What to do in Malibu

Quick Scoop

Malibu is best for a mix of beach time, scenic hikes, and relaxed dining with ocean views. The biggest crowd-pleasers are Zuma Beach, Point Dume, Surfrider Beach, Solstice Canyon, the Getty Villa, and Malibu Pier.

Best things to do

  • Hit the beaches. Zuma Beach is a classic for a full beach day, while Point Dume and El Matador are better for dramatic views and photos.
    • [2][5]
  • Go hiking. Solstice Canyon, Escondido Falls, and Malibu Creek State Park are popular if you want ocean-to- mountains scenery.
    • [3][1][2]
  • Visit the Getty Villa. It’s one of Malibu’s standout cultural stops, with ancient art, gardens, and Pacific views.
    • [1][3]
  • Stroll Malibu Pier. It’s a simple, very Malibu experience, especially for views, coffee, and people-watching.
    • [9][2]
  • Try surf or waterside activities. Surfrider Beach is iconic for surfing, and nearby spots also support kayaking, tidepooling, and whale- watching.
    • [5][7][2]
  • Eat with a view. Malibu has beachside dining and well-known stops like Nobu Malibu and Malibu Farm near the pier area.
    • [3][9]

Easy day plan

  1. Morning: beach walk at Zuma or Point Dume.
    2. [5]
  2. Midday: hike Solstice Canyon or Malibu Creek State Park.
    3. [2][1][3]
  3. Afternoon: Getty Villa or Malibu Pier.
    4. [9][1]
  4. Evening: sunset dinner by the water.
    5. [3][9]

Best pick by vibe

[5] [2][5] [1][2][3] [1][3] [9]
VibeBest choice
Relaxing beach dayZuma Beach
Scenic photosEl Matador or Point Dume
Outdoor adventureSolstice Canyon or Malibu Creek State Park
Culture and historyGetty Villa
Low-key classic MalibuMalibu Pier
If you want, I can turn this into a **1-day itinerary** , **family-friendly plan** , or **cheap things to do in Malibu**.