The Best Day Trip to Malibu: A One Day Itinerary

Looking for a getaway outside of Los Angeles? Check out this post for The Best Day Trip to Malibu: A One Day Itinerary!

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Disclaimer: Let me start off by letting you all know that it’s been a very long time since I’ve published a post on T&B. If you go back to my most recent one for example, you’ll notice that I actually published it in APRIL.

Eight months… that is exactly how long this blog has been inactive. So much has happened between now and then that I wasn’t able to blog for months. However, what I will say is that spending 8 months apart from this blog was truly heartbreaking. If anything, this blog was all I could think about during my hiatus. This is truly more than just a hobby for me. Travel & Blossom is a part of me, and…it always will be. No matter how long it stays inactive.. I will always find my way back to it. So, overall, I’m here to let you guys know that I’m back and I’m ready to pick up where I left off!

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California Bucket List Series

P.S. This is a post in my California Bucket List series. Here is the complete series:

Malibu Itinerary: The Best Day Trip to Malibu: A One Day Itinerary

Malibu Racism: My Experience with Racism at El Matador Beach

L.A. Bucket List: The Ultimate Los Angeles Summer Bucket List

Compared to Los Angeles (LA), Malibu really sets the bar for the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific Coast. And when I say “beautiful”, I mean scenic, pristine, and breathtaking! In fact, if it wasn’t for my lack of a driver’s license, I probably would’ve moved to Malibu right now. That’s how I serious I am! Venice Beach doesn’t stand a chance against this “beach city”. It’s completely safe due to its local laws so homeless individuals can’t even set their tents there. Can you imagine that? There are so many tents in Venice Beach already, but, things do seem to be looking up over there.

Besides that, if you’re planning a day trip to Malibu and you don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This itinerary will help you have the BEST day trip to Malibu all in one day. All you have to do is follow it or switch some things around; either way, you will have an amazing day.

Stop 1: Get breakfast at the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe!

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is the ideal breakfast spot for American cuisine and pier side Pacific views! You can find it located at the ocean end of Malibu pier with its farm-to-table eatery and wood reclaimed benches. The cafe is also known for featuring ingredients that are farm fresh, local, and organic, to create an eclectic menu of healthy simplicity. For breakfast, Swedish pancakes, waffles, egg sandwiches and quinoa oatmeal are usually on the menu. You can order them at the counter when you arrive and grab a seat on the wooden planks near the deck.

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If you need directions, you can check out this map of the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe!

Stop 2: Head to Zuma Beach to sunbathe!

Since it is known as one of the most finest beaches in the Los Angeles area, Zuma Beach is the place to go for sunbathing on your day trip to Malibu! When I was there, I took a picture of the beach as I was laying in the sand and I was able to soak up all of the sun’s glorious rays. In terms of its length, the beach is about 2 miles long and it doesn’t have any homes placed between the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and the sand. If you have a car, you can park it in the paid parking lot near the beach or in the free spots located along the PCH. You might even get the chance to run into some celebrities while you’re there like Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, or Gwen Stefani who named her daughter after the beach.

If you need directions, you can check out this map of Zuma Beach!

Stop 3: Hike to the top of Point Dume for an amazing view!

Once you’re done soaking up the sun’s rays on Zuma Beach, you can head on over to Point Dume for a quick hike to the top! The hike is about 1.4 miles long and it begins from a small 2-hour parking area behind the point. The trail is accessible all-year round and it is extremely short and simple. When I did this hike, I got a great dose of seaside nature just from my surroundings. The image below is a picture I took right from the very top. The point is also a great place to watch whales and sea lions near the ocean. In fact, if you look down, you might even see some rock climbers as they climb their way up. I personally prefer to hike rather than climb, but if you’re a great rock climber you might as well take a stab at it.

If you need directions, you can check out this map of Point Dume!

Stop 4: Get lunch at Geoffrey’s Malibu for some amazing seafood!

After hiking Point Dume, get lunch at Geoffrey’s Malibu for an amazing oceanside dining experience! For lunch, Geoffrey’s Malibu usually serves a variety of seafood dishes that include appetizers like crab cakes, shrimp, or oysters. For your entree, you can even order the famous Geoffrey’s Paella which is a rich concoction of prawn, scallop, mussel, clam, chorizo, chicken, and saffron rice in a seafood broth. A reservation can also be made on Open Table before you arrive. Once you’re able to seated, make sure to let your waiter know that you’re looking for the best table with the nicest view.

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If you need directions, you can check out this map of Geoffrey’s Malibu!

Stop 5: Hike up Escondido Falls for an Instagrammable Photo Spot!

