The 11 best things to do in Malibu, California, from surfing to wine tasting

The beach may be the main attraction in Malibu, but there’s plenty to do away from the surf on a day trip from Los Angeles or over a weekend in this gorgeous California town, with wine tasting and horseback riding in the mountains and ancient Greek sculptures at a sumptuous villa in between. Here is our list of 11 of the best things to do in Malibu.

1. Hang out at the Malibu Pier

The heart of Malibu is the historic Malibu Pier. Built in 1905 as a private port for local mogul Frederick Hastings Rindge, who owned most of the land now within the town limits, the pier today is a popular place to eat, shop and people watch.

Malibu Farm has a restaurant at each end: the casual cafe overlooks the water, and the dining room is just off the entrance near the Pacific Coast Highway (universally known as PCH). Guests can browse for surf gear or beachy gifts at Ranch at the Pier, as well as rent rods and buy bait for fishing.

Planning tip: During the summer, the pier can get crowded, and parking is always tough – though it’s universally a quieter and more laid-back experience than the busy Santa Monica Pier down the coast.

2. Shop at Zuma Jay’s

For cool surfing gear, visit the legendary Zuma Jay’s Surf Shop, one of Malibu’s oldest surf shops, near Malibu Pier on PCH. It’s stocked with all the essentials, from boards to wet suits. Not a surfer? You can nab a sweatshirt for chilly Malibu evenings or pick up a new pair of flip-flops. Chances are that Zuma Jay himself (his legal name is Jefferson Wagner) will be there to regale you with his surfing adventures.

Planning tip: Make sure to stop and watch the surfers cruise the lines of the three-point break at Surfrider Beach, just down the road from the store. But don't be tempted to paddle out – this spot is for advanced surfers only.

3. Grab a lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Company

When you’re this close to the ocean, a hankering for seafood is only natural. At Broad Street Oyster Company, you can gorge on oysters, caviar, shrimp cocktails, ceviche and the restaurant’s famous lobster roll (which is made with Maine lobster and can come topped with caviar and fresh uni). Located in the Malibu Village retail center, just a quick walk from the pier, Broad Street has a relaxed vibe, with a tiki-hut bar and nautical and surf decor.

Planning tip: Avoid the line and order takeout online.

4. Check out the antiquities at the Getty Villa

Oil baron J. Paul Getty’s former home has served as an art museum since the 1970s, first as the original location of the Getty Museum and now exhibiting art from the ancient world as the Getty Villa. Inspired by an ancient Roman site, the villa recreates the layout and feel of a 1st-century BCE residential complex, complete with expansive gardens, reflecting pools and ocean views. A 450-seat Greek-style amphitheater hosts outdoor performances.

Planning tip: Entrance to the villa is free, but a timed ticket is required. Parking is available for 25 US dollars per car.

5. Go wine tasting

Malibu isn’t just for beach lovers. In the Santa Monica Mountains, about 20–30 minutes from the coast, Malibu wine country contains a handful of vineyards surrounding the border of Malibu and Agoura Hills. The easiest way to explore is on a Malibu Wine Hike, a 2.5-mile tour that ends with tastes of the local vintages.

6. Hike to the M*A*S*H set

Hollywood is an hour away from Malibu, but television and movie-making history can be found deep in Malibu Creek State Park. The moderate 2.5-mile Crags Road Trail leads to the set of the hit 1970s sitcom M*A*S*H. A few trucks and the mess tent used during the show mark the spot. Along the way, you’ll also pass a backdrop for 1968's Planet of the Apes.

Planning tip: The Crags Road Trail has a slight elevation. If you want a more challenging hike, the park has several other hiking paths.

7. Visit the Malibu Hindu Temple

If you’ve made your way to Malibu Creek State Park, take a moment after or before your hike to admire the intricate Malibu Hindu Temple. Built in 1981, the towering structure is dedicated to the Hindu god Venkateswara, and it’s one of the largest of its kind in the USA.

Planning tip: The temple is open 10am–5pm on weekends. Visitors are most welcome, as long as they abide by a few rules.

8. Take surf lessons at Zuma Beach

It would be a shame to come to Malibu and not give surfing a try. Beginners can head to Zuma Beach, where Malibu Makos offers private lessons right where the waves lap the shore. Aside from teaching you the basics of surfing and helping you catch a wave, the instructors give tips on ocean safety and environmental stewardship. Don’t fret about renting surf gear: surfboards and wet suits are included.

Planning tip: Further afield, El Matador State Beach is prized by some as the most beautiful beach in the area.

9. Go for a horseback ride

Waves aren’t the only thing to ride in Malibu. Scenic trails for horseback riding crisscross the Santa Monica Mountains, hugging the coast. Malibu Riders guides beginners and expert riders through Zuma Canyon as well as within Malibu Creek State Park. The tours are 2 hours, but you’ll need to arrive 45 minutes beforehand to prepare for the excursion. Connemara Ranch does private ocean-view rides in the hills above Paradise Cove, while High Horse Malibu takes riders on private trails through Latigo Canyon.

10. Stop at the Malibu Farmers Market

Every Sunday from 9am to 2pm, regional vendors set up tents in the library parking lot near the Malibu Civic Center selling fresh produce, proteins, snacks, flowers, home goods and vintage clothing. The small market is easy to maneuver and great for picking up essentials or souvenirs.

Planning tip: Remember to bring reusable bags.

11. See the September 11 flags at Pepperdine

Every September, Pepperdine University installs its Waves of Flags along PCH in remembrance of the people who died on September 11, 2001. A flag is planted for each individual in the grass of the campus facing PCH; the display lasts about three weeks. Students began the tradition in 2008. While the flags can be seen from PCH, visitors can enter the campus to see the installation up close.