Malibu

Los Angeles coastal strip where the Santa Monica Mountains press against Pacific beaches.

Malibu stretches for about 21 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway northwest of Los Angeles, where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the sea. It is less a town than a long coastal strip — the mountains crowd close on one side and the ocean on the other, leaving a narrow margin for the Pacific Coast Highway, a few restaurants and shops, and an unbroken run of beaches.

Malibu is famous for its residents — it has been celebrity real estate since the 1920s — but the beaches themselves are what draw most visitors. Under California law every beach in the state is public access; some homeowners have tried to convince people otherwise, but the right of way to the water exists at any point along the coast.

The surfing is the main draw. Surfrider Beach, just north of the Malibu Pier, is one of the most famous surf breaks in the world — a long, slow right-hander that gave early Californian surfing its character. Zuma Beach, further northwest, is a broader family beach with the cleanest water in the LA area. The Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific, is a nature area and historic site; the Adamson House on its shore is a National Historic Landmark covered in remarkable hand-painted Malibu tile.

From LA, Malibu is reached via the Pacific Coast Highway west from Santa Monica. The drive is reason enough to come.

Guide

Beaches in malibu

The beaches of Malibu encompass about 21 miles of California coastline. In addition to having some of Southern California’s nicest ocean-fronts, Malibu is home to many popular Hollywood icons. Many Malibu homeowners would have you believe the beach in front of their house is private. However, according to California law, every beach in the state is public. No person can be denied access to the water at any point along the coast, so don't be fooled. Here is a listing of Malibu’s popular beaches.**

Zuma Beach**

Zuma is probably the most popular beach in Malibu. It has a large area of sand for sunbathers and is known to have great waves for surfing. Currently, it ranks as being one of the healthiest beaches when it comes to clean water in LA County. Aside from surfers, Zuma beach is home to many kite-boarders, wind-surfers and body-boarders. The variety of activities at this beach attracts millions of visitors every year.**

Topanga County Beach**

While this is a more secluded beach, it is the perfect beach for kayak surfers. There is also an area for surfers, but you will find more kayak surfers on this beach because of the perfect wave break. There are hardly any sunbathers due to the small space but there are a few on occasion. There is a small picnic area and freshwater showers at this beach.**

Paradise Cove Beach**

While it may be a private beach, Paradise Cove is well-known as it was once a ‘nude’ beach. It is a famous location for movie shoots. It is also a well-known area for celebrity homes. If you choose to park at Bob Morris' Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, you'll be paying $20. Remember that this is just a parking fee. Access to any beach in California is free, but some ocean-front establishments, such as this, charge convenience fees. You can reach Paradise Cove for free if you're willing to trek a few miles from the Pacific Coast Highway.**

Malibu Lagoon State Beach**

The Malibu Lagoon is known as the place where the Malibu creek meets the Pacific Ocean. The Malibu Pier is located on this beach and is a great fishing spot. This beach has a great picnic area in addition to a nature area for bird watching. A National historic site known as the Adamson House is also located on this beach. It houses a number of Malibu’s historical artifacts. Across the street is the Malibu Lagoon Museum which features the history of the California Indian tribe called “Chumash.”**

Surfrider Beach**

Just north of the Malibu Pier is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, hence the name, Surfrider Beach. This beach gets really packed with surfers, especially during the summer. Even if you do not surf, watching the surfers and laying out in the sun is enough to say that you’re on vacation.