How to Spend a Weekend in Malibu: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

The Ultimate Itinerary for a Weekend in Malibu

This 2-day Malibu itinerary covers the must-see spots in the area. As you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll enjoy some time by the water, eat amazing food, check out historic sites, and indulge in the local wine scene. 

Day 1: The Pier & Other Key Malibu Attractions

On your first day, you’ll see some of the most iconic Malibu sites, and will also get a chance to either hang at the beach or visit a local museum. 

Stroll Down the Malibu Pier 

Start off your two days in Malibu with a stroll down Malibu Pier. This pier was built in 1905 for commercial purposes. From the end of the pier, you get beautiful views of the coastline, as well as the Adamson House (the next stop on the itinerary!). 

If you’ve vacationed in Santa Monica, know that the Malibu Pier is much more relaxed than the Santa Monica Pier, as there are just a couple restaurants and a shop. That said, it can still get busy, especially during the summer and on holiday weekends!

While you’re here, you can also grab breakfast or coffee on the pier at either Malibu Farm Restaurant (located at the start of the pier) or Malibu Farm Cafe (located at the end of the pier). The restaurant is great if you’re looking for a seated dining experience, whereas the cafe is a more casual spot where you order at the counter and seat yourself. Both spots have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Keep in mind that neither take reservations, so it’s smart to get there a bit early to give yourself time to get a table if you’re visiting during peak season.  

After spending some time at the pier, consider walking along the water at Surfrider Beach before making your way to the next stop. 

Visit the Adamson House (& Consider Doing a Tour)

After exploring the pier, you can make your way to the Adamson House, a California Historic Landmark that was built in 1929. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the pier, so if you drove, consider leaving your car where you parked it. 

This Spanish architecture-style beachside house is home to the most comprehensive collection of tiles made by the (now closed) Malibu Potteries company. It is right off the PCH, and borders Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Surfrider Beach – which means you get absolutely stunning views of the water, no matter where you are on the property!

Spend some time strolling through the grounds of the property, enjoying the beautiful landscaping and views of Malibu. Make sure you take a close look at the exterior tiles all around the house, as well as on the fountain in the backyard area. There are so many different varieties used around the property, so there’s lots to see!

I also highly recommend doing a docent-led tour of the interior of Adamson House. The exterior alone is stunning, but the interior has a totally different flavor and style that, in my opinion, is incredibly cool to experience. The docents are also well informed about the history of the house, and keep the tour (which is about 45 minutes) interesting! 

Grab Lunch

Next up, it’s time to make your way to lunch. Here are some options worth considering:

• John’s Garden: I’m a big fan of this sandwich shop (pictured below on the right), which is located in Malibu Country Mart. They have a great selection of sandwiches, salads, bowls, and burgers, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. There’s also smoothies and juices, as well as ice cream milkshakes. 
• SunLife Organics: If you want something light, head over to SunLife. The cafe serves smoothies and juices, as well as smoothie bowls, avocado toast, soups, and more. There’s a location in Malibu Country Mart (near Adamson House), as well as near Zuma Beach, which is one of the potential next stops in the itinerary. 
• Malibu Brewing Company: This option (pictured below left and center) is best if you choose to go to Zuma Beach for the next stop, as it’s right across the street. The taproom and eatery has a great selection of burgers, tacos, flatbreads, salads, and more, and has vegetarian and gluten-free options. I love their sweet potato waffle fries – get a basket to share!

Pick Your Adventure: Hang at the Beach or Explore the Getty Villa

For the next stop, you can choose between spending some time at the beach or heading over to the Getty Villa. 

For the beach option, if you’re up for the drive, I recommend driving up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Zuma Beach (pictured below on the left), which is about a 20 minute drive from Adamson House. The popular beach is huge, spanning over 1.8 miles – so there’s tons of space to soak up the sun or go on a oceanside walk. There’s a large parking lot (with about 2000 metered spaces), or you can try to street park for free on the PCH. 

Prefer to stay nearby? Make your way over to Surfrider Beach (pictured below on the right), which is between Adamson House and the pier. It’s smaller than Zuma, but still a great place to swim and soak up some rays. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a private surf lesson with a skilled instructor who’ll help you catch your first wave. 

If you aren’t feeling like spending the afternoon at the beach, make your way to The Getty Villa (pictured below center) in the Pacific Palisades. This is easily one of my favorite museums in LA, as the grounds and architecture are stunning. The museum (which is designed to replicate a Roman country home) is home to ancient Greek and Roman art. You’ll need to pay for parking, but otherwise admission is free. Important note: you’ll still need to make a reservation in advance online. 

Enjoy Dinner and Drinks

Finish off the first day of your Malibu weekend getaway with dinner and drinks in the area. You can check out Malibu Brewing Company if you didn’t stop there for lunch, or head to one of these restaurants: 

• Nobu: This upscale oceanfront restaurant is the place to go to enjoy amazing food while soaking in some of the best views in Malibu. The menu features modern Japanese dishes with a twist. Think sashimi tacos, fresh oysters, tempura crab, nigiri, and more. It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. 
• Mastro’s Ocean Club: Another classic upscale Malibu restaurant is Matro’s, an oceanfront steak and seafood restaurant that is located just down the street from The Getty Villa. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance. 
• Broad Street Oyster Company: This popular, low-key eatery (which is located in Malibu Country Mart) has a ton of great seafood dishes, including oysters, lobster rolls, crab claws, ceviches, and fried shrimp. Don’t worry if someone in your group isn’t a seafood fan – there are plenty of other options, including a mushroom roll, a burger, and salads. They also have local craft beers on the menu, as well as ciders, hard kombucha, and wine. 

