Coastline Malibu California Pacific Ocean things to do day trip itinerary

35 Things to Do in Malibu California, Bucket List Experiences

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Top Things to Do in Malibu California

If you are planning a trip to Malibu California and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place.  There’s a reason Malibu California is home to many celebrities.  Malibu’s cliffs are beautiful, the beaches are spectacular, and the Santa Monica Mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities. There is something for everyone in Malibu; surf, horseback ride, shop the boutiques, or go wine tasting. The cherry on top? Dolphins! Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Malibu California bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Malibu California trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Malibu is close to Los Angeles and a must-visit when in the area. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
Read Beverly Hills, the World’s Most Glamorous Zip Code

Beach Homes Malibu California Pacific Ocean things to do day trip itinerary
Malibu Beach Homes

Things to Do in and Around Malibu California

Rent a surfboard, paddleboard, or kayak from the Surf Shack and hit the water

Visit Malibu’s Hindu Temple and observe a ceremonial offering or meditate

Tour the Adamson House and walk the gardens

Walk the Malibu Pier for coastline views and grab a shake at Ruby‘s Shake Shack

Go mountain biking in the Malibu Hills

Shop the boutiques at Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Lumber Yard

Wander the 830-acre hillside campus of Pepperdine University

Take a wine hike

Check out the ancient art from Greece and Rome at the Getty Villa Museum

Go horseback riding with Malibu Riders

Paraglide over the beaches

Take a wine safari at Saddleback Ranch

Get as close as you can to the Bachelor Mansion (2351 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills)

Search out where the stars live, use this map and this site to plan your route

Surfers Malibu California Pacific Ocean things to do day trip itinerary
Surfers Malibu California

Malibu California Beaches

Watch the surfers at Surfrider Beach

Play volleyball on Zuma Beach

Check out the Leo Carrillo Beach tide pools and cave

Go Instagram crazy over the cliffs and sea stacks at El Matador Beach

Check out the homes of Billionaire’s Beach, the gate at 22126 PCH is not locked

Gaze at the homes of Malibu Colony, gather beach glass, and watch the dolphins

Pro Tip: Be sure to download the Our Malibu Beaches App for secret staircases and unlocked gates to get down to the water.

Leo Carrillo State Park Malibu California Pacific Ocean things to do day trip itinerary
Leo Carrillo State Park

Malibu California Hikes

Hike Jim Morrison’s graffiti-covered, bubble gum pink cave

Hike Solstice Canyon past mansion ruins from wildfires

Hike Escondido Falls, a 150-foot waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains

The Grotto Trail is an easy 3-mile hike leading to a grotto and waterfall

Hike to the taping location of MASH at Malibu Creek State Park

Hike at Paramount Ranch, Hollywood’s block-long western town in the hills

Walk Point Dume Natural Preserve loop for a 360° view of Malibu

Leo Carrillo State Park Surfers Malibu California Pacific Ocean things to do day trip itinerary
Leo Carrillo State Park

Malibu California Restaurants

Dukes, Gladstones, Geoffery’s, or Moonshadows for ‘as seen on TV’ experience

Malibu Farm has two locations on the pier for organic food

Neptune’s Net for a seafood shack experience of fish tacos with pineapple slaw

Malibu Seafood (red lobster sign) is the place for takeout fish and steak fries

Grab a table and eat on the sand at Paradise Cove

Malibu Kitchen is a New York Style Deli, get the meatloaf sandwich

Bring your own picnic to Malibu Wines for wine tasting and live music

The Malibu Cafe’s Nouveau Barbeque with outdoor couches and chandeliers hung from trees

Be sure to check the Malibu California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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Plan Your Trip to Malibu California

Southern California Travel Guide

Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet, or pick up a Southern California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Malibu California Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find to perfect property!

Malibu Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

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Have a great vacation!

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