Overview
Malibu stretches 27 miles along some of California's most spectacular coastline, with pristine sandy beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, celebrity estates, and the rugged Santa Monica Mountains as a backdrop.
Highlights
- El Matador Beach: A hidden beach with dramatic sea stack formations — LA's most photogenic.
- Zuma Beach: 2 miles of wide, clean sand — one of LA's finest swimming beaches.
- Pacific Coast Highway: The legendary oceanside drive through Malibu is a quintessential LA experience.
History
Once the homeland of the Chumash people, Malibu was a single ranch until the 1920s when the coast highway forced it open to the public. It incorporated as a city in 1991 to restrict development.
Visitor Tips
- Beach Access: All California beaches are public — access paths exist between private properties.
- Nobu Malibu: The beachfront Japanese restaurant is a celebrity scene.
- Duration: Half to full day.