A Local’s Guide on What to Do in Malibu for A Day
As an LA local, Malibu is one of my favorite areas to visit. The scenery never gets old, even after living in the city for 10 years. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is 21 miles of oceanfront eye candy.
Luckily for those planning a quick day trip to Malibu, the best of it can be seen in less than 24 hours.
Staying close to the coastline lets you experience the best of what Malibu has to offer without spending too much time traveling. You can start your day with a sunrise on the beach, explore the Malibu Pier and Malibu Country Mart, and wind the day down with a sunset dinner (nothing beats a Malibu sunset).
Looking for a detailed guide on how to spend a day in Malibu from someone who has been there countless times? You’re in the right place.
Here are my recommendations for the best way to spend a day in Malibu, with location and timing in mind.
1. Morning
Zuma Beach
Start your morning in Malibu at Zuma Beach, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. An early morning walk on the sands of this western Malibu beach is an excellent way to kick off your day. It’s my favorite beach in LA (and maybe all of Southern California).
If you’re into surfing, Zuma has huge waves, and many people make a trip from LA just to surf there. The surf is also good for beginners.
There’s a lot of parking (especially in the morning), and it only costs about $3. However, there’s always the chance of snagging a free spot on the PCH.
There are two other beaches above Zuma—Leo Carrillo State Beach and El Matador State Beach—but because you only have one day, I recommend choosing Zuma. It’s the best of the three.
Breakfast at Paradise Cove
After your morning at Zuma Beach, head to Paradise Cove for breakfast, a 10-minute drive.
Paradise Cove has an indoor area themed like a beach diner. However, the main draw of Paradise Cove is the outdoor area, where you can eat with your feet in the sand.
In fact, the tables are steps away from the water – amazing!
The breakfast options have huge portions, which is necessary because the prices are relatively high. The menu has classic items like French toast and omelets that pair well with cocktails like mimosas and screwdrivers.
PRO-TIP: Parking costs $10, but only if you buy food. Otherwise, you’ll pay a small fortune.
2. Mid-Morning
Explore Hidden Beaches
Next, I recommend checking out some Malibu beaches that most people don’t know about.
Unfortunately, I discovered them 5 years into living in LA. I wish I had known about them earlier because you avoid the crowds.
When you’re driving south on the PCH, take a right on Webb Way (by Ralph’s) and then your next right onto Malibu Road. From there, you have a selection of quieter beaches compared to the more frequented spots like Zuma.
These secluded beaches are accessible via small entrances, which you should look for as you drive by. Look for the “Public Access” signs. One I always go back to is Puerco Beach.
When you find one, you have plenty of room to stretch out and find a private pocket of sand. It’s almost guaranteed to be quiet – I’ve never seen these beaches crowded, even on a beautiful Saturday.
3. Lunch & Early Afternoon
Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier is the most popular attraction in Malibu, and you notice it very clearly as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s nice to walk across, and the views are stunning, however the pier is entirely made up of two restaurants. Which means it’s the perfect place to grab lunch. These are the options:
Malibu Farm Restaurant: The coffee scene in Malibu isn’t as good as in other parts of LA, but you won’t be disappointed at Malibu Farm Restaurant. The coffee is well-made and the food is delicious, but the prices are on the higher end.
If you want a casual but refined waterfront eating experience, this is your place. Be prepared to wait; there’s usually a long line for a table.
Malibu Farm Cafe: The Cafe is much more casual. You order at the counter, and food is brought to your table. There’s more seating than at the restaurant, so you’re likely to always find a table. The tables on the top deck have fantastic views; however, look out for hungry seagulls (you’ve been warned).
Surfrider Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Park
There are two must-visit beaches next to the pier: Surfrider Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Park. After lunch, I recommend walking to both. They’re technically connected but are two different experiences.
Surfrider Beach: The quintessential Malibu beach. It’s recognized globally as a World Surfing Reserve, so you know the surfing is going to be top-notch (if the name didn’t give it away). You can either hit the waves or watch experienced surfers do their thing.
