Published: December, 2017 | Updated: September, 2022
Book this trip

Malibu, Los Angeles, California (Courtney Murphy)

Lounge on the beach, swim or hike to the top of Point Dume and look for whales!
— Courtney Murphy
  • More about your oliver guide:
  • Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
  • Activity level: moderate
  • Ideal length of trip: A WEEKEND OR EVEN BETTER -1 WEEK

to & from

SFO- Virgin. However, if you live in Marin flying To/From Oakland is rarely ever delayed!

Where to Stay

If I’m not staying at my mom’s, VRBO . or Malibu Beach Inn. Also our friend’s newly refurbished spot called The Native Hotel is close to Zuma Beach and Point Dume.

Where to Eat and Drink

What to Do

  • Go whale watching perched at the top of Point Dume's picturesque lookout spot. Spot sea lions and watch for the whales to surface or spray.
  • Surf lessons or Surf camp!
  • Hike: La Jolla Canyon
  • Beach: Westward or Zuma

inside scoop

Best beach day: head to Point Dume early and park in the Westward Beach Parking lot. From their you can lounge on the beach, swim or hike to the top of Point Dume and look for whales! In March and April the Mamas and babies are making their migration back from Mexico up to Alaska. Hike down the staircase and check out the tide pools at Big Dume. If you spend a week in the summer the best day camp is the Malibu Makos where the kids safely learn to surf at Zuma Beach. The Malibu Makos also offer private individual and family lessons.

skip it

Don’t go to Nobu on a Friday or Saturday. Yes the food is amazing but the tourist factor is high.

more...

Check out OG co-founder Courtney Leary’s Malibu couples getaway guide here!

Malibu, Los Angeles, California (Courtney Murphy) - Suggestions from the Oliver Community

  • Linda Knauer Says

    When are boys were younger, we always signed them up for Malibu Makos surf camp at Zuma Beach. My boys and one of their local Tiburon buddies still surf as 16 year olds after learning to surf there.

To add a suggestion login or join