So, you have one day in Malibu, but aren’t sure how to spend it? Not to worry! This Malibu day trip itinerary will outline the perfect 24 hours in Malibu – by a local expert.
It’s easy to see why Malibu, California is extremely popular, with both locals and tourists alike. The tall palm trees, the epic coastline, the sunny skies… need I say more?!
However, many tourists hear “Malibu” and picture something more akin to ritzy, upscale Beverly Hills. And, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Malibu is a quiet, tranquil area with a small-town vibe. Mom and Pop shops and restaurants still line the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Many of the beaches are totally free to visit. And, the natural cliffs and wild landscape is plentiful.
These are exactly the reasons why I love Malibu, in fact. It’s not flashy or loud. Rather, Malibu is laid back. It’s beautiful. It’s even rugged in some areas!
After spending about a decade as a Malibu “local” I have some of the top Malibu day trip suggestions you can find.
Whether you live in Los Angeles or are just passing through on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, here is exactly how to spend one perfect day in Malibu.
Early Morning Activities for a Malibu Day Trip
Malibu is prominently featured on my Southern California bucket list, and for good reason. The panoramic ocean views and rocky cliffs are stunning!
For anyone willing to get up with the sun, you’ll get to experience Malibu without anyone else around.
1. Start your day with a sunrise hike.
If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know that I spend a lot of time hiking in Southern California. Malibu’s oceanside hikes are nothing short of magical!
There are several Malibu hikes that I’m a fan of, but for the early morning I recommend the Zuma Ridge Trail. This trail is on the northern end of Malibu, taking you farther away from Los Angeles’ concrete jungle.
Because of its locale, this trail tends to be less crowded than some of the others in Malibu. You’ll enjoy peace and quiet, taking in the ocean view and mountainous scenery – and possibly have the trail all to yourself.
This hike will take roughly 2 hours to complete, and is rated “moderate” in difficulty – though if you hike often, it may feel a bit more on the easy side. The early morning departure will keep you comfortable as the sun starts to climb, since much of the trail is not shaded.
Pro Tip: Check out my top recommendations for women’s hiking gear here!
There is even a secret spot offering 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, found about half a mile into the hike on the left hand side of the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for an unmarked path on the ground because the view is incredible!
Zuma Ridge has free parking on the right side of the road. Be sure to follow the “Zuma Ridge Trail” sign as there are two trail options at the beginning.
2. Grab some breakfast.
Malibu is one of my favorite places in LA for breakfast, because there are so many unique options (not to mention, for all budgets.) Here are my top choices for breakfast one your day trip to Malibu.
- The Country Kitchen ($): This is one of my personal favorite Malibu hidden gems! The Country Kitchen is a tiny restaurant nestled next to a hardware store that one would easily miss. Save for a few outdoor tables, this is a grab-and-go type of spot. Famous for their tater-tot stuffed breakfast burritos, this is a must for anyone who wants cheap, delicious, and quirky.
- Marmalade Cafe ($$): Marmalade Café is a staple inside of the Malibu Country Mart, with large tables and booths lining the walls. Eggs, oatmeal, pancakes and more are offered her for the breakfast crowd. Expect large portions at a reasonable price, and friendly service to boot!
- Ollo Malibu ($$): Ollo has popped up in the last handful of years, and quickly made a name for itself in Malibu’s food scene! Picture eg scrambles, perfectly folded omelets, and stuffed breakfast burritos. Whether you prefer a savory breakfast or something sweet, Ollo’s got you covered. Find them on the ocean-side of PCH, in the Malibu Ralph’s plaza.
- Alfred Coffee ($): Not a breakfast person? If you just need coffee or matcha to start your day, then Alfred is the place to go. They have locations all around Los Angeles, and this popular coffee shop will give you the caffeine fix you are looking for.
3. Drive along Malibu’s Pacific Coast.
After you eat, embark on a short driving tour along the main road and take in the beauty and changing scenery of the Pacific Coast. I love a good scenic drive and Malibu has that in spades!
The drive along the picturesque 27 miles will showcase everything from quiet neighborhoods to local surf spots to rocky cliffs. It’s a beautiful sight to see and not a bad introduction if its your first time visiting Malibu.
4. Or, do some window shopping.
If you’re visiting Malibu as part of a larger road trip, maybe you would rather stretch your legs and spend time outside of the car. The Malibu Country Mart is a small shopping area with a mix of unique and high-end options to peruse.
