Malibu may be well-known as the favourite residence of millionaires and Hollywood's elite who are wanting to get away from it all, but it also has lots on for tourists. It has outstanding beauty, where craggy mountains meet the ocean and golden sands expand for 21 miles. It has some of California's best surf beaches that surfers and locals fondly refer to as the 'Bu'. Famous beaches along Malibu's coastline include the correctly named 'Malibu Beach', Zuma Beach, Dume Beach, Surfrider Beach, and the Dan Blocker Beach. If Malibu's beaches are not enough to take your breath away, then you will undoubtedly be impressed with its State Parks. From the Malibu Creek State Park, Leo Carrillo State Beach, to the Point Mugu State Park, Malibu has a selection of parks which cannot be missed. Whatever your reasons for visiting Malibu's sensational coast, there is the perfect holiday rental in Malibu, which is just waiting to be reserved. Browse through thousands of accommodation options and secure the ideal holiday accommodation or bed and breakfast on Trip Advisor or Airbnb today.
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Visit Malibu: And live out your millionaire dreams
If you're dreaming of swapping everyday life for a Californian dream, but you are not quite sure where to look for a holiday rental in California, Malibu should be your destination of choice. Whatever it is that you want from a beach holiday, Malibu promises to deliver, and it's a great place for Hollywood star spot too. No trip to Malibu would be complete without a walk along Malibu Pier with an ice cream in hand, and if it's a wine that you're after there are some great wine safaris on offer and restaurants where the Hollywood elite like to eat. Hiking opportunities are some of the best in California and there's something suitable for every level. It's the perfect way to work up an appetite in time for lunch, in the early morning sun. So reserve holiday accommodations in Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway, with picturesque sea views.
When to visit
Malibu has Mediterranean temperatures and can be visited and enjoyed all-year-round. However, it's best to visit during the Spring and Autumn months, unless you love the heat when the peak of Summer may be attractive. If you're a surfer, the sea is warmest in November, so book a holiday villa by the sea, and hit the waves before the crowds arrive.
How to get there?
Located in California, the only way to reach Malibu from the UK is to fly. There are 26 flights a day from London Heathrow to Los Angeles International (LAX), and it takes an average of just over 11 hours to reach LA. The journey takes around 50 minutes from the terminal to Malibu by car or cab, but you may as well spend a night or two in LA while you're there. The city is gigantic, but it's possible to get around and see many of the highlights in a couple of days. Choose a holiday apartment in Los Angeles if you want to break up the journey and check out this star-studded city, walk along Hollywood Boulevard and shop until you drop. If you are already holidaying in California, Malibu can be reached easily from around the state. If you are staying in a holiday villa in San Diego then rent a car and drive to Malibu in only two and a half hours, for a laid back escape from the historic city.
Where to stay
Malibu Colony
Malibu Colony is considered by locals to be the original Malibu. It's close to the central shopping areas, restaurants, markets, cinemas and Legacy Park if you prefer to enjoy the outdoors. It was one of the first Malibu neighbourhoods to begin renting out beach properties to film stars in the 20s. This still goes on today. If you have money to spend, then this is the area for luxury holiday rentals in Malibu.
Sea Level Drive
Sea Level Drive is one of Malibu's biggest secret beaches; not many people know it exists. It has two sections, east and west. East Sea Level Drive spurts away from the central portion of Broad Beach Road along the beach. Most of the holiday villas in Sea level Drive East are situated across the street from the shore and come with gardens. West Sea Level Drive is a road that also leads to the beach off Broad Beach Road. Holiday rentals in Sea Level Drive West come with the bonus of actually being on one of Malibu's most beautiful beaches.
Carbon Beach
Carbon Beach is fondly called billionaires beach as it's where entertainment professionals live. The crescent-shaped beach is one of the highest value beach areas on the Pacific Coast Highway. It's location comes with an abundance of privacy and beautiful homes and holiday villas in Malibu to rent that surround this tranquil paradise.
Big Rock Beach
Big Rock Beach is where the mountains give the appearance of flowing into the sea. The rocky beach is known for its astounding beauty, so choose a B&B in this natural paradise and spend your days immersing yourself in a laid-back vibe, where surfers and the young and beautiful choose to hang out with friends and drink beer.
Food and Drink in Malibu
Malibu is famed for many things, but it's fair to say that food isn't one of them. It's easy to get drawn into thinking that spending hundreds of dollars on dinner will get you great food, but that isn't true! Our advice is to reserve a self-catered apartment rental and eat where the locals do. Here are a few of our suggestions: Try the Country Kitchen's breakfast burritos, and egg sandwiches served on a warm roll with mayonnaise and bacon, ham, sausage or hot pastrami. For lunch and dinner, hit up The Big Burger, which comes on an extra-long, toasted French roll. It nearly closed back in 2014, but locals kicked up such a fuss that the owners had no choice but to stay open. Don't forget to visit Farm Restaurant on Malibu Pier for its 'farm to fork' menu, which has transformed the pier into a food emporium. Brunch here is amazing. Tuck into coconut-blackberry French toast pudding, sweet corn pancakes with berries, bacon and maple syrup, green eggs and ham shakshouka, or the incredibly delicious skirt steak and eggs with lobster scramble béarnaise. If it's just a drink that you're after, then the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe on a private beach is a fool-proof establishment for day drinking and sunbathing. Here you can rent a lounge chair, and enjoy colourful cocktails from straws that are made from pasta!
History and culture in Malibu
Malibu's history dates back to the 1700s, when a simple ranch was established by Spanish settlers in Malibu Canyon. The ranch was eventually bought by the Rindge Family. May Rindge was later nicknamed the Queen of Malibu, and her name is recognised across the state right now in the contemporary day. Malibu is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country, with annual festivals and events including The Malibu Arts Festival and The Malibu International Film Festival.
