Malibu(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Malibu, the premier beachfront accommodations include Malibu Beach Inn, offering private access to Malibu Beach and ocean-view rooms with modern California design. Its signature feature is the sunrise yoga sessions on the sand.

Another standout is Four Seasons Resort Malibu, located along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), providing luxurious suites with panoramic sea views, a world-class spa, and Sushi Bar at Four Seasons, a Michelin-starred dining experience.

For a more intimate stay, El Matador Hotel stands out with its cliffside architecture and dramatic ocean vistas. Guests enjoy exclusive beach access, private cabanas, and an elegant rooftop lounge perfect for sunset cocktails.

All three properties offer eco-friendly amenities such as solar-powered shuttles and reusable water bottles—reflecting Malibu’s commitment to sustainable luxury.

The Point Dume area delivers the ideal mix of seclusion and direct beach access. Nestled along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), it features upscale boutique hotels like El Matador Hotel and private beachfront villas that overlook rugged cliffs and turquoise waters.

This stretch is less crowded than central Malibu, offering residents and guests a tranquil escape while still being within 10 minutes of popular spots like Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider Beach. The surrounding Malibu Creek State Park provides hiking trails with scenic ocean views, making it perfect for nature lovers seeking peace.

Additionally, many accommodations here provide private beach entrances, complimentary beach chairs, and even guided tide-pool exploration tours—ideal for travelers who value both serenity and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

Malibu offers authentic cultural experiences rooted in its bohemian heritage. Attend the Sunset Beach Meditation sessions held daily at Malibu Beach, led by local spiritual guides using sound bowls and breathwork—a tradition dating back to the 1960s counterculture movement.

Visit the Malibu Art Walk, hosted annually at the Malibu Art Center, showcasing works from regional painters, sculptors, and photographers reflecting the community’s creative spirit.

Don’t miss Stoke House, a historic 1960s hippie haven now transformed into a cultural hub hosting poetry readings, indie music nights, and open mic events. These gatherings celebrate Malibu’s legacy as a sanctuary for artists and free thinkers, offering visitors a rare glimpse into its soulful past.

Yes, many high-end hotels in Malibu provide exclusive beach access. Malibu Beach Inn and Four Seasons Resort Malibu each have private sand entries leading directly to Malibu Beach, ensuring guests avoid crowds.

These properties also offer complimentary amenities such as beach loungers, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear. El Matador Hotel goes further with a dedicated beach path and cliffside yoga classes overlooking the Pacific.

While non-guests may book day passes at some hotels, it’s highly recommended to stay overnight to fully enjoy these privileges. HopeGoo early during peak season (June–August) is essential, as availability is limited due to high demand.

For families, Malibu Country Inn & Suites stands out with spacious family rooms, a kid-friendly pool, and a free beach kit including floaties and shade tents. They also host weekly activities like sandcastle building contests and marine life scavenger hunts.

Hilton Malibu offers a vibrant Kids’ Club with themed workshops—such as ocean science labs and pottery classes—and safe, shallow-water zones perfect for young swimmers. Its location near Malibu Beach makes it ideal for parents seeking convenience and fun.

The Malibu Farm provides immersive farm-to-table experiences: children can pick vegetables, feed goats, and join cooking demos using fresh ingredients. All hotels offer baby cots, high chairs, and healthy meal options. With strong safety protocols and outdoor spaces, they’re among the most welcoming resorts in Southern California.

Malibu’s beaches are renowned for their pristine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural beauty. Malibu Beach is famous for its wide, soft shoreline and excellent surfing conditions, attracting both locals and tourists.

Point Dume State Beach offers dramatic cliffside views, hidden tide pools teeming with marine life, and secluded coves perfect for photography or quiet reflection. It’s also a prime spot for whale watching during migration season.

All beaches are managed by California State Parks, enforcing strict environmental rules—no littering, and regular beach cleanups are encouraged. Many sites provide free restrooms, shower facilities, and wheelchair-accessible paths, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all visitors.

Malibu’s nightlife is understated yet sophisticated. Head to The Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar for live jazz, craft cocktails, and Mediterranean-inspired small plates under the stars.

El Matador Restaurant hosts seasonal cliffside dinner events at sunset, where guests dine with panoramic ocean views and curated wine pairings. It’s a favorite for romantic evenings.

During full moons, Malibu Wine & Cheese Tasting takes place on private beachfront lawns, featuring local vintners, artisanal cheeses, and stargazing sessions with expert guides. These events reflect Malibu’s ethos: elegance, nature, and mindful living—perfect for those seeking calm, meaningful evenings away from city noise.

Key historical landmarks in Malibu include the William M. Smith House, built in 1920, now home to the Malibu Historical Museum. It showcases artifacts from early fishing communities and the development of the coast.

Another must-see is the Santa Monica Mission-style Church, constructed in the 1930s with Spanish colonial architecture and hand-carved wooden doors. Its stained glass windows depict religious and regional themes.

Though the original Malibu Pier was demolished, its ruins remain visible near Malibu Beach, serving as a nostalgic landmark for photographers and history buffs. These sites collectively tell the story of Malibu’s evolution from a quiet fishing village to a global coastal icon.

Must-try dishes in Malibu center around fresh seafood and organic ingredients. Start with the Malibu Seafood Tower, featuring locally caught oysters, lobster, and king crab served with citrus herb sauce.

Visit Café Gratitude, a beloved plant-based restaurant offering the Love Bowl (organic quinoa bowl) and Sunflower Seed Pâté, emphasizing whole, unprocessed nutrition.

Gjusta’s Bakery & Café serves handmade Italian bread and cold-pressed juices. Their Coconut Banana Pancakes are a local favorite. Most restaurants follow the farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing produce from nearby farms like Malibu Farm.

Tasting these dishes isn’t just about flavor—it’s a celebration of Malibu’s culture of sustainability, wellness, and connection to the land.

To embrace the true California lifestyle in Malibu, begin your day with sunrise yoga on the beach, followed by a smoothie made from local organic fruits at Malibu Farm Market.

Rent a bike and ride along the PCH coastal trail to Point Dume, stopping at hidden coves and scenic overlooks. In the afternoon, visit the Malibu Art Center for a hands-on workshop or attend an open-mic night at Stoke House.

End your day at El Matador Restaurant with a cliffside dinner, savoring fresh seafood as the sun dips below the Pacific. This rhythm—balancing nature, creativity, and mindful living—is the essence of Malibu’s identity: freedom, presence, and harmony with the environment.