Check out Sephora for makeup and skincare. For clothing, hit Brandy Melville and Andie Swim, among others. Toy Crazy is a hit if you’re traveling Malibu with kids, and if not, check out K Chocolatier for some upscale sweets.
Pro Tip: This is the same plaza that hosts both Marmalade Café and Alfred Coffee, so if you want a one-stop-shop, this is your place.
5. Visit the famous Adamson House.
The Adamson House is a local California landmark that will send you time traveling back to the 1920s in Malibu. Its Spanish architecture and tiling reminds me quite a bit of visiting Catalina Island – which you should definitely check out if you have the time.
This home is not only a National Historic Site, but also a California Historical Landmark, and a California State Park, all at once! So, yes – it hands-down deserves a spot on your Malibu itinerary. Built in 1929, the house showcases decorative tiling, glass bottle windows, and hand-carved doors. The craftsmanship is incredible.
Visitors to the Adamson House have two options: a docent-led interior tour, or independent exploration. The docent-led tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, excluding rainy days when tours are canceled. The adult tickets cost $7 (cash only).
For those who want to explore solo, or who are not visiting Malibu late in the week, can explore the grounds and exterior every day from 8 AM until sunset, free of charge.
Pro Tip: Though there is no onsite parking at the Adamson House, but adjacent beach parking and Pacific Coast Highway street parking are available.
6. Lunchtime in Malibu
You have a ton of great lunch options in Malibu, depending on your tastes (and your budget). Here is a list of several restaurants to choose from.
- Malibu Farm ($$) – This is my top lunch suggestion, and a personal favorite! Directly on the pier, Malibu Farm offers fresh, local farm-to-table fare, from salads and sandwiches to fancy burgers and wine. You will of course have gorgeous views since you sit atop the Pacific Ocean! Malibu Farm closes at 3pm though so plan ahead to make enough time for a leisurely lunch.
- Duke’s Malibu ($$) – This is the very same Duke’s that you will find in Hawaii, from the very same legendary surfer. Seafood, tacos, and salads fill the menu as well as popular drinks. One great thing about Duke’s is that you are right on the water, so you will get great views.
- Ollo Malibu ($$) – If you didn’t already visit for breakfast, Ollo makes a hearty lunch stop, too. The restaurant serves excellent lunch or dinner options, from veggie burgers to flatbreads to salads and soups. Always tasty, this is a great and trendy spot for a bite. Pricing is mid-range; maybe slightly higher than Marmalade.
- Chipotle ($) – if you are on a budget, this well-known chain is a short walk around the corner from Marmalade, in the same shopping plaza. Nothing fancy, just a tasty and budget friendly meal.
7. Relax with a beach day.
Every single one of my restaurant suggestions above are conveniently located just minutes from the ocean. No matter which you choose, you’ll be in a prime spot for some post-lunch relaxation on the beach.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Malibu Surfrider Beach are both nearby and are excellent choices for the afternoon!
For anyone interested in wildlife, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is my top choice. It serves as an estuary for migratory birds, so you’ll see plenty of birds congregating here.
Malibu Surfrider Beach, on the other hand, is well known for surfing and saltwater fishing. This beach continues under the Malibu Pier, where Malibu Farm is perched.
In the summer, you can sunbathe; swim; play beach or water spots; hangout. Reading a book on a blanket or simply taking in the scenery is ideal. if you need packable beach accessories, like a foldable sand-free towel, check out my tropical vacation packing list, too.
Allow several hours to relax after all of your driving, hiking, and exploring. It will probably be a welcome break.
Not interested in relaxing? Consider a wine tour instead! Here are the top two options:
➥Guided Wine and Hiking tour: This guided hike through Malibu wine country traverses a 2.5-mile loop around a private ranch. Encounter diverse wildlife and Chumash cave paintings. Learn about the family-owned vineyard, its varietals, and winemaking process. Bonus: You get two complimentary cans of wine as souvenirs! Book your tour here!
➥Opt for a Private 4×4 Wine Tour: Explore a 1000-acre vineyard estate, featuring exclusive stops such as Chumash Native American cave paintings, organic gardens, and mountain top vantage points. Guests learn about the local land while enjoying local wine and snacks amidst the picturesque surroundings. Book your tour here!
8. Explore the Hindu temple.
Tucked away inland, off of Malibu Canyon Road, is a hidden gem that will transport you straight back to Southeast Asia.