Day 2: Hiking & A Wine Experience in the Santa Monica Mountains

On day 2, hike a beautiful Malibu trail before enjoying a wine experience in the Santa Monica Mountains. You’ll end your day with sunset at an iconic beach in the area. 

Enjoy a Malibu Hike

Hiking is a must when visiting Malibu. There are plenty of amazing trails in the area, but I recommend going with one of these two options:

• Escondido Falls Trail (3.5 miles): This out-and-back trail (pictured below on the right) takes you through a tree-covered landscape (which is especially beautiful and green in the spring!), leading you to a waterfall. It is rated as moderate, and there is a bit of elevation gain. Note that you will have to cross over some shallow streams. I highly recommend wearing hiking boots so that you have good traction when crossing over logs and rocks. Hiking poles can also be helpful! For parking, there is a tiny lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly. You can park on the PCH – just pay close attention to the parking signs, as there are some no parking sections. 
• Point Dume Cove Trail (1.1 miles): If you’re looking for something shorter, Point Dume (pictured below on the left and center) is a great option. This trail takes you around the Point Dume Natural Reserve, and offers beautiful views of the coast from above. AllTrails rates this trail as moderate, but I think it’s a fairly easy hike (and definitely easier than Escondido Falls!). Just know that the path is sandy and can get a bit rocky and uneven at some points. For parking, note that street parking in the neighborhood is very limited, and you should pay close attention to the parking signs if you try to find a spot. You can alternatively park at the beach parking lot for a fee and walk up the hill to the trail. 

Grab Lunch

Refuel after your hike with lunch at one of these Malibu eateries:

• Lily’s: This casual restaurant has an extensive menu, with options for everyone’s tastes. The Latin-inspired menu features tamales, quesadillas, tacos, burgers, and a wide variety of burritos. 
• Kristy’s Village Cafe: Enjoy a post-hike brunch at Kristy’s. The menu features both sweet and savory brunch must-haves, including an omelet, breakfast burrito, acai bowls, pancakes, sandwiches, and much more. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.  
• Old Place: If you decide to go to Cornell Wine Co. in the next stop, consider stopping by Old Place – it’s right next door. For lunch, the steakhouse (which is set in an old general store turned restaurant) serves a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches. During the daytime, it is open for outdoor seating only.

Indulge in a Wine Experience

Next, it’s time to drive up into the Santa Monica Mountains and enjoy a winery experience. There’s a great selection of vineyards and tasting rooms in the area, as well as many different ways you can explore the region and indulge in some wine. Let’s talk through three different options. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, one of the more unique experiences you can try is a guided 2-hour vineyard tour on a 4×4. On this tour, a guide will take you through the gorgeous vineyards of Saddlerock and Malibu Family Wines. You’ll enjoy snacks and beverages during the excursion, and will get wine to take home after the tour. 

Alternatively, you can do a classic wine tasting. One super popular spot is Cielo Farms, a Tuscan-inspired estate with insanely beautiful panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition to wine, they serve charcuterie boards and wood-fired pizzas. The only con is that flights and glasses/bottles are on the pricey end, especially for the area. You will also need to reserve your table in advance, and it costs $35 to get a “day pass” to enter the tasting room (which does not go towards your tasting cost).

Another wine tasting spot that I absolutely love is Cornell Wine Co (pictured below). Set in the small community of Cornell (which straddles Malibu and Agoura Hills), this rustic wine shop and bar is more laid-back compared to Cielo Farms (and cheaper!). It has more of a local feel, and is definitely a hidden gem in the area. Cornell Wine Co. offers a signature tasting of seven wines (which requires a reservation), as well as a trio tasting (no reservation required). Keep an eye out for one of the local peacocks as you enjoy your wine!

Watch the Sunset at El Matador Beach

After your wine tasting, make your way back to the coast to enjoy the sunset at El Matador Beach. This iconic, super picturesque beach is known for its huge sea stacks and caves, which are set against a gorgeous coastal bluff. 

Note: make sure you check the tides before visiting! If the tides are high, you can still get beautiful views and enjoy the sunset from the path leading down to the beach. 

Finish Off Your Malibu Trip with Dinner

As your trip to Malibu comes to a close, enjoy one last dinner before you depart. Here are two spots worth checking out:

• Geoffrey’s: If you want a more upscale dinner, check out Geoffrey’s. This coastal restaurant takes a Californian approach to international dishes, and has a very seafood-forward menu. It’s popular, so make reservations in advance!
• Neptune’s Net: For something a bit more casual, head to Neptune’s Net. This super popular seafood restaurant has been serving food and beer to Malibu locals and visitors alike since 1956. 

Additional Things to Do in Malibu

The itinerary above hits some of my must-visit spots in Malibu. That said, there is so much more to do in the area! If you have more time (or just want to change up the above itinerary), here are a few additional activities worth considering:

• Enjoy a spa service at Calamigos Guest Ranch
• Have a beach day at Leo Carrillo State Beach
• Shop at Malibu Country Mart
• Do a guided mountain bike tour through the Santa Monica Mountains

Where to Stay in Malibu 

If you need a place to stay, here are some of the top hotels in the area:

• The Surfrider Hotel (a beautifully designed boutique hotel on the PCH)
• Malibu Beach Inn (a 5-star luxury hotel right on the beach)
• Calamigos Guest Ranch (a quiet escape up in the Santa Monica Mountains)
• The M Malibu (a more budget-friendly option on the PCH)