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the USA🇺🇸 | beachesMalibu BeachWooden pier, longboard break, Adamson House, lagoon birds | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Malibu Beach
🌟 Highlightbeach ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Malibu Beach is free to walk onto, and the Pacific Coast Highway runs right alongside it, so a rental car or the bus gets you from sand to snack in minutes. It sits on the coast of Southern California in the United States, west of Los Angeles. The water is cold and the surf is steady, good for bodyboarding more than lazy floating, while snorkeling is only decent when the kelp is clear. Parking fills early and the beach homes block much of the view from the road, which is a mild comedy of its own. I asked a vendor at a fish shack where to find the public path, and she pointed at a gap between two garages and said, “Look for the tiny sign, everybody misses it.” Behind it waited wide sand and pelicans. Budget food is mostly taco stands and fish shacks, and beds are pricey. Unlike nearby Santa Monica, it has no pier or crowds of street performers, only quieter sand and mountains.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 the USA Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 beach in the USAWhat sets this place apart

Malibu Beach earns its stops from backpackers working the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The main draw is the public access paths between the beach houses, which turn a road of private gates into a free day by the ocean. Look for the small blue-and-white access signs and you can spread a towel where the sand is clean and the mountains drop almost to the water.

The second reason is the surf. The break near the Malibu Pier and Surfrider area is one of the most famous longboard waves in California, and watching riders line up on a clear day is entertainment enough. Rental shops and lessons nearby make it easy to try, even if your first ride ends in a mouthful of saltwater.

It also works as a pause. Cheap tacos, a stretch of coastline for walking and a calm evening … read more 👉
Malibu Beach earns its stops from backpackers working the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The main draw is the public access paths between the beach houses, which turn a road of private gates into a free day by the ocean. Look for the small blue-and-white access signs and you can spread a towel where the sand is clean and the mountains drop almost to the water.

The second reason is the surf. The break near the Malibu Pier and Surfrider area is one of the most famous longboard waves in California, and watching riders line up on a clear day is entertainment enough. Rental shops and lessons nearby make it easy to try, even if your first ride ends in a mouthful of saltwater.

It also works as a pause. Cheap tacos, a stretch of coastline for walking and a calm evening let you reset before the next leg of the route north or south.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Malibu Beach

  1. Malibu Pier: The wooden pier is the beach’s signature sight. Walk out for free, watch anglers and look back at the coastline and surf. The end of the pier has views over the break.
  2. Surfrider Beach: Just beside the pier, this is a classic longboard wave. Even if you do not surf, watching the lines of riders at sunset is the best free show on the beach.
  3. Surf lessons and board rentals: Nearby shops offer beginner lessons and rentals. The gentle, rolling waves suit first-timers better than a steep beach break.
  4. Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon State Beach: The Spanish-style house is decorated with local hand-painted tile, and the lagoon next door draws herons, egrets and pelicans. Tours of the house run on set days, so check ahead.
  5. Sunset on the sand: Bring a blanket and snacks from a nearby taco stand.
… read more 👉
  1. Malibu Pier: The wooden pier is the beach’s signature sight. Walk out for free, watch anglers and look back at the coastline and surf. The end of the pier has views over the break.
  2. Surfrider Beach: Just beside the pier, this is a classic longboard wave. Even if you do not surf, watching the lines of riders at sunset is the best free show on the beach.
  3. Surf lessons and board rentals: Nearby shops offer beginner lessons and rentals. The gentle, rolling waves suit first-timers better than a steep beach break.
  4. Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon State Beach: The Spanish-style house is decorated with local hand-painted tile, and the lagoon next door draws herons, egrets and pelicans. Tours of the house run on set days, so check ahead.
  5. Sunset on the sand: Bring a blanket and snacks from a nearby taco stand. After dark the beach quiets down, with bonfires banned and only the sound of waves.
Malibu Beach can be covered in half a day, or a full day if you add a surf lesson and a long sunset.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Malibu Beach

Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine

Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine

4.8(438)
From €44
per personViator
Los Angeles: Private 4x4 Vineyard Tour in Malibu

Los Angeles: Private 4x4 Vineyard Tour in Malibu

4.9(120) 2h
From €431
per personViator
Ventura to LAX

Ventura to LAX

4.8(95) 30m
From €150
per personViator
Scenic Malibu Overlook Electric Bike Tour for Beginners

Scenic Malibu Overlook Electric Bike Tour for Beginners

4.9(82) 2h
From €153
per personViator
Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour

Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour

4.6(104) 4h 30m
From €64
per personViator
Private Surf Lessons in Malibu

Private Surf Lessons in Malibu

4.8(47) 1h 30m
From €123
per personViator
Malibu: Vintage VW Bus and Vineyard Tour

Malibu: Vintage VW Bus and Vineyard Tour

4.9(40) 2h
From €113
per personViator
Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle

4.6(41)
From €544
per personViator
Private Malibu Waterfall Hike & Pacific Coast Drive

Private Malibu Waterfall Hike & Pacific Coast Drive

5.0(20) 5h
From €449
per personViator
Private Getty Villa Tour with Museum-Trained Art Historian

Private Getty Villa Tour with Museum-Trained Art Historian

5.0(20) 1h 30m
From €159
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (June to September): Highs run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) at the coast, water reaches about 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F), and daylight lasts roughly 14 hours. Parking lots fill by late morning on weekends, and motel rates peak. Morning marine layer (“May Gray” and “June Gloom”) often hides the sun until noon.
  • Fall (October to November): Highs of 23 to 29°C (73 to 84°F), the clearest skies, thinner crowds, and the warmest ocean of the year. Santa Ana winds can bring heat and fire risk.
  • Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F), cold water near 14 to 15°C (57 to 59°F), and about 10 hours of daylight. Rain comes in short storms, and big swells draw surfers. Rooms are cheapest midweek.
  • Spring (March to May): Highs of 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F), green hills, and gray whale migration
… read more 👉
  • Summer (June to September): Highs run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) at the coast, water reaches about 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F), and daylight lasts roughly 14 hours. Parking lots fill by late morning on weekends, and motel rates peak. Morning marine layer (“May Gray” and “June Gloom”) often hides the sun until noon.
  • Fall (October to November): Highs of 23 to 29°C (73 to 84°F), the clearest skies, thinner crowds, and the warmest ocean of the year. Santa Ana winds can bring heat and fire risk.
  • Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F), cold water near 14 to 15°C (57 to 59°F), and about 10 hours of daylight. Rain comes in short storms, and big swells draw surfers. Rooms are cheapest midweek.
  • Spring (March to May): Highs of 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F), green hills, and gray whale migration visible from shore into March or April.
Aim for a weekday in September or October for warm sand and open parking.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
united-states-beach-malibu-beach
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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

Santa Monica is the best base for backpackers, sitting about 20 to 30 km (12 to 18 miles) southeast of Malibu Beach, with the only real hostel scene on this stretch of coast. Dorm beds usually run US$45 to 80 a night, climbing in summer. The area around the pier and Main Street is walkable, social, and has late-night food. Bus 534 and the Big Blue Bus network link it to the coast highway, and the ride to Malibu takes roughly 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.

Venice, a bit farther south, suits travelers who want a looser, younger crowd, boardwalk life, and cheap tacos, though it feels rougher … read more 👉
Santa Monica is the best base for backpackers, sitting about 20 to 30 km (12 to 18 miles) southeast of Malibu Beach, with the only real hostel scene on this stretch of coast. Dorm beds usually run US$45 to 80 a night, climbing in summer. The area around the pier and Main Street is walkable, social, and has late-night food. Bus 534 and the Big Blue Bus network link it to the coast highway, and the ride to Malibu takes roughly 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.

