Malibu, California

Malibu, California is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers. With its stunning beaches, scenic trails, and incredible attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do. From the iconic beaches of Zuma and Surfrider to the lush trails of Malibu Creek State Park, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a more active outdoor experience, there are plenty of options. Explore the rugged terrain of Malibu Canyon, take a boat tour of the Pacific Coast, or go kayaking in Malibu Lagoon. For a more relaxed day, take a stroll along the boardwalk at Malibu Pier or visit the iconic Malibu Bluffs Park. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and calming day or a full-on outdoor adventure, Malibu has it all.

Top Spots in and near Malibu

Malibu, California
Point Dume

4.8

0.95 mi / 141 ft gain

From the parking lot, make your way towards Point Dume. You will find the entrance to the trail at the end of the lot. The trail is a bit sandy, but fairly easy. Be careful of the cactus plants along the trail! Make your way up towards the cliff and you'll notice ropes hanging on the edge. Don't...
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Malibu, California
Paradise Cove via Point Dume

5.0

4.74 mi / 338 ft gain

You will start your beach-hiking to Paradise Cove from Point Dume which is located 20 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). On PCH, take left on Westward Beach Road and follow it to the end. Try to park as close to the end of the paid parking lot. You can use the automated m...
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Malibu, California
Rock Climb at Point Dume

4.0

There are a couple of different ways to get to the rock, but the easiest will be at the end of Westward Beach Rd. The rock is impossible to miss as you drive further down the beach. Once parked, which I believe you have to pay for beyond a certain point, it's a short walk out on the sand to the b...
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Malibu, California
Escondido Falls Trail

4.3

3.74 mi / 699 ft gain

This 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet be...
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Malibu, California
Surf Zuma Beach

4.8

Zuma is a 3 mile stretch of beach in Malibu with a fun beach break and a great place to chill. Zuma is known for being cleaner than other beaches in LA and there are restrooms, food, and parking all up and down the beach. Paid parking on the beach ($8-12) and free parking across the street. Certa...
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Malibu, California
El Matador Beach

4.6

There's something magical about this strip of beach and it never fails to deliver at sunset. Lined with strange and jagged rock formations/caves, there are endless opportunities for finding unique compositions and new perspectives. Although it's become quite the popular spot for photographers and...
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Malibu, California
Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume

5.0

4.47 mi / 1089 ft gain

Fair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...
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Malibu, California
Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls

4.3

2 mi / -600 ft gain

Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...
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Malibu, California
Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon

3.8 mi / 780 ft gain

Starting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...
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Malibu, California
Ocean Overlook Loop Trail

4.0

2.7 mi / 397 ft gain

Ocean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.
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Malibu, California
Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop

2.3 mi / 334 ft gain

Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, California
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Malibu, California
Jim Morrison Cave

3.2

1.2 mi / 600 ft gain

Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...
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Los Angeles County, California
Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon

5.0

2.08 mi / 89 ft gain

The backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...
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Malibu, California
The Malibu Lagoon State Beach

5.0

2.11 mi / 118 ft gain

The Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Malibu, California.
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Malibu, California
Leo Carillo State Beach

4.5

Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...
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Malibu, California
Photograph the Iconic Malibu Pier

3.2

Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the ...
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