A Quintessential Malibu Day Trip Itinerary: How to Spend a Day Along the PCH
There’s no place that screams quintessential Southern California quite as much as Malibu. Despite its proximity to Los Angeles proper (you can get from Downtown Los Angeles to Malibu in 40 minutes…if traffic is in your favor), this beach city is a world of its own. Set against the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, this gorgeous destination is known for great hiking, amazing restaurants, and of course, its pristine beaches and surf. If you want to spend a day soaking up the sun, taking in the ocean views, and driving along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, I’m here to help you plan the ultimate Malibu day trip.
There’s no shortage of things to do, but as a Los Angeles-based traveler that has spent plenty of time in the area, I’ve created an itinerary filled to the brim with the Malibu must-do activities that you won’t want to miss.
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The Perfect Malibu Day Trip Itinerary
I’ve created this itinerary to hit up the most popular attractions in Malibu. If there are any activities you’d like to switch, you’ll find even more things to do at the end of this guide so that you can create an itinerary that fits your preferences!
Keep in mind that this is a fairly packed itinerary, especially if you end up doing the tour at Adamson House. If you need to cut anything, I suggest skipping Zuma Beach and heading straight to El Matador after lunch.
Get Breakfast
Start off your short Malibu trip with breakfast at one of these eateries in the area:
- Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier or Pier Cafe: For amazing food in an iconic setting, head to Malibu Pier (pictured below). There are two places to eat breakfast here: Malibu Farm Restaurant (located at the start of the pier) and Malibu Farm Cafe (located at the end of the pier). The restaurant has seated dining, whereas at the cafe, you’ll order at the counter and seat yourself. Both spaces serve a variety of classic breakfast dishes, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
- Zinqué: Another popular option is Zinqué, which specializes in French-inspired dishes. For breakfast, indulge in dishes like smoked salmon toast, a quinoa breakfast burrito, brioche French toast, or a breakfast sandwich. There are options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
- Alfred Coffee: If you just need some caffeine and a light bite, head over to Alfred, located in the Malibu Country Mart shopping center. They serve classic coffee and tea drinks, as well as more unique creations (my go-to order is a hot chagaccino!). To eat, they offer to-go breakfast items like pastries, bagels, and yogurt and granola.
Visit Adamson House
Next, transport yourself to 1920s Malibu by stopping by the Adamson House. This California Historic Landmark (which is owned and maintained by the California Department of Parks and Recreation) was built in 1929. The Spanish architecture-style home features the most comprehensive collection of tiles made by the influential but short-lived Malibu Potteries company, which produced Malibu tiles influenced by Egyptian, Moorish, Mayan, and Saracen cultures.
Adamson House is located right off the PCH. From the backyard of the property you get picture-perfect views of the Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach. On the opposite side, the property borders Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
You have two different options when visiting this historic property. If you’re visiting during operating hours, you can take a docent-led tour of Adamson House. This lasts approximately 45 minutes, and gives you a chance to see the inside of the house. Adult tickets cost $7 (note that they are cash only!). I really recommend doing the tour if you can, as the interior is incredibly unique. During my most recent visit, the docent was knowledgeable and kept the tour interesting!
Alternatively, you can skip the tour and explore the grounds and exterior of the house on your own. While you won’t be able to go inside the house, it’s still well-worth the stop. You’ll also still be able to see the use of Malibu tile on the exterior of the house.
There isn’t parking available at Adamson House. There is a beach parking lot that borders the property, or you can find street parking on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Note: tours at the Adamson House are only available Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 2pm (unless it is raining, in which case tours are canceled). The gardens and grounds are still open to visitors daily from 8am until sunset. Even if you aren’t able to join for a tour, I still highly recommend spending some time walking around the gorgeous property!
Go on a Low-Key Hike
A day in Malibu isn’t complete without exploring one of the many trails in the area. One of the best trails to check out during a day trip is the Point Dume Cove Trail, which is 1.1 miles long. This beautiful trail offers some of the best views in Malibu, and is one of my favorites when I’m craving an easy yet incredibly beautiful hike. As you walk through Point Dume Natural Preserve, you’ll get incredible views of the rocky Pirate’s Cove Beach, as well as the coastline.
AllTrails has rated this as a “moderate” hike, but I disagree (as do other reviewers!) – this is definitely a pretty easy trail! That said, you’ll be walking on a sandy, uneven path that does sometimes get a bit rocky, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Note that parking is very limited in the neighborhood – most streets have no parking signs. You can park at the beach parking lot (which charges a fee) and walk up to the trail.
If you want more trail recommendations, I’ve included additional options at the end of this guide!
Refuel with Lunch
After your hike, it’s time to refuel with some lunch at a local eatery. Here are a few options near both of the hikes mentioned above:
- SunLife Organics: If you’re looking for a lighter bite to eat, SunLife (the location on Heathercliff Road) is a great option. The juice bar and cafe serves smoothies, bowls, soups, avocado toast, and other light bites, as well as coffee and tea. Full disclosure: the prices are steep!
- Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe: This casual seafood eatery is a Malibu staple. The market and cafe opened in 1972, and is owned and operated by commercial fishermen. The menu features classics like clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood sandwiches, and both steamed and deep-fried dishes.
- Malibu Brewing Company: Just north of Zuma Beach is Malibu Brewing Company (pictured below), located in Trancas Country Market. The menu at this elevated taproom and eatery features flatbreads, burgers, salads, tacos, and more, as well as plenty of shareable appetizers. There are also plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. I highly recommend getting a side of their sweet potato waffle fries!
Soak Up the Sun at Zuma Beach
Zuma is easily one of Malibu’s most well-loved beaches. Spanning 1.8 miles of the coast, there is plenty of open space to spread out and soak up the sun. Even if you’re visiting during the cooler seasons, I recommend stopping by during your day trip and setting up a beach blanket. Given how much space there is, this is also the perfect spot to go on a beach walk!