Venice, a bit farther south, suits travelers who want a looser, younger crowd, boardwalk life, and cheap tacos, though it feels rougher after dark. Staying in Malibu itself is pricey, with motels and inns often US$200 to 400 a night and almost no dorms. The exception is camping at Malibu Creek State Park or Leo Carrillo State Park, where sites run about US$45 to 75 and give you beach access without the room rates. Book summer weekends well ahead wherever you choose.
Best hostels in the USA


Best quality hotels in the USA

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach is a well-patrolled, low-drama stretch where most trouble comes from rips and the sun. Surf here is moderate to strong, and rip currents form near jetties and where sandbars break up, so swim near a lifeguard tower and watch which way the water pulls before wading in. Winter swells arrive in big sets, and the water is cold enough to sap you in minutes without a wetsuit. Stingrays sometimes rest in shallow sand, so shuffle your feet entering the water. The marine layer hides strong UV, which burns people on overcast mornings, so wear sunscreen anyway. Car break-ins are the usual crime along the Pacific Coast Highway, so leave nothing visible in a parked vehicle. Carry valuables with you or leave them behind. Lifeguards fly colored flags and post surf warnings, and locals usually … read more 👉
Malibu Beach is a well-patrolled, low-drama stretch where most trouble comes from rips and the sun. Surf here is moderate to strong, and rip currents form near jetties and where sandbars break up, so swim near a lifeguard tower and watch which way the water pulls before wading in. Winter swells arrive in big sets, and the water is cold enough to sap you in minutes without a wetsuit. Stingrays sometimes rest in shallow sand, so shuffle your feet entering the water. The marine layer hides strong UV, which burns people on overcast mornings, so wear sunscreen anyway. Car break-ins are the usual crime along the Pacific Coast Highway, so leave nothing visible in a parked vehicle. Carry valuables with you or leave them behind. Lifeguards fly colored flags and post surf warnings, and locals usually enter the water at the quieter, gentler stretches.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Malibu Beach is reached by car along Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), about 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 km) west of downtown Los Angeles, which takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Without a car, take the Metro E Line to Santa Monica, then Big Blue Bus or Metro Line 534 up the coast, which runs roughly 45 to 60 minutes and costs about US$1.75 to 2.50. Rideshare from Santa Monica runs about US$30 to 50 each way. Weekend traffic on PCH can double the drive, so leave before 9 a.m.
Malibu Beach is best known for swimming and surfing, with snorkeling a distant third. Surfrider Beach at Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers the famous right-hand point break, best from late summer through fall and crowded with longboarders, while beginners can rent a board and take lessons for roughly US$90 to 150. Swimming is pleasant from June to October, when the Pacific sits around 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F), and a thin wetsuit helps the rest of the year. For snorkeling, Leo Carrillo State Park and Point Dume, a short drive west, have kelp, rocky reefs and tide pools with better visibility than the beach itself.
Malibu Beach is free to walk on, since all California sand below the mean high tide line is public. Public access points such as Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach have no entry fee, though parking runs about US$3 to 15 per day in lots or at metered roadside spots along PCH. Some state beaches, like Malibu Lagoon State Beach, charge around US$12 for parking, and free roadside spots exist but need careful reading of the signs, as tickets can reach US$70 or more. Arriving by bus or on foot avoids parking costs entirely.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other American beaches near Malibu Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Santa Monica Beach—Pier amusement park, coastal bike path, Muscle Beach, train access| 18 km away
  • Venice Beach—Ocean Front Walk, skate bowls, outdoor weights, 1900s canals| 23 km away
  • Laguna Beach—Bluff coves, tide pools, Heisler Park walk, pirate tower| 100 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Malibu Beach works best as a one-night stop or a long day trip. I would arrive early, surf or walk the sand, eat tacos at sunset and move on. A second night adds little unless you plan to take surf lessons.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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