Malibu

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Top 10 attractions in Malibu

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CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtown
Surfing in Los Angeles
No. 7 of Activities in United States

Surfing in Los Angeles

5.4
United States · Malibu
Universal Studios Hollywood
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Hollywood

10
4.8/5
8.3k reviews
Explore iconic movie scenes, join immersive photo activities, enjoy upgraded tours, and indulge in themed food and collectibles. Explore Hollywood's grand movie street scenes and discover behind-the-scenes insights into film production. Explore the magical world of Harry Potter and discover the mysterious Hogwarts Castle Step into the Super Mario™ world on Super Nintendo and get ready for Mario Kart™. Experience thrilling roller coasters and realistic movie scenesLos Angeles · 41.2 km from Malibu
Santa Monica State Beach
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Santa Monica State Beach

7
4.6/5
589 reviews
Santa Monica State Beachis located on the western coast of Los Angeles, United States, and is a classic seaside vacation attraction that combines natural scenery, a relaxing atmosphere, and historical and cultural features. Stepping onto this coast, the first things that catch your eye are the stretches of golden sand, the wide and gentle coastline, and the endless Pacific Ocean. With waves gently lapping the shore and the sea breeze blowing, visitors can stroll or relax on the soft sand, soaking up the unique sunshine and laid-back vibe of Southern California. Strolling along the wooden pier, you can feel a strong sense of retro seaside charm. You can often encounter live performances by street artists on the pier, where music, laughter, and the sound of waves intertwine, adding a lively and free artistic atmosphere to the pier. Whether you are strolling on the beach, cycling along the ocean, or soaking up the lively atmosphere on the pier, you can experience typical California coastal culture.Santa Monica · 25.7 km from Malibu
The Getty
No. 5 of Night Attractions in California

The Getty

7.5
4.7/5
550 reviews
The Getty is perched on the hills of Brentwood and was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The complex was designed by architect Richard Meier and features large areas of white travertine as its facade material. Visitors must take a cable car from the parking lot at the foot of the hill to the hilltop campus, where they can overlook the Los Angeles cityscape along the way. The museum's collection focuses on European art from before the 20th century, covering various categories such as paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts, while also possessing a photography collection that spans from the 1830s to the present. The museum also houses a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as well as authentic works by European masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries, covering important art movements such as the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and French Neoclassicism. The decorative arts gallery displays furniture, tapestries, and glassware from different periods in Europe. Central Garden is another major highlight of The Getty. The garden organizes space from an artist's perspective, with a stream cascading from a height, passing through the shade of London plane trees, and flowing into a sunken plaza. In the center of the plaza is an azalea maze, surrounded by large plant sculptures with steel frames adorned with bougainvillea. The garden is planted with hundreds of species of plants, among which one can also see the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles.Los Angeles · 28.8 km from Malibu
Point Dume

Point Dume

3.6
Malibu · 3.7 km from downtown
Malibu Pier

Malibu Pier

3.6
5.0/5
1 reviews
In MalibuPier you can see a lot of people fishing, shopping, dining, people can also sit on the benches and watch the sea.Malibu · 9.6 km from downtown
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

3.5
Los Angeles · 8.5 km from Malibu
El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach

3.5
5.0/5
4 reviews
ElMatador Beach is a great place to take pictures. There are not many people here, and there are strange reefs, beaches, or lonely branches around the sea. It's a great place to go out and breathe on weekends.Malibu · 8.8 km from downtown
Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park

3.3
Malibu Mountain Creek State Park is located in Southern California, USA. It covers a large area. There are volcanic lava more than 20 million years ago, so it forms a peculiar landscape and attracts countless tourists and filmmakers. The park has a tide pool, a rock climbing wall and a large expansive campground. So swim, picnic, rock climb, bike and camp here.Los Angeles · 9.2 km from Malibu