This pure white Hindu temple is a stunning sight, with ornate architecture and golden highlights positioned against the blue sky. Listen to the sound of bells clinking in the wind.
Please be respectful and take off your shoes as the sign instructs if you choose to walk up into the temple. Locals from Calabasas can be seen here often for worship and events.
I find this spot super peaceful, incredibly beautiful, and it transports me across the sea to my days in Southeast Asia.
9. Watch the sunset.
The perfect end to your day trip to Malibu is to watch the sunset over the ocean. Since the sun sets to the West, the California coast is hands down, the most spectacular place to watch the sunset, with vibrant reds and pinks and orange.
The most epic spot for a Malibu sunset is on the rocky cliffs of El Matador State Beach. This beach is beautiful at any time of day, due to the small coves surrounded by rocky cliffs, the large sea caves, and the natural tidepools teeming with ocean life. But the sunset takes this beach to another level.
I’ve returned to El Matador time and time again to watch the sun go down, and it never gets old.
My best tip is to arrive about an hour before sunset and park on the street (for free!) Give yourself some extra time for parking, walking, and finding the perfect spot, as this is a popular spot.
Climb down the cliffside stairs and set up a blanket, or perch on one of the cliffs. Don’t forget your camera, because this will be a sunset to remember!
Pro Tip: If you want the cliffs without the crowds, you could also consider Leo Carrillo beach, which is a bit farther north on the PCH.
10. Grab a tasty dinner in Malibu.
There are a ton of excellent dinner choices in Malibu. Here is a range of options depending again on your tastes. I’ve included a few splurges for anyone who wants to make the meal special.
- Cholada Thai ($$) – This is a cute beach shack type restaurant with a great Thai menu, including all of the traditional curries, noodle dishes, and soups. I’ve tried the veggie curry and black rice, and it was phenomenal! Prices are very reasonable and the colorful ambiance is fun.
- Mastro’s Ocean Club ($$$$) – This is an upscale restaurant built directly over the cliffside, offering some pretty spectacular views of the ocean. The menu has seafood like lobster and fish, as well as steak dinners. Note that you won’t find a ton of vegetarian options here.
- Taverna Tony ($$) – A fairly large Greek restaurant located in the Malibu Country Mart, this place has friendly staff and tasty food. It is an excellent place for a get-together or a cozy meal. Picture hummus, grape leaves, and plenty of Greek staples.
- Malibu Seafood ($$) – You might be surprised that this casual beach-shack eatery is frequented by celebrities. You’ll order in the understated red building, and then the seating is in a separate enclosed structure with picnic table style seating. It is an inexpensive and a fun experience.
- Zinqué ($$$): Le Zinqué is a French inspired spot with lots of tasty options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. From the appetizers to the fancy desserts, everything is prepared with care. The drink menu has a long list of options, too, so its a great spot for celebrations.
Other Potential Stops On Your Malibu Day Trip Itinerary
- Rosenthal Winery – a wine tasting room located on PCH, directly across the street from the Pacific Ocean. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and there’s a fun giant-sized Adirondack chair outside for a photo op!
- The Getty Villa – On the Southern Malibu border sits The Getty Villa, a wonderful museum full of Greek and Roman art. Entry is free but parking is not. This is the sister-museum to The Getty in Los Angeles.
- Take an Electric Mountain Biking Tour – want to see the mountains but without the huffing and puffing? Take an e-bike tour! These assisted bikes make the journey much easier. And the views are still as beautiful.
- Go rock climbing – believe it or not, Malibu is one of the first places I ever rock climbed in California! It was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
- Horseback Riding – You might be surprised to hear that Malibu and the surrounding communities contain a lot of ranches and farms. Horseback riding in this beautiful setting is possible with a trail guide through companies like Malibu Riders.
- Paddle-boarding and Surfing – Water Activities are plentiful along this stretch of coast. Malibu Coastal Adventures can help you with everything from rentals to lessons depending on your previous experience.
Feel free to swap our or add in any of these additional activities to make the itinerary perfect for your single day in Malibu.
Final Thoughts: One Day in Malibu
I definitely may be biased, but Malibu is such a great place to visit on any Los Angeles vacation. The natural scenery, the unique shops, and the laid-back vibe is exactly the “Southern California” that I love.
This sums up some of the best things to do in Malibu in a day – I hope you find some options that speak to you!
You can easily fill several days of fun activities along this beautiful stretch of coast, but these are all great options to make your 24 hours in Malibu a trip to remember!
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