Once you’re done with your lunch, head on over to Escondido Falls to get some pics for your day trip to Malibu! The hike to the Falls starts just off the PCH and it goes uphill for 0.75 miles along the Winding Way. You will pass a lot of extravagant Malibu residences along this road as you find your way to Escondido Canyon Park. The trail is about 3.8 miles round-trip and it can take you to either the Lower Escondido Falls or the Upper Escondido Falls. The Lower Escondido Falls tend to be for hikers who are not looking for a strenuous hike. However, if you’re willing to work for it, experienced hikers tend to go to the Upper Escondido Falls for a higher breathtaking view. In fact, at Upper Escondido Falls, you can even end your hike with a quick Instagram photo underneath the water.

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If you need directions, you can check out this map of Escondido Falls!

Stop 6: Go to Matador Beach to watch the sun set over the ocean!

After you’re done hiking up the Falls, make your way to Matador Beach to catch a beautiful sunset over the ocean. When I was in Malibu, I was lucky enough to catch it right before my flight and looking back, I wouldn’t regret one thing about it. I had a lot of privacy since I came during off season so being there really felt like an escape. If you’re looking to capture the sunset while you’re here, come 1-2 hours early before the sun sets.

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If you need directions, you can check out this map of Matador Beach!

Stop 7: End your day trip to Malibu with some delicious steak from Mastro’s Ocean Club!

Last but not least, end your day trip to Malibu with some delicious steak from Mastro’s Ocean Club! For dinner, Mastro’s Ocean Club usually serves a variety of entrees that include seafood, steak, or chops. For your entree, I would recommend ordering the dry-aged bone-in ribeye steak, since tasting it will truly be a savory experience! The eye of the steak is usually relatively lean, while the meat surrounding the bone is fatty and succulent. To make a reservation, go to the Open Table before you arrive. The service is amazing and the food quality is great.

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If you need directions, you can check out this map of Mastro’s Ocean Club!

Day Trip to Malibu FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions you might have for your day trip to Malibu!

-Are there any other interesting stops or things I can do for my day trip to Malibu?

Yes, of course! Here is a list of stops or things you can do for your day trip to Malibu below:

– Hannah Montana House: Check out this beach house in Malibu that was used as a filming location for the famous Disney Channel show Hannah Montana.

– 4.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: Check out this tour by Surf City Tours, if you’re interested in seeing all of the celebrity homes that are based in Malibu. This tour will take you to the homes of Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio and so many more.

– Malibu Wineries Private Tour: Get a private tour at the Malibu Wineries if you’re interested in having an expert culinary and wine guide whisk you away to some of the most beautiful wineries on the West Coast.

– Small-Group Malibu Wine Hike: Take a hike through the Malibu vineyards if you’re interested in sampling wine while you’re in the mountains.

– Scenic Malibu Electric Mountain Biking Experience: Do a unique electric mountain biking experience through the mountains of Malibu if you’re interested in checking out Malibu’s mountain ranges and rock formations.

-Where can I stay for my day trip to Malibu?

This list below highlights some of the most top rated stays for your day trip to Malibu.

– Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club ~ 4.5 stars

– The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu ~ 5 stars

– Malibu Beach Inn ~ 4.5 stars

– Hotel June ~ 4 stars

– Cambria Hotel Calabasas ~ 5 stars

– Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas ~ 4 stars

– Homewood Suites by Hilton Agoura Hills ~ 4.5 stars, breakfast included

– The Anza Hotel ~ 4.5 stars

– Courtyard Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills ~ 4.5 stars

– Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel ~ 4 stars

-What’s the best way to get around for my day trip to Malibu?

– Car: Driving by car is one of the best ways to get around in Malibu. By car, the PCH can literally take you anywhere. If you don’t have a car the moment you arrive, you can always rent one at LAX for a really great price.

-Bus: The 535 bus is the only bus from Santa Monica to Malibu. The route starts at 5th and Colorado St in Santa Monica and ends at Trancas Canyon Rd and Pacific Coast Highway at Trancas Country Market. The fare is about $1.75 one-way and you can pay this by change or by a TAP card. The TAP card can be bought online on their website or at any one of the vendors listed here. For the bus schedule, you can get real-time updates by downloading the Transit app on a mobile device.

-Rideshare App: Uber and Lyft are the two ride sharing apps that you can use to get around on your day trip to Malibu. However, don’t make the same mistake I did by requesting an Uber or Lyft in the middle of the night. Since Malibu is really far from LA, it can be harder to find a driver who’s willing to make the distance. This, as a result, left me stranded in the middle of the PCH on a VERY cold night. I eventually had to walk along the PCH just to catch the LAST bus back to LA. So, if you want some more information on how that horror story went, let me know in the comments down below. If I get a lot of responses about it, I’ll be sure to make a post.

Overall, I hope you’ve really enjoyed this one day itinerary for your day trip to Malibu! Let me know in the comments down below which stop you liked the most. I would love to hear from you!

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