12 Best Sights in Malibu, Los Angeles

Part of Malibu's most beautiful coastal area, this beach is made up of three minibeaches—El Pescador, La Piedra, and El Matador—each with the same spectacular view. Scramble down the steps to the rocky coves via steep, steep stairways; all food and water needs to be toted in, as there are no services. Portable toilets at the trailhead are the only restrooms. "El Mat" has a series of caves, Piedra some nifty rock formations, and Pescador a secluded feel, but they're all picturesque and fairly private. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunsets; surfing; walking; windsurfing.  Keep track of the incoming tide so you don't get trapped between those otherwise scenic boulders.

With spectacular views of Surfrider Beach and lush garden grounds, this Moorish Spanish–style house epitomizes all the reasons to live in Malibu. It was built in 1929 by the Rindge family, who owned much of the Malibu area in the early part of the 20th century. The Rindges had an enviable Malibu lifestyle, decades before the area was trendy. In the 1920s, Malibu was quite isolated; in fact, all visitors and some of the supplies arrived by boat at the nearby Malibu Pier. (The town becomes isolated today whenever rockslides close the highway.) The house, covered with magnificent tile work in rich blues, greens, yellows, and oranges from the now-defunct Malibu Potteries, is right on the beach—high chain-link fences keep out curious beachgoers. Even an outside dog bathtub near the servants' door is a tiled gem. Docent-led tours provide insights on family life here as well as the history of Malibu and its real estate. Signs posted around the grounds outside direct you on a self-guided tour, but you can't go inside the house without a guide. Guided tours take place Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm on the hour. There's paid parking in the adjacent county lot or in the lot at PCH and Cross Creek Road.

A narrow stretch of fine sand and rocks makes this little beach great for walking, light swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving rather than large gatherings. Clustered boulders create cozy spots for couples and picnickers, and because of the limited parking available along the PCH and the short hike necessary to reach the beach, it's rarely crowded. Originally owned by the star of the Bonanza TV series, the beach was donated to the state after Dan Blocker (who played Hoss) died in 1972. Locals still know this as Corral Beach. From the parking lot, walk a short distance up PCH in either direction to access the beach. Amenities: lifeguards; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

This small, rarely crowded beach, the southernmost in Malibu, is known for its groins (metal gates constructed in 1929 to protect against erosion) and has good swimming, diving, and fishing conditions and a rocky coastline that wraps elegantly around Pacific Coast Highway. Watch out for high tides and parking along PCH. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards. Best for: solitude; swimming.

On the very edge of Ventura County, this narrow beach is better for exploring than for sunning or swimming (watch that strong undertow!). If you do plan to swim, stay north of lifeguard towers 2, 4, and 5, but be sure to ask lifeguards about water conditions when you arrive. On your own or with a ranger, venture down at low tide to examine the tide pools among the rocks. Sequit Point, a promontory dividing the northwest and southeast halves of the beach, creates secret coves, sea tunnels, and boulders on which you can perch and fish. Generally, anglers stick to the northwest end of the beach; experienced surfers brave the rocks to the southeast. Campgrounds are set back from the beach; campsites must be reserved well in advance. Amenities: parking; lifeguards (seasonally); toilets; showers. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Bird-watchers, take note: in this 5-acre marshy area near Malibu Beach Inn you can spot egrets, blue herons, avocets, and gulls. (You need to stay on the boardwalks so as not to disturb their habitats.) The path leads out to a rocky stretch of Surfrider Beach and makes for a pleasant stroll. The sand is soft, clean, and white, and you're also likely to spot a variety of marine life. The lagoon is particularly enjoyable in the early morning and at sunset—and even more so now, thanks to a restoration effort that improved the lagoon's scent. The parking lot has limited hours, but street-side parking is usually available at off-peak times. The on-site Malibu Lagoon Museum reveals local history. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; walking.

This rustically chic, 780-foot fishing dock is a great place to drink in the sunset, take in some coastal views, or watch local fishermen reel up a catch. A pier has jutted out on this spot since the early 1900s; storms destroyed the last one in 1995, and it was rebuilt in 2001. Today, it's officially a state park. Over the years, private developers have worked with the state to refurbish the pier, which now yields offerings like a gift shop, water-sport and beach rentals, and a wonderful farm-to-table restaurant with stunning views and locations at both ends of the pier. Seasonal sightseeing and whale-watching excursions are offered from a 50-foot tour boat, the Malibu Waverider.

Steady 3- to 5-foot waves make this beach, just west of Malibu Pier, a surfing paradise. (So much so that it's been declared the world's first surfing reserve.) Water runoff from Malibu Canyon forms a natural lagoon that's a sanctuary for 250 species of birds. Bird-watch, play volleyball, or take a walk on one of the nature trails, which are perfect for romantic sunset strolls. Guided tours of the surrounding wetlands are available seasonally. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; windsurfing.

Sandier and less private than most of the rocky beaches surrounding it, this little beach is great for picnics. You can sit at a picnic table high up on a bluff overlooking the ocean or cast out a fishing line. Surfers call it Zero Beach because the waves take the shape of a hollow tube when winter swells peel off the reef. Peak weather attracts local food trucks. This site also hosts a 4-acre traditional Chumash village, which replicates a day in the life of the indigenous Chumash people, including their homes, canoes, handicrafts, and ceremonies. Request a guided tour in advance. Amenities: parking (fee); lifeguards; toilets; showers. Best for: solitude; surfing; walking; windsurfing.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, located in Simi Valley north of Malibu, offers visitors a glimpse into the life and presidency of America's 40th president. History buffs, Reagan admirers, and those curious about American politics will all find something for them. Perched atop a hill with stunning views of the surrounding terrain, the library houses an impressive collection of interactive exhibits as well as original artifacts and documents that chronicle Reagan's journey from small-town Illinois to the Hollywood A-list and ultimately the White House. Highlights include a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, the actual Air Force One aircraft used during Reagan's presidency, and a piece of the Berlin Wall. The museum does a comprehensive (though somewhat partisan) job of contextualizing Reagan's era, covering major events like the end of the Cold War and the economic policies of the 1980s. The library's beautiful grounds, including Reagan's final resting place, offer a peaceful space for reflection. The cafeteria-style Gipper's Bar and Bistro serves up a variety of meal options and drinks, while another location in the Air Force One pavilion has quick-serve offerings. And naturally, a fully stocked museum store offers everything a fan could ever want.

This famed promontory is a Malibu pilgrimage for any visitor to the area. Go tide-pooling, fishing, snorkeling, or bird-watching (prime time is late winter to early spring). Hike to the top of the sandstone cliffs at Point Dume to whale-watch—their migrations can be seen between December and April—and take in dramatic coastal views. Westward is a favorite surfing beach, but the steep surf isn't for novices. The Sunset restaurant is between Westward and Point Dume ( 6800 Westward Beach Rd.). Otherwise, bring your own food, since the nearest concession is a long hike away. Some pathways and stairways may be temporarily inaccessible due to construction work. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; walking.

This 2-mile stretch of white sand, usually dotted with tanning teenagers, has it all, from fishing and kitesurfing to swings and volleyball courts. Beachgoers looking for quiet or privacy should head elsewhere. Stay alert in the water: the surf is rough and inconsistent, and riptides can surprise even experienced swimmers. A new metered parking program limits visits to 90 minutes at a time, but there are abundant spaces. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.