There is a large parking lot at Zuma Beach with approximately 2000 spaces. Note that these spots are metered. You can also street park on the PCH.
Watch the Sunset at El Matador State Beach
After hanging out at Zuma Beach, it’s time to drive about 10 minutes up the coast to check out El Matador Beach – one of the most popular places to go in Malibu! This picturesque beach (which is one of the three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach) is set against a coastal bluff, and is known for its massive sea stacks and caves. It’s beautiful at any time of the day, but is an especially gorgeous spot to catch the sunset. Be sure to check the tides before you go – you’ll have the best experience if you visit during low tide!
End the Day with Dinner
Finish off your day trip at one of Malibu’s most iconic restaurants. Here are two options to consider:
- Geoffrey’s: For an upscale dining experience with incredible ocean views, head to Geoffrey’s. Known for taking a California approach to international dishes, this restaurant has a seafood-heavy menu, with dishes like scallops, salmon, and Chilean sea bass, as well as steak, chicken, and some veggie-forward dishes. Reservations are recommended!
- Broad Street Oyster Company: If you’re looking for something more casual (but still delicious!), make your way to Broad Street. In addition to oysters, this eatery has a wide selection of seafood dishes, including lobster rolls, fried shrimp, crab claws, and ceviche. There are also plenty of non-seafood options, including a mushroom roll (a veggie take on the lobster roll), a burger, and salads.
Additional Things to do in Malibu
If you have some extra time (or want to swap out some activities in the itinerary above!), here are a few additional things you can do during your day trip to Malibu.
Enjoy Another Hike in the Area
February 2025 Update: Escondido Canyon Park (where the Escondido Falls Trail is located) is temporarily closed. Refer to the park website for the most up-to-date info.
There is no shortage of amazing hikes in Malibu – it’s one of my favorite places to go hiking in LA! Here are a few of my go-tos:
- Point Mugu Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop (2.7 miles, Easy): Point Mugu State Park is located on the northern edge of Malibu, and in my experience, it tends to be a bit less crowded than the areas closer to Santa Monica. This trail (pictured below on the left) starts just off the PCH and takes you up into the mountains, where you get incredible views of the ocean and coastline.
- Ocean Overlook Loop (2.7 miles, Easy): This trail (pictured below in the center and on the right) – located in Charmlee Wilderness Park – begins at a higher elevation, and leads you through an open space where you’ll get sweeping vistas of the ocean and surrounding area.
- Escondido Falls Trail (3.5 Miles, Moderate): This moderately-rated trail takes you up the mountain and through a wooded area before you end at Escondido Falls (which, at 150-feet, is the highest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains). This trail is especially beautiful in the spring – you can expect a lush, green landscape and plenty of wildflowers. Keep in mind that the water levels at the falls may be low (or non-existent), depending on the season and rainfall. You can refer to the most recent reviews on AllTrails for waterfall reports! There is a parking lot at the trailhead (it costs $12 to park there), but it’s small, so you may need to park on the PCH. Note that the trail starts on a paved road at first.
Point Mugu | Escondido Falls | Ocean Overlook
Go on a 4×4 Vineyard Tour
Experience the Malibu wine scene with a guided vineyard tour on a 4×4. On this 2-hour tour, you’ll explore the vineyards of Saddlerock and Malibu Family Wines, set in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains. As you learn about the history of the vineyards and area and take in the vistas, you’ll get a chance to stop and enjoy some snacks, beverages, and wine.
Do a Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour
If you’d prefer to explore the area on bike, try a guided electric bike tour through Malibu’s Santa Monica Mountains. On this tour, you’ll bike along the Backbone Trail, where you’ll get beautiful views of the ocean and the mountain landscape. It’s suitable for beginners, as well – your guide will help you get comfortable navigating the trail on the bike! They’ll also adjust the route depending on your abilities.
Explore the Getty Villa
February 2025 Update: The Getty Villa is closed until further notice due to the Palisades Fire. Refer to the official website for the latest information.
The Getty Villa (located in the Pacific Palisades, which is in between Malibu and Santa Monica) is one of my favorite museums in all of Los Angeles. The museum displays ancient Greek and Roman art, all in a decadent space that is designed to replicate a Roman country home. Admission is free (you’ll just need to pay for parking), but note that you do need to make a reservation in advance online.
Give Surfing a Try with a Private Lesson
If you’ve wanted to give surfing a try, there’s no better place to learn than Malibu. Take a 1.5 hour private surf lesson at Surfrider Beach, where the skilled instructor will cover the ins and outs of surfing to help you catch your first wave. A surfboard and wetsuit is provided.
Indulge in the Fine Dining Scene
There are plenty of incredible restaurants in Malibu, with some amazing options for those looking for an upscale experience. If you’re looking to treat yourself while visiting Malibu, consider making a reservation at Mastro’s Ocean Club (a steak and seafood spot) or Nobu (a super popular Japanese restaurant). Both restaurants offer oceanfront views!
Shop at Malibu Country Mart
If you’d prefer a leisurely shopping day, make your way to Malibu Country Mart. The outdoor shopping center is home to a variety of clothing, jewelry, personal care, and home goods stores, as well as eateries and coffee shops. There’s also a playground in the center of the shops.
Relax at Leo Carrillo State Beach
For those looking to spend more time at the beach, Leo Carrillo State Beach (which is about four miles north of El Matador) is a great spot to check out. There’s plenty of open space to lay out and catch some rays, as well as some beautiful rocky areas with sea caves.
I hope you enjoy your time in Malibu! Here are some additional Southern California travel guides to help you plan your next adventure:
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