Experiences you can't miss in Malibu

Featured Day tours in Malibu

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Deluxe Private Tour of Los Angeles
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4.4/5
· 39 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAU$1,422.71
Malibu: Point Dume Climbing Class with Guide and Gear
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Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$162.01AU$170.54
Santa Monica: Malibu Celebrity Homes & Beaches Tour
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4.6/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$52.59AU$55.36
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus
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4.8/5
· 2.2k reviews· 66 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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94.8% of travelers recommend
FromAU$55.49
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
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4.4/5
· 243 reviews· 121 booked
Duration: 135 mins
English
Free cancellation
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27 consecutive positive reviews
FromAU$60.83
Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Open Air Van Tour
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4.5/5
· 110 reviews· 34 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$41.27
Hollywood Open Bus Tours
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4.6/5
· 847 reviews· 23 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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90.7% of travelers recommend
FromAU$55.49

Featured Cultural experiences in Malibu

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2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour
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4.4/5
· 293 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$55.49
Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
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4.3/5
· 556 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$55.49
Hollywood Stars Tour: Walk of Fame, Celebrity Homes, Sunset Strip
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4.3/5
· 334 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$49.80
Dolby Theatre Admission Ticket and Tour
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4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 30 mins
English
FromAU$37.57

Featured Food & drink in Malibu

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Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$126.91AU$133.59
Los Angeles Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions
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4.9/5
· 52 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
Free cancellation
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98.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$146.99AU$154.73
Newport Beach: City Cruises Champagne & Brunch Buffet Cruise
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$134.52AU$141.61
Los Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise: Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1–1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$201.16AU$211.75

Featured Outdoor experiences in Malibu

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Private Surf Lessons in Malibu
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4.9/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$192.08
"Coast Starlight" Scenic Train + Santa Barbara 1-day Tour | Round-trip from Los Angeles, departs even for solo travelers
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FromAU$315.40
1-day tour to the villa museum, Santa Monica State Beach and The Getty (self-booking)
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FromAU$213.11

Free things to do in Malibu

What travelers say about Malibu

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OMay 1, 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.

CA-1

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_TI***slOctober 21, 2026
5.0
We had a wonderful stay at Studios Hollywood ! We were very satisfied with our experience, and everything was great.

Universal Studios Hollywood

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云石雨June 13, 2023
4.0
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Los Angeles. It is located on the Pacific coast. The beach here stretches for 3.5 miles and is a popular tourist destination. Here, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, romantic beach walks, exciting surfing and delicious food.

Santa Monica State Beach

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学校🏫June 5, 2025
5.0
Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit! Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery. Core highlights not to be missed 1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum. 2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged). 3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax. 4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking. Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended! Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger. Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape. Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique. Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed! Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

The Getty

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M32***23March 20, 2020
5.0
【View】Definitely worth the trip. It costs $10 for this short stop. Great view of the Malibu coast and surfers in the distance. 【Fun】The two eating places looked quirky, but the prices were as expected. Lots of people fishing at the pier. 【Value】We moved down PCH to watch the sunset.

Malibu Pier

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88topAugust 25, 2019
5.0
Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, about 20 miles from Santa Monica, this is a dreamland recommended by many travel experts. Unlike other Los Angeles beaches, El Matador Beach is hidden under the rocky cliffs. In addition to being remote and hidden, there are many reef caves of various sizes beside the white sandy beach. There are also many rocks of various shapes standing on the beach. With the afterglow of the sunset, it is really incomparable beauty! Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, about 20 miles from Santa Monica, this is a dreamland recommended by many travel experts. Unlike other Los Angeles beaches, El Matador Beach is hidden under the rocky cliffs. In addition to being remote and hidden, there are many reef caves of various sizes beside the white sandy beach. There are also many rocks of various shapes standing on the beach. With the afterglow of the sunset, it is really incomparable beauty!

El Matador State Beach

Popular cities near Malibu

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Malibu?

Don't miss these attractions in Malibu: CA-1, Surfing in Los Angeles, and Universal Studios Hollywood. If you like Day tours, try Los angeles tour to Bronson caves, Hollywood hills and Malibu lagoon state beach (admission ticket not included). If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Los Angeles, USA with guided tour.

You can give Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions and Los Angeles Majordōmo celebrity restaurant reservation service a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Los angeles tour to Bronson caves, Hollywood hills and Malibu lagoon state beach (admission ticket not included), Deluxe Private Tour of Los Angeles, and Malibu: Point Dume Climbing Class with Guide and Gear. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Malibu is around AUD 41.27 – AUD 1,422.71. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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