Hotels in Malibu, California

Malibu Introduction

Loved by celebrities, surfers, and sun-loving locals, Malibu is one of California's most talked about destinations. It stretches for 30 miles along the Pacific Coast, which means there are beaches for every occasion. There are plenty of places to refuel, with farm-to-table cafes, organic juice bars, and chef-owned restaurants on every corner. A buzzing après-beach scene means you'll also find sleek waterfront bars and trendy tap houses, with several moonlighting as live music and DJ venues.

Hotels in Malibu

Just a stone's throw from Los Angeles, Malibu lures a constant stream of well-heeled vacationers. Naturally, there's plenty of high-end accommodation to match. Luxury hotels in Malibu treat guests to spacious suites, chic decor, and stunning ocean views. Breezy balconies are perfect for sipping coconut rum and pineapple juice in the sunshine. You'll also enjoy front-row seats to Malibu's spectacular sunsets. Chain staples are eternally popular with travelers who value comfort, while self-contained condos and spacious villas promise a local experience in California's favorite beach town.

In the last hour, the most popular choices were:

• Beachfront Malibu House by RedAwning has been booked 5 times; click Beachfront Malibu House by RedAwning for more info.
• Oceanfront Malibu Beach House 1 bdr 4 Sleeps has been booked 5 times; click Oceanfront Malibu Beach House 1 bdr 4 Sleeps for more info.
• The Surfrider Malibu has been booked 5 times; click The Surfrider Malibu for more info.

Where to stay

Malibu Pier is the beating heart of the city's beach scene. Hotels in this area put you within walking distance of Malibu Lagoon State Beach, as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area is also a top pick for travelers in search of world-class waves at Surfrider Beach. Venture inland and you'll find hotels and wellness resorts set in the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu Wine Country. While Malibu has a reputation for luxury, discount hotels in nearby Thousand Oaks offer fantastic value for money and easy access to the beach.

Things to see

Blessed with golden sand and lashings of sunshine, Malibu is a magnet for beach lovers. Zuma Beach is a local favorite, backed by rugged, grass-covered cliffs. In the summer, it's dotted with colorful beach umbrellas, volleyball nets, and sun-bronzed bodies. Escape the crowds at El Matador State Beach, a secluded stretch of sand hemmed in by sandstone cliffs and accessed by a steep trail. It's a great place to strip off and banish tan lines. Visiting in the winter? Temperatures hover around the high 60s, which means sunbathing isn't out of the question. Malibu is also a prime whale-watching destination, with Point Dume one of California's top places to spot migrating grey whales. Beyond sun and sand, Malibu is awash with culture. Top-tier attractions like the Getty Villa showcase a treasure trove of Roman and Greek art, while the Surf Museum offers a glimpse of California's legendary surf culture.

How to get to Malibu

Malibu stretches for 30 miles along California's famous Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you're beach hopping or touring wineries, renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get around. Buses run between Santa Monica and Trancas Canyon, stopping at Malibu Pier, Getty Villa, and the Civic Center area. Malibu is a 1-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport and 30 minutes from Santa Monica Airport.