Malibu California, USA Travel Guide
These upscale properties deliver full services, ocean views, and premium amenities. Nobu Ryokan Malibu and The Surfrider Malibu are top-tier choices. They focus on privacy and high service, often with direct beach access.
Smaller, stylish hotels with unique character exist, though limited in Malibu proper. These offer a more intimate setting. The Malibu Beach Inn, on the iconic Malibu Pier, stands out.
Budget-friendly motel options are few directly along Malibu’s coast. Find them in nearby towns like Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, or Oxnard for an economical base.
This is Malibu's most common and assorted option. Choices range from beachfront bungalows to expansive hillside estates. Vacation rentals offer more space, privacy, and often kitchens, a good value for families or groups. Locate these on Vrbo or TrustedHousesitters for unique options.
Several state parks in or around bordering Malibu offer campgrounds for an outdoor lodging experience.
Offers beach and canyon camping, popular for RVs and tents. It comprises direct access to the beach, tide pools, and hiking paths.
Located inland, this park is well-liked for tent camping and offers superb access to hiking trails and the beautiful nature of the Santa Monica Peaks.
Mainly high-end private home rentals leverage Malibu’s desirable areas and views. Homestay and community-based tourism options are not common or formalized here.
Malibu stretches linearly along Pacific Coast Highway, with distinct characteristics in each section.
Enjoy ocean views, beachfront access, and proximity to coastal dining. You can hear the waves. However, expect higher prices and potential noise from Pacific Coast Highway traffic. Parking can be difficult and costly.
Offers seclusion, immersion in nature, and cooler temperatures during hot periods. Properties are often more spacious with mountain or distant ocean views. Driving everywhere is a must, often on roads with many turns, and immediate beach access is further away.
Plan your Malibu stay by booking in advance, especially during peak times.
All areas of Malibu are generally safe with low crime. However, isolated properties can occasionally be targets for property crime.
Always secure your belongings, lock doors, and do not leave valuables visible in your car.
The Civic Center offers the best proximity for dining, shopping, and bus stops. Other regions may require driving.
A comparison and top picks for various traveler types and budgets.
For an exclusive, high-end experience.
Economical stays for exploring the area.
Vacation rentals are often the best choice for families due to space and amenities.
Suggestions for individual adventurers and extended visits.
$800 - $2000+. Benefits: Exclusivity, ocean views, high-end service. Considerations: Very costly, limited availability.
$500 - $1000. Benefits: Beachfront, personalized service. Considerations: Pricey, fewer amenities than resorts.
$300 - $1500+ (variable). Benefits: Privacy, space, kitchen. Considerations: Can be costly, cleaning fees, variable quality.
$30 - $75. Benefits: Affordable, nature access. Considerations: Few amenities, camping gear needed, reservations useful.
Historically significant, originally built in 1905 to help the Malibu Rancho operations.
A beautifully preserved historical home showing the area's ranching and development history.
While not an accommodation, this site offers an unique blend of nature and Hollywood history, once a working film set.
Malibu has few true "mid-range" hotels. The Malibu A Beach atn, though listed here, leans towards the higher end of boutique properties.
For camping, bring your own gear as sites do not generally rent equipment.
PCH can be noisy, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Properties directly on the highway may experience consistent road sounds.
Generally offer quiet surroundings and the audio of nature, creating a peaceful escape from urban sounds.
Listen to the waves, although some beachfront properties might still pick up distant PCH noise depending on their exact placement.
