Located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, the famed beach city of Malibu rests on a 21-mile strip along the stunning California coastline. “The Bu” to locals, Malibu is a favored destination for SoCal surfers and beachgoers, and the chosen home for the entertainment professionals and endless celebrities who prefer the ocean and lush mountainscapes to an urban LA habitat. Although there are endless lodging options for a long weekend or vacation stay, many Angelenos daytrip to Malibu to breath in the invigorating sea air and grab a much-needed break from the bustling city.
While Malibu is famous for its gorgeous, white sand beaches, note that many idyllic spots there are deemed private. These are therefore only accessible via the private oceanfront residences stationed on the cliffs, unfortunately. However, there are several popular public beaches just a short drive north of Malibu, where visitors can attain that ever-coveted, golden SoCal glow! Zuma Beach, for example, covers 1.8 miles of the shore and is a local favorite for excellent swimming and body surfing. In the colder months, sightseers are often lucky enough to catch pods of majestic grey whales breaching the water during their annual winter migration. El Matador State Beach is one of the coastline’s most stunning. No trek to “The Bu” would be complete without posting your best sunset selfie against the impressive, dramatic rock formations located there! The Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach is a must for taking in a bit of the typically active local lifestyle that includes swimming, surfing, windsurfing and surf fishing. It also contains multiple coastal caves and reefs that are great for exploring. And, as an added bonus, the north part of this beach is canine-friendly so visitors can even bring their pooches along for a day in the surf and sun!
