Best Things to Do in Malibu

Take a beach day (or two, or three...) 

Malibu is a beach lover’s dream. Take surf lessons or yoga classes, go for a swim, enjoy a long walk along the water or go for an energizing run.

Head to Lechuga Beach for a lesser-known spot – it almost feels like you are in Indonesia. To access it, take the third gate on the left along Broad Beach Road and walk down the steep wooden steps. Voila, paradise found!

You can’t get enough of the beach in Malibu, California. Some of my other favorite beaches include Zuma Beach, Paradise Cove, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Point Dume State Beach, Surfrider Beach and El Matador Beach.

Get outdoors

Get on the hunt for the most amazing views on one of the many hikes around. Favorites include Solstice Canyon, Zuma Ridge, and the Point Dume Nature Preserve trail that spits you out onto Westward Beach. It's beautiful any time of day with sea lions basking in the sunny cliffs below, and dolphin and whale sightings (depending on the time of year). If you go later in the afternoon, reward yourself with happy hour at right on Westward Beach.Trancas Canyon Park is one of these places that will make you fall in love with Malibu. Bring a picnic and spread out on the gorgeous field. Kids will go crazy for the wild west-themed playground.

Go shopping

For shopping, the little boutique in the Surfrider Hotel has great merch and also carries some cool Aussie-branded beach essentials and products. 

If you're looking for one-of-a-kind-California vintage, look no further than at the Malibu Country Mart.

Be sure to stop in next door to visit . They offer incredible meditation and breathwork classes, and have a sweetly curated boutique in the front of the store with beautiful books, clean products and thoughtful gift items.

Coffee & breakfast

Blue Bottle: The famed chain of coffee shops has an outpost at Cross Creek, a spot that’s  home to a playground, eateries and shops. 

Le Café de La Plage: Grab coffee, breakfast, small bites or even handcrafted ice cream at this cool cafe located at Point Dume Village, a sweet local outdoor plaza.

Malibu Farm Cafe: Fresh, farm-to-table New American cuisine from Southern California, directly on the Malibu Pier. 

Lunch & dinner

Little Beach House: A dream spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a cozy fireplace and ocean views. It’s part of Soho House, so you’ll need to be a member (or be invited by one) to enjoy the facilities.

Thorne Family Farm Stand: Grab fresh produce and baked goods from here to make a beautiful spread or bring it all to the beach for a picnic.

Broad Street Oyster Co.: Their lobster rolls are a must!

SunLife Organics: If you’re in the mood for something a bit healthier pre- or post-beach trip, the smoothies and açai bowls are delicious.

Malibu Seafood: Perfect for a beach-adjacent lunch with kids. The seafood is oh-so-fresh.

Taverna Tony’s: Book a table at this Greek restaurant for dinner with friends and enjoy a side of live piano music.

Cafe Habana: A casual spot with a woodsy interior for a casual Cuban/Mexican meal. Or simply go for a margarita.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe: Located at Paradise Cove, arguably the best beach in Malibu, enjoy tropical beverages and classic American cuisine.

Malibu Farm Restaurant: A modern, chic, American bistro serving fresh, farm-to-table food from Southern California right on the water. 

Nobu Malibu: A more luxurious dining experience, featuring exquisite Japanese cuisine from the talents of Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located beachside on Pacific Coast Highway.

Drinks

The Sunset: For toes-in-the-sand and simply stunning sunset views (one of the best on the west coast). The vibe feels very locals-only.

The Surfrider: The hotel’s rooftop is a favorite place to enjoy a sundowner for a date or a catch-up with friends.