Malibu Los Angeles, USA Travel Guide
Many captivating destinations are a short drive from Malibu, perfect for an extended outing. Santa Monica, Topanga Canyon, Ojai, and Santa Barbara each present a unique atmosphere and appeal. Find various day trip options and booking opportunities on GetYourGuide's day trip booking page.
Santa Monica (20-30 mins drive) has a bustling beach environment with shopping and dining. Topanga Canyon (15-25 mins drive) offers a rustic, artistic, and counter-cultural contrast. Ojai (1 hour drive) has a tranquil, retreat-like setting. Santa Barbara (1-1.5 hours drive) has Spanish Colonial architecture and a Mediterranean feel.
The region around Malibu also has opportunities for further nature discovery and cultural experiences.
Malibu's vicinity features numerous nature reserves and spectacular vistas. Point Mugu State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, and Malibu Creek State Park offer varied hiking trails and coastal experiences. Scenic drives like Mulholland Highway present panoramic canyon and coastline views.
Beyond Malibu, explore diverse cultural sites. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum offers insights into a presidency. Mission San Buenaventura provides a window into California's colonial history.
Malibu's surrounding region extends opportunities for cultural exploration and offers a wider range of experiences.
Rugged coastline, sand dunes, deep canyons, and extensive hiking trails for a wilder experience.
Located within Malibu, excellent for hiking, beach access, and exploring tide pools.
Winding roads with spectacular panoramic views of canyons and the coastline.
Beyond Malibu's immediate bounds, parks like Point Mugu State Park offer rugged coastlines, sand dunes, and deep canyons, with extensive hiking trails. Leo Carrillo State Park and Malibu Creek State Park provide opportunities for hiking, beach access, and exploring tide pools.
Seasonal events grace the Malibu area. The gray whale migration, from December to April, is visible from coastal viewpoints. In spring, colorful wildflower blooms cover the Santa Monica Mountains after winter rains.
Consider adding extra days to your trip for further exploration of California's diverse regions.
Extend your Malibu visit with 2-3 days exploring specific Los Angeles neighborhoods, like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Downtown LA, including theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland.
Head north to Santa Ynez Valley for Central Coast wine tasting, or east to Temecula Valley for Southern California's largest wine region. Both destinations feature multiple wineries and charming accommodations.
San Diego, located south of Los Angeles, has beautiful beaches, Balboa Park, and the lively Gaslamp Quarter. Santa Barbara and the Central Coast continue north along Highway 101, demonstrating scenic drives and charming coastal towns.
Most destinations are accessible by car from Malibu/Los Angeles. Amtrak offers train service along the coast, connecting major cities like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, providing a scenic alternative to driving.
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) has a classic scenic drive. You extend your trip north to Big Sur and beyond, or south towards San Diego, creating a memorable California road trip.
Drive north along Highway 1 for iconic coastal views and wilderness.
Head south for a different coastal experience, museums, and city life.
Venture inland for an unique desert oasis experience, architecture, and golf.
