Malibu is a stunning city with miles of sun-soaked coastline along the Pacific. Gorgeous, arresting sunsets cast light on pristine white-sand beaches that border thriving retail and culinary scenes. A prime locale for a family vacation, Malibu offers kid-friendly attractions that will please parents as well. Here are our top reasons to visit Malibu with your family this summer, from beaches to parks to eateries:
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach may be Malibu’s most popular sand-centric destination. With its wide expanse of soft white sand and outstanding views of the luminous ocean at its edge, it’s served as the setting for countless films and television shows. But Zuma goes beyond simple aesthetics. In addition to easy parking and a playground, it also features picnic areas where families can enjoy lunch while gazing at the Pacific. Swim in the mild surf, go for a scenic hike, or watch dolphins and seals play—all at Zuma Beach.
Point Dume State Beach
Located adjacent to the Point Dume Nature Preserve, Point Dume State Beach is much more than a place to swim and sunbathe. Bring your gear and enjoy some top-notch scuba diving or snorkeling, teach your kids how to windsurf or surf, or simply plan for a day of whale watching. Seeing these massive, majestic creatures in person is a thrilling experience for family members of just about any age. Accented by picturesque cliffs and rocks, Point Dume State Beach is an adventure not to be missed.
Legacy Park
Legacy Park boasts 15 acres of trails and lookouts as well as play areas enhanced by mosaic animal statues. Featuring primarily flat trails, it’s an ideal choice for an easy family hike that just happens to provide sweeping mountain views. Legacy Park also serves up ample educational opportunities related to the great outdoors thanks to its unique location at the confluence of four habitats: coastal prairies, bluffs, woodlands, and wetlands. In short, it’s a fun place for kids to play and learn.
Charmlee Wilderness Park
When you’re in the market for an outdoor experience that is more sprawling than most parks, Charmlee Wilderness Park delivers. Trails snake through this 532-acre expanse, serving up an array of short, simple hikes—as well as some longer alternatives—that lead to spectacular views of the water. A picnic area provides a place to take a break, have a snack, and enjoy the natural beauty all around, and a nature center presents educational insights into the wildlife species that call Charmlee home.
Malibu Creek State Park
The 8,000 acres of Malibu Creek State Park include rolling plains accented by long grasses, oak tree savannahs, wildflowers, and peaks from which one can view the Santa Monica Mountains in all their glory. Sign up for a guided hike or set out to spot some of the diverse wildlife on your own. Either way, your family is sure to find this treasure trove of nature a memorable place to spend a day.
Malibu Farm Restaurant
Malibu Farm is a bright, vibrant, farm-to-table restaurant that serves incredibly fresh fare to satisfy children as well as adults. They raise their own chickens, grow their own vegetables, and only source sustainable seafood. With two casual yet elegant locations—one at each end of the Malibu Pier—and a kids’ menu, Malibu Farm strikes a nice balance between high-end establishment and family-friendly eatery.
Duke’s Malibu
One would be hard pressed to find a restaurant with better scenery than legendary beachside favorite, Duke’s Malibu. Featuring an unbeatable location near Malibu Point, Duke’s serves up Hawaiian fare alongside umbrella drinks and other beverages in a welcoming seaside atmosphere. Whether you stop by for a weekend brunch, a weekday lunch, or a family dinner out, you’ll find the menu extensive and intriguing. The colorful kids’ menu promises standards such as sliders as well as creative options like coconut shrimp with guava cocktail sauce or macadamia panko-crusted island fish. For the grown-ups, choices range from vegetarian dishes to a variety of steaks as well as, of course, seafood.
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Kevan
May 27, 2016 at 2:24 pmThe view from Point Dume is amazing. I’ve eaten at Duke’s before and you are right about it being a beautiful place to dine.
Carmen Edelson
May 28, 2016 at 11:12 amPoint Dume was one of my favorite places to stop and admire the ocean views.
Ana
May 27, 2016 at 3:53 pmI would love to have food with such a great view at Duke’s Malibu. All your pictures are amazing. Have pinned your post!
Carmen Edelson
May 28, 2016 at 11:13 amThe ocean views at Duke’s can’t be beat, plus the food is very good there too.
Julian
May 29, 2016 at 12:13 pmLooks like a great mix of things to do and see! Nice pics.
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Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:32 amThanks Julian! Malibu has a lot to offer other than its beaches.
Nancy
May 29, 2016 at 11:37 pmOMG, my husband was born and raised in Malibu! This is such a blast from the past. Did you know that the photo you have at Malibu Creek State Park is where they filmed the original TV series Mash? And Duke’s is where the real life “Gidget” still comes in to talk with patrons. She’s over 70 and still surfs!
Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:49 amYes, I knew about the movie Mash being filmed there, but I was unaware that the real life Gidget still surfs and goes to Duke’s.
Kerri
May 30, 2016 at 4:44 amMalibu Farm would be my favourite for sure. It would also be interesting to go to Duke’s now that I have been to Dukes at Waikiki. Beautiful spots all of them.
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Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:33 amI’m sure that Dukes in Waikiki is very familiar. We really enjoyed eating and watching the waves crushing next to us.
Paul
May 30, 2016 at 6:48 amWe will definitely be visit Malibu one day, it look like an amazing place with a great variety of things to see and do!
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Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:38 amI always pictured the houses on Malibu beach with the spectacular views of the ocean, and wondered what it would be like to visit. I was surprised by all the activities the city has to offer.
Carol Colborn
May 30, 2016 at 8:51 amMalibu Farm or Duke’s! We are driving down the US West Coast in October!!!
Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:39 amI hope you get a chance to stop at either of the two places. The food was very good.
Elisa
May 30, 2016 at 4:09 pmNot my kind of trip but nice pictures 😉
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Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:40 amNot very trip is for everyone.
Claire
May 31, 2016 at 8:13 amWhat glorious beaches! I’ve never been to Malibu, but I’d love to go.
Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 8:45 amI’ve been a few times. I mostly enjoy dining by the ocean and the views.
Castaway with Crystal
May 31, 2016 at 9:18 amOMG that last picture, sipping wine while the waves crash over the rocks outside your window. HEAVEN!!!
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Carmen Edelson
May 31, 2016 at 12:34 pmIt’s an amazing view and very relaxing.
Alex
May 31, 2016 at 7:28 pmWow; did not know that there is so much outdoor stuff to do in this area – the national parks all look amazing.
Carmen Edelson
June 2, 2016 at 9:33 amI was as surprised to learn about all these areas too.
Marge Gavan
June 2, 2016 at 2:15 pmThe first time I heard of Malibu is from that song by Hole. I loved that song and it looks like I’m gonna love the place itself, based from your pictures it looks fantastic.
The view from Duke’s Malibu is amazing and romantic. I can already visualize myself being there with someone I love. Hopefully someday. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
June 3, 2016 at 8:42 amThat’s a great song. Malibu is not just beaches and beautiful houses by the water, it has a lot of other things to keep you busy when you go. I hope you get to go to Duke’s, even if it’s by yourself or with friends. Who knows you might meet someone there. 🙂
EverythingMouse
April 7, 2018 at 8:29 pmI have driven through Malibu many times, but have never taken the time to actually explore. Duke’s looks amazing.
Carmen Edelson
April 11, 2018 at 9:38 amDuke’s is such a great spot to eat or enjoy a cocktail!
AnnieJewel
September 3, 2018 at 5:00 amIt’s really beautiful place to go! The pictures are so beautiful!
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Carmen Edelson
September 7, 2018 at 10:35 pmYes, I just love Malibu!