Malibu, California, USA
Are you also planning to travel to a destination where you are cruising down the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly to your left? Moreover, golden beaches attract you at every turn, and the Santa Monica Mountains rise majestically to your right. Well, this is not the destination of your dreams; it’s Malibu in California, where surf culture is booming, and every sunset feels like a movie scene. With 21 miles of pristine coastline, sea caves carved into dramatic cliffs, and celebrity favourite beach clubs, this destination is everyone’s dream. So, read our Malibu travel guide to plan your holiday effortlessly.
Hotels in Malibu
Finding the perfect hotel for your Malibu trip offers options from boutique luxury to laid-back beach vibes. The Surfrider Malibu stands directly opposite Surfrider Beach with exclusive rooftop decks and wetsuit rentals. For ultimate luxury, Malibu Beach Inn delivers 47 ocean-view rooms with private terraces. Calamigos Ranch Resort and Spa sits on 200 acres, offering horseback riding and wine tastings.
Hotel June Malibu features mid-century bungalows with artistic history, like Bob Dylan wrote “Blood on the Tracks” here. If you are a budget traveler traveling to Malibu, then you should explore Hampton Inn & Suites Agoura Hills, which is just 14 miles inland with complimentary breakfast and parking.
Flights To Malibu
Getting to Malibu is easier than you might think, with several airport options to fit your travel style. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is your primary getaway, located just 27 miles southeast of Malibu. It will take around 45 minutes to drive without traffic. You can expect a longer time during the rush hours. LAX offers the widest range of domestic and international flights with major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest providing frequent service. You can easily find round-trip flights from major US cities starting around $120-$150 if you book 28 days in advance. Or you can directly call Travelpodium for the best airfare on flights to Malibu.
For a more relaxed arrival experience, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) sits 40 miles northeast and features shorter security lines and easier navigation. While primarily handling domestic flights, it’s perfect if you prefer avoiding LAX’s crowds.
Places To Eat in Malibu
Here are the following Malibu attractions which you should save for your trip so that you can witness the beauty to the fullest.
1. Geoffrey's
Overlooking the breathtaking Pacific from cliffs once frequented by Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, Geoffrey's serves California-style international cuisine with waterfalls and Mediterranean atmosphere. Their seafood paella and steamed Maine lobster are signature dishes worth every penny.
2. Spruzzo
This hidden Italian treasure has been family-owned for over 30 years, serving classic pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood on their scenic outdoor patio. It's the perfect balance of casual and delicious.
3. The Sunset Restaurant
Sitting right on Zuma Beach in a historical bungalow, The Sunset features simple, stylish decor with stunning ocean views. Their wild New Zealand salmon and Wagyu beef burger showcase classic Californian cuisine with creative twists.
4. Sabor A Malibu
Authentic Mexican flavors at budget-friendly prices make this a local favorite. Their Malibu Burger, half-pound beef, bacon, avocado, and veggies—is a crowd-pleaser that won't break the bank.
5. Ollo
This contemporary California cuisine spot attracts locals with health-conscious Buddha bowls and indulgent eggs Benedict. It's the ideal mid-day stop when you need fuel between beach sessions.
Places to Visit in Malibu
1. Malibu Pier
A Southern California landmark since 1905, this iconic pier with signature white towers offers front-row seats to world-class surfing. Grab breakfast at Malibu Farm Cafe at the pier's end for breathtaking ocean views.
2. Adamson House
This 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece features the most comprehensive collection of Malibu Potteries tiles influenced by Egyptian, Moorish, Mayan, and Saracen cultures. The 45-minute docent-led tours reveal stunning views of Malibu Pier.
3. Zuma Beach
This vast, wide sandy beach is where locals go for peaceful swimming and sunbathing. Perfect for families seeking ultimate relaxation, it's less crowded than some of Malibu's more famous spots.
4. Malibu Wine Country
Several vineyards tucked into the mountains offer tastings with spectacular views—and you might spot zebras or other exotic animals grazing nearby at properties like Saddlerock Ranch.
5. Point Dume State Beach
Dramatic cliffside overlooks, beach access, and hiking trails reward you with whale-watching opportunities during migration season from December through April. The views are absolutely spectacular.
6. Leo Carrillo State Park
Amazing sea caves and tide pools let you spot crabs, starfish, and anemones at low tide. The rock arches make for fantastic exploration and photography opportunities.
7. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
A birdwatcher's paradise where you can see nesting snowy plovers, whimbrels, Allen's hummingbirds, and brown pelicans. Adjacent to Surfrider Beach, you can watch world-class surfing action when waves are up.
Contact Travelpodium to design your customized Malibu itinerary that includes all these incredible attractions and more!
Your Malibu Vacation Is a Few Clicks Away
Ready to experience the magic of Malibu? Your California coastal adventure awaits, from world-class surfing and sea cave exploration to sunset dining and celebrity-favorite beaches. Start planning your unforgettable Malibu escape today! Call Travelpodium now and book your flights to Malibu along with well-curated itineraries just for you.
Things to Do in Malibu

Catch Waves at Surfrider Beach
Your Malibu trip starts where California surf culture was born. Surfrider Beach is the perfect Malibu attraction for surf lessons, even if you have never torched a surfboard. Seeing people surfing here feels like you are witnessing poetry in motion. The beach is also known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class waves.

Explore El Matador State Beach
Dramatic coastal beauty awaits, with sea caves, towering rock formations, and natural arches that photographers dream about. The steep staircase down requires effort, but it will be worth it when you witness the golden hour, which is breathtaking.

Visit the Getty Villa
This is a recreation of a Roman country house which showcases 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan treasures dating back to 6,500 BC. The entry fees are free with timed entry tickets, and the outdoor theater performances under the stars are unforgettable.

Hike Escondido Falls Trail
It is a challenging four-mile trek through canyons that rewards you with stunning 150-foot waterfalls. The large rock pools at the base make for a refreshing swim after your climb through oak, sycamore, and willow trees.

Experience Saddlerock Ranch
Book a guided hike through this 1,100-acre vineyard where you will encounter llamas, alpacas, view ancient Chumash cave paintings, and enjoy wine tastings mid-hike. Ready to experience Malibu’s magic? Call Travelpodium today to craft your perfect California coastal getaway!
Highlights from Our Blog
Quick Answers to Common Questions
September-October offers fewer crowds, pleasant weather perfect for hiking, and better hotel deals, while summer brings perfect beach weather but more visitors.
Malibu is approximately 30-40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive depending on traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Yes, a car is essential as Malibu stretches 21 miles along the coast with limited public transportation, and most attractions, beaches, and restaurants require driving.
Absolutely! Beaches like Zuma, Paradise Cove, and Malibu Lagoon offer excellent swimming conditions, though always check for any posted warnings about currents or water quality.
Definitely! You can hit top beaches, hike Escondido Falls, visit the Getty Villa, dine at oceanfront restaurants, and catch a stunning sunset all in one amazing day.











