there turned into more than just beach‑bumming—it became an experience of walking trails, watching surf, sipping local wine, exploring culture and savoring calm. The 12 stops above reflect what makes Malibu special: variety, beauty, ease and moments of discovery.
Here are a few reflections from my trip:
- Mix your pace: A morning hike, an afternoon beach, a dinner by the waves—they each bring something different.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, the coastal breeze gets cool at sunset. A light jacket helps.
- Plan for parking: Many beach spots, trails and overlooks fill early—arrive before 10 or 5 pm on weekends.
- Stay curious: Beyond the popular spots, some of the best moments happened in smaller trail turn‑offs or low‑key cafés.
- Respect nature: From tide‑pools to cliff‑bluffs, the environment is fragile. Stay on trails, pack out trash, leave the moment better than you found it.
If you’re thinking of visiting Malibu, I promise you won’t regret it. Whether you’re after surf, sun, scenery, culture or a quiet escape, Malibu has room for all those. When I drove away, I felt like I had experienced a place not just visited. I’ll be back—and I hope you will too. Safe travels and enjoy discovering Malibu.