The area is known for its celebrity homes and countless Malibu Beach activities. You can enjoy Zuma Beach, El Matador State Beach, Surfrider and Circle X Ranch beaches, and more. You can also tour the Adamson House, an 1886 Spanish Revival home with a history exhibit. Hiking trails run through the Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu Beach activities are endless, and you’ll want to explore them all!
Zuma Beach
If you are looking for a place to take the whole family to enjoy the sun and surf, then Zuma Beach in Malibu, California, may be the place for you. This beach is the largest in Los Angeles County, with great surf and wide sands. Zuma consistently ranks among the healthiest beaches in the area. The best part of Zuma Beach is that it is free. You can take your whole family for a day at the beach or plan to spend a week or more here.
The beach has 14 lifeguard towers, so the kids can play without worrying about being in the water. The Zuma Beach boardwalk is perfect for running, cycling, or a leisurely stroll. This boardwalk was the setting for the popular TV show Baywatch in the 1990s. The beach also draws Hollywood elite. The beach is not only accessible by car, but also has a fee parking lot. In addition to that, there is also ample parking along the PCH.
In addition to the Zuma Beach public parking lot, Zuma Beach also features Westward and Point Dume beaches. These two beaches are operated by Los Angeles County. During peak summer months, the beach is accessible from neighboring cities via the Pacific Coast Highway. Summer Beach Bus services will be linked once they are available. All beaches are smoke-free and alcohol is prohibited. However, if you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset, consider staying at Zuma Beach and exploring the Point Dume Nature Preserve.
El Matador State Beach
Located south of Santa Monica, El Matador State Park has a quaint feel and plenty of beach activities to enjoy. Three Small Cliff-Foot Beaches are a popular summertime destination. Enjoy a variety of watersports, including surfing and SUP, on this scenic stretch of coastline. The beach is also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. During the day, you can enjoy the beach’s sandcastles.
The stunning Malibu State Park features several pristine beaches, including Zuma and El Matador State Park. Zuma Beach is popular for its over 2,000 parking spots and is a popular place to view migrating whales. El Matador State Park is located west of Point Dume and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and massive boulders in the surf, called sea stacks. You can also explore the beautiful coastline from this park and enjoy the nearby Malibu Beach activities.
El Matador State Park has three beaches, including one called the “Stormy Surf” and one called “Malibu Lagoon.” The most popular is El Matador. You can park along Pacific Coast Highway in western Malibu. The parking lot includes picnic tables. From there, you can walk down a steep stairway to the beach and enjoy the views. From here, you can even get some excellent sunset shots.
Surfrider Beach
Surfrider Beach in Malibu, California, is a state park that was recently dedicated as the first World Surfing Reserve. It is 110 acres in size and lies within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The beach’s name means “protection of waves”, and the beach was dedicated as a state park in 1951. There are many things to do at the beach, including surfing and watching the waves.
The renowned Malibu Surfrider Beach is a prime surfing location, located between the Malibu Pier and Adamson House. The smooth breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean are a popular attraction at this beach, which was declared the first world surfing reserve on October 9, 2010. The park offers restrooms and daily lifeguards. You can rent a bicycle for the day or spend the evening on the beach. There are many things to do in Malibu, so there’s no need to be limited to the ocean.
If you’re a beginner, Surfrider Beach in Malibu is one of the most accessible beaches in California. It’s located next to the Malibu Pier and has some of the best surf in southern California. You can even rent surf boards here and enjoy the view. The surf is so good here that the nonprofit organization Heal The Bay has awarded it an A+ rating, the highest ranking for ocean pollution among all beaches in Los Angeles County.
Circle X Ranch
Just north of Los Angeles and on the Ventura County line lies the Circle X Ranch, a small national park unit in Malibu Canyon. The ranch has five named peaks, the highest of which is Sandstone Peak at 3,110 feet/948 meters. The former Boy Scout camp offers many options for exploring the land. Guests can even use the grills to grill up a delicious lunch! During the spring and summer, the camp is full of wildflowers and native plants.
The site also includes the Circle X Ranger Station on a hill behind the property. The West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit flows toward the Grotto Trail. From the hill, you can enjoy the view of the canyon while enjoying a picnic lunch or taking a hike on the Plate Boundary Observatory Station, which includes a GPS receiver to monitor changes in the earth’s crust. The property was previously a Boy Scout camp, so it has plenty of history to tell.
If you’re planning to hike in the area, the Circle X Ranch is an ideal place to stay. The property is surrounded by the rugged and beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and is a short distance from the famous Point Mugu State Park. You can hike on a trail that offers panoramic views of both the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. The entire route is seven miles round trip, so be sure to bring plenty of water!
Solstice Canyon Hike
The Solstice Canyon Hike is a popular Los Angeles hiking trail. It features various levels of difficulty and is ideal for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers. You’ll pass by ruins from the Tropical Terrace house, as well as the Solstice waterfall. You can even ride mountain bikes in the area, or take your dog on a leash. The hike ends at an abandoned Roberts Ranch House and is a great place for a picnic.
The paved Solstice Canyon Trail is 2.4 miles round-trip and winds through the woods. This easy trail offers plenty of scenic vistas, as well as occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Hikers can also take advantage of the 3.9-mile Deer Valley Loop trail, which runs alongside a waterfall. The scenic views are spectacular during the fall, when the trees are in full color.
You’ll be rewarded with 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean on this hike. Start off by following the mostly cleared trail toward the lookout. If you’re feeling unsteady, use a GPS to find your way. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Malibu Beach and the surrounding area. If you’re not the kind of person who likes to do many things at once, you’ll find that this Malibu hike is perfect for you.
Geoffrey’s restaurant
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a special occasion, the views from Geoffrey’s on Malibu Beach are unbeatable. A dining room set in an expansive mansion on Malibu’s oceanfront boasts a grand ambiance, while sweeping views of the Pacific offer the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. The food here is as exquisite as the views, and the wait staff is highly-trained and knowledgeable about local ingredients and recipes.
Geoffrey’s Malibu is a classic in the area. The elegant dining room overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has a patio for romantic dinners and brunches. The menu features classic favorites like crab Benedict, along with seasonal dishes such as grilled ahi Nicoise salad, and a two-pound Maine lobster in a puff pastry basket. A variety of dishes on the menu are sure to please any palate. There are plenty of options for everyone, including an extensive selection of wine and champagne. The restaurant can also cater to private events and celebrations.
Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, Geoffrey’s on Malibu Beach has the best view in town. The restaurant has an elegant dining room and an umbrella-topped terrace. With views like these, the restaurant attracts a large number of locals and celebrities alike. A full bar and outdoor dining are additional perks of dining at Geoffrey’s. If you’re looking for a casual dining experience with great views, this is the perfect place for you.