Unleash your inner Barbie with this Malibu travel guide

It is the home of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, so a visit to the beach paradise of Malibu is a must for anyone searching for our favourite doll’s slice of Californian summer.

Malibu – synonymous with lavish celebrity lifestyles, coastal relaxation and Barbie. As the world remains in the firm grip of Mattel’s top creation this year, our eyes turn toward the Californian beach city and its coastal escapism.

While Barbie’s wardrobe may have been curated via the designer boutiques that line Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, and her 250+ jobs may take her to cities across the world, her home has always been in the hills of Malibu.

El Matador State Beach is dotted with dramatic cliffs.

Barbie’s stomping ground is home to some of the best beaches you’ll find within driving distance from Hollywood, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Los Angeles.

If you’re looking to escape the frenetic pace of La La Land, its coastlines and hills are dotted with some of the best Airbnbs in California and a host of slow-living accommodation options to unwind at.

Slip off your heels and spend a lazy day at the beach, followed by an orange-pink sunset at an oceanside hotspot with our guide to Barbie’s Malibu.

Get pampered like Barbie at Hotel June.

Where to stay in Malibu

Whether you fancy a slice of history or the sky-high canyon views, all Malibu accommodation leans into the area’s laid-back energy.

The Surfrider Malibu

Natural interiors, salty breezes flowing across private terraces and near-constant views of the Pacific Ocean – this 20-room boutique hotel makes good use of its impeccable location, right across the road from the famous Surfrider Beach.

Indulge in lavish comfort in the Surfrider Suite. (Image: The Surfrider)

Designed to be a private oasis for guests, there is an onsite restaurant exclusively for those who stay here, and everything you could need for an ocean escape, including wetsuit hire and custom surfboards designed for the hotel by McTavish.

Soak up the sun with views of the ocean. (Image: The Surfrider)

Ocean View Casita

If you want the real Barbie experience (or to feel like a Hollywood celebrity) try Airbnb for your Malibu accommodation. Yes, you’ll immediately notice plenty of $20,000+ mansions high up in the hills or sprawled across the coastline that may be out of your price range, but there is affordable luxury to be found here, too. Like Ocean View Casita, a stylish cottage perched on a bluff in the canyon above East Malibu.

Chill out on the balcony of Ocean View Casita overlooking serene views of Malibu.

Interior-wise, expect lush linens, minimalist interior design and all the mod cons. But you’re really renting this property for its sundeck, complete with fire pit, cedar hot tub and jaw-dropping views of the ocean.

Take a refreshing dip in the cedar tub.

Hotel June

Situated at the iconic Point Dume, Hotel June is rich with history – the Mid-Century property was once known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel, and has hosted a wealth of Hollywood writers, musicians and artists, including Bob Dylan, who took up residence in Bungalow 13 to write his album Blood On The Tracks.

Soak up the summery vibe at Hotel June.

Now, the bungalows are fully renovated and feature Casper mattresses, Aesop bath products and designer furniture, while still retaining their Old Hollywood charm.

Hotel June has airy and contemporary suites.

The best beaches in Malibu

With so much coastline it can be hard to figure out where the best places to swim, surf and picnic are in Malibu.

El Matador State Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is known for its eye-wateringly beautiful sunsets and craggy ocean bluffs that create a photographer’s dream landscape. You also may be familiar with it thanks to The Notebook – this is where the memorable “if you’re a bird, I’m a bird” scene was filmed.

El Matador State Beach is hidden under dramatic ocean bluffs.

Zuma Beach

Known for excellent surf breaks and miles of sand to set yourself up on, Zuma Beach is one of the most popular along the Malibu coastline. Very well organised, this is a great choice if you’re travelling with kids or just want the ease of nearby parking, picnic facilities, lifeguards and restrooms. There are even beach volleyball nets if you’re game.

The views from Zuma Beach will take your breath away.

Leo Carillo State Park

You’ll immediately recognise this tucked-away beach from the movies – most notably, as the beach where Sandy and Danny fall in love from Grease. The ‘90s teen flick She’s All That utilised the beautiful area too, as well as a host of other films over the decades.

Relive your teenage dream on the beach at Leo Carillo State Park.

Across two-and-a-half kilometres, you’ll discover hidden coves, towering bluffs and serene tide pools, making it a great spot for exploring, whether you’re after surf breaks or relaxing spots to swim and enjoy the sunshine.

Play hide and seek.

Where to eat in Malibu

From high-end dining to cheap eats, Malibu is teeming with restaurants – and yes, there is plenty of ocean-fresh seafood on offer.

Nobu

The famous, celebrity-packed restaurant group made its way down to Malibu, initially with a spot inside Malibu Country Mart. Now, Nobu has a spot on the Pacific Coast Highway with views of the ocean from its open-air deck.

Naturally, Nobu Malibu stays true to the Asian-fusion Japanese cuisine the group is known for, including the brow-raising prices. But for those views and that fresh seafood, we’ll take it.

Broad Street Oyster Company

On the opposite end of Malibu’s experiences is Broad Street Oyster Company. This seriously laid-back restaurant began as a pop-up in 2019 and has stood the test of time.

Treat yourself to a delicious lobster roll. (Image: Liam Brown/Courtesy of Broad Street Oyster Company)

Specialising in seafood, the most famous item on the menu is the lobster roll, which you can order either chilled with mayonnaise or warm with butter. Can’t choose? Do both and wash them down with a Broad Street Oyster Company craft beer or natural wine.

Wash your meal down with a delicious craft beer. (Image: Liam Brown/Courtesy of Broad Street Oyster Company)

Neptune’s Net

Neptune’s Net is as historic as Malibu restaurants get. Founded in 1956 by a retired NASA aerodynamicist, this seafood restaurant has featured in a mountain of films including Point Break and The Fast And The Furious and maintained a constant flow of clientele for decades.

It’s also a famous biker bar, so expect a line-up of Harley Davidsons out front – but don’t be deterred, Neptune’s Net is friendly and welcoming, with a mix of seafood staples and American diner-style fare that will please everyone in your group.

The best places to see a Malibu sunset

You can’t visit Malibu without experiencing one of its famous sunsets.

Point Dume

The landscape of Point Dume makes its sunsets special – getting a snap complete with the rocky promontory in view gives a glimpse of Malibu that other sunset spots won’t necessarily harness.

Point Dume is one of Malibu’s most scenic spots.

It’s a short hike up from the beach and suitable for all levels of fitness. You’ll be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the water, just try to get there early as this is a very popular sunset viewing spot.

Chase the sunset at Point Dume.

Malibu Pier

Built in 1905, Malibu Pier is synonymous with the area and often features in Hollywood films. Wander down to the beach for your sunset photos – the pier in the foreground makes for a classic Malibu photo opportunity.

Take dreamy sunset photos on Malibu Pier.

Malibu Bluffs Park

This is a great one to take the kids to – this 2.4-hectare community park overlooks the ocean (meaning great sunset views) but also has a kid’s playground, picnic facilities, and sports fields. So, while you’re enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun dips below the horizon, little ones can find their own fun that doesn’t involve saying “can we go home yet?”