Malibu is a separate coastal city incorporated on March 28, 1991, with 19.83 square miles and 21 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The City of Malibu says much of the coast is viewable from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Choose it for beaches and drives; we found no Metro rail stop there, so plan for a car or tour (check Metro).
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Beaches and scenic coastal drives |
| Trade-offs | Car-oriented in our assessment; check Metro for transit options; coastal conditions change |
| Key facts | Incorporated March 28, 1991; 21 miles of coastline (City of Malibu) |
| Getting around | Pacific Coast Highway; plan for a car |
| Nearby | Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades |
What to see and do
The City of Malibu's beach page says Malibu has many beautiful beaches, much of the coast viewable from PCH. Check the city's pages for current beach access, parking rules and any closures before you go.
Our assessment
Malibu is a day trip from Santa Monica for most visitors. We have not rated individual beaches.