I’m not a surfer at all, but I love to go there to walk the sand and enjoy the view of the pier against the ocean.
Malibu Lagoon State Park: A more relaxed environment that feels removed from your typical Malibu scene. Because it’s a lagoon, it’s less “beachy” and has good walking trails. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is a walking trail that mixes a beach vibe with green spaces.
You can also visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum, located in the Adamson House, a stunning Spanish-style building overlooking the ocean. This museum tells about the history of Malibu and its development over the years. You can check out decorative tiles, historic photographs, and artifacts.
4. Afternoon
Malibu Country Mart & Malibu Village
Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Village are spots in downtown Malibu, about a 5-minute drive from Malibu Lagoon. Both areas show off the famous casual, laid-back Malibu vibe. They’re next door to each other, so you can spend a few hours hopping between them.
Malibu Village: The Village has a long list of shopping and dining options and a mix of fashion and beauty stores. If you’re looking for a meal or a quick snack, there are cafes and restaurants to choose from, like Marmalade and Chipotle. There are a lot of parking spaces, but they can fill up quickly. If they do, I recommend parking at the Country Mart.
Malibu Country Mart: Just a short walk from Village, this section has high-end and local boutiques. If you choose between the two, I recommend the Country Mart. It has a fancier vibe and more green spaces. There’s even a park where you can sit and eat, where I once listened to live music. There’s also an Alfred Coffee, which is always a good idea.
5. Evening
Dinner at Duke’s, Moonshadows, or Reel Inn
After spending the afternoon in the shopping complexes, the best way to end your day in Malibu is with dinner at one of the local favorites: Duke’s Malibu, Moonshadows, or Reel Inn. All three restaurants serve fresh seafood while you take in the ocean views. I recommend aiming for a sunset time slot—you’re in a prime viewing location.
Duke’s: Known for its menu inspired by Hawaiian cuisine. Throughout the restaurant are big windows that look out to the ocean, so whether indoors or outdoors, you get treated to a spectacular view. The prices are higher, but as far as Malibu goes, it’s pretty good.
Moonshadows: Moonshadows is a slightly more upscale dining experience. It’s also set on the water, including a gorgeous terrace. While the seafood is delicious, my favorite part of Moonshadows is the cocktails. The sleek bar is the perfect complement to a Malibu sunset.
Reel Inn: A casual setting, more of a beach shack than luxury. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a laid-back meal where you can order at the counter and stay for a while. They mainly offer seafood, but I’ve also tried great non-seafood options.
Reel Inn is located on the inland side of the PCH, so you need to cross the street to access the ocean. Some steps lead down to the sand directly across from the restaurant.
Malibu FAQ
1. What’s the best place for tourists to stay when visiting Malibu?
Malibu Beach Inn, a short walk from the Malibu Pier, is a 5-star hotel with stunning ocean views, making it a the best choice for those who want to stay near the beach and the top Malibu attractions.
2. What activities are available in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu?
The Santa Monica Mountains have hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, ideal for visitors looking to explore nature close to Malibu.
3. What are some top attractions in Santa Monica near Malibu?
Just a short drive from Malibu, Santa Monica has attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Pacific Palisades Park, all perfect for a day trip from Malibu.
4. What is the best park in Malibu?
Malibu Bluffs Park is the best park option in Malibu, with sweeping ocean views, walking trails, and sports facilities. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities while enjoying Malibu’s scenery.
5. What is the best state park in Malibu?
Malibu Creek State Park is the best state park in Malibu, offering hiking trails, rock climbing, and a former filming location for movies and TV shows.
6. How can visitors spend a perfect day in Malibu, from sunrise to sunset?
Start with a sunrise at Zuma Beach, enjoy breakfast at Paradise Cove, explore hidden beaches off Malibu Road, have lunch at Malibu Pier, shop at Malibu Country Mart, and end with a sunset dinner at a local favorite like Duke’s Malibu or Moonshadows.
