Malibu: Surfrider Beach, the Pier and the Coast

Visitor Guide to the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Beaches

⏱ Half day👤 All agesFree

The heart of Malibu for visitors is around the pier and Surfrider Beach, where you can watch surfers work the long point break, walk the pier and eat at a casual seafood place. The beach itself is public and free to visit, though parking can be limited and costs vary by lot, so check the signs. Nearby, Malibu Lagoon State Beach protects a wetland that attracts birds, and the Adamson House, with its decorative tilework and gardens, offers a look at the area's early history. The county's beach guide has current information on facilities and conditions.

Further along the coast are other beaches, from the sandy stretch at Zuma to the cove-and-sea-stack scenery at El Matador, which has its own entry in this guide. Canyon roads climb into the Santa Monica Mountains for hiking, and some of the area's wineries offer tastings, so you can combine the beach with a short hike or a glass of wine. The coastline is rugged and the highway is narrow, so allow extra driving time, particularly on summer weekends and after storms, when parts of the road can be affected.

Malibu works best as a half-day or full-day drive from Santa Monica or Hollywood. Go in the morning to beat traffic and parking pressure, stay for a late lunch with an ocean view, and aim to head back before the evening commute builds. Weather is cooler and foggier near the water, especially in late spring and early summer, so bring layers. Respect private-property signs and stay within the public access areas, and check surf and water-quality conditions if you plan to swim. For many visitors, a few hours here are the most relaxing part of a Los Angeles trip.