Malibu
The 21-mile celebrity coastline of beaches, surf breaks, the pier, and Pacific Coast Highway drives.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Malibu worth it?
Malibu deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The dream LA coast — Zuma and Surfrider beaches, the Malibu Pier, dramatic PCH cliffs, and a real chance of celebrity sightings.
- 02
The reality check: it's a long drive with notorious PCH traffic, many beaches have tricky parking and access, and the famous restaurants are pricey, so it's a half-day commitment.
Is it a fit?
Go if
Think twice if
You want something active
Malibu offers some adventure, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
The same streets, hour by hour
Calm surf, empty sand, easy parking
Sunny and busy, beach in full swing
Quiet coast, dinner at clifftop spots
What we would actually add
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free beaches; food/parking add up
- Timing
- Weekday or early start to beat PCH weekend traffic.
- Allow
- Half to full day
- Accessibility
- Some beaches have accessible parking and boardwalks; many require sand crossings.
- Getting there
- Drive up Pacific Coast Highway; budget extra time for congestion.