Best things to do in Malibu

Check out the only ancient life-size Greek bronze statues that survive in the modern world, titled Victorious Youth, at The Getty Villa. The Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum inspired the museum's classical architecture and landscaping. The villa has a vast library and enormous collection of works from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan civilizations. You can view 44,000 antiques dating as far back as 6,500 BCE. After you have examined the historical sculptures and other installations in the villa's gallery, take a walk through its gardens in the main courtyard and try the Mediterranean food at the cafe.

One of the most popular beaches in the greater Los Angeles area, Zuma Beach attracts swimmers, surfers, fishers, and beachgoers alike with reliable waves and smooth sands. Part of Malibu's famous coastline, the beach stretches along the Pacific Ocean and is backed by mountains and foothills. You can hit the waves on a surfboard or body-board and then soak up the sun on sand renowned for its cleanliness. Though lifeguards are on duty during the day, you need to be careful at all times in the water; rip currents can be very strong.

Enjoy a day at the beach as you swim, sunbathe, and relax in a peaceful atmosphere at El Matador State Beach. The network of caves and rock formations make this beach a well-known spot for nature photographers--bring a camera and see if you too can capture a few great snaps. If you visit at low tide, you'll enjoy ideal views of these caves and formations. The approach to the beach involves a steep path and a wooden staircase, which could present difficulties for visitors who have mobility problems.

Once called the Riviera of America, Malibu Pier represents a historical landmark noted for its three-story point break popular with surfers. Only experienced surfers should brave these waves, but visitors will find plenty else to do on the pier. Learn about surf culture at the surf museum, take a boat tour of the coast, or pick up souvenirs from the gift shops. Get onto the water by joining fishing or whale-watching trips. If you do decide to ride the world-famous break, you can rent equipment on site.

Dubbed the "Taj Mahal of Tile" for its intricate ceramic designs, Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum boasts a house, museum, and gardens. Part of a state park, the grounds remain as enticing as the house and museum. Walk through the gardens, visit the 1930s home, and see its famous ceramic tilework. The house was originally designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore this California landmark through a guided tour and discover the history of Malibu at the adjacent museum.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum holds 60 million pages of documents, 1.6 million photographs, over 150 km (95 mi) of motion picture film, a piece of the Berlin wall, and a presidential airplane. Read, watch, or listen about Reagan's life and work. Walk onboard a Boeing 707 used as Air Force One and see his 1965 Ford Mustang. Take a peek into the replica of the presidential Oval Office, and note how the president Reagan had his desk altered to prevent the drawers from hitting his long legs. If you feel overwhelmed by the 22,600 sq m (243,000 sq ft) of space, take a guided tour. A cafe, a pub, and a store are on site. If you wish, you can have your own ocean-view picnic at the visitors' park.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu, California, United States, is also known as Surfrider Beach. It was dedicated as the first World Surfing Reserve on October 9, 2010. The 110-acre (45 ha) site was established as a California state park in 1951. It lies within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Explore the sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and sea caves of Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach. Long appreciated by photographers and directors alike, the beach has featured in films such as "Inception" and "The Usual Suspects." At low tide you can explore the tide pools and their abundant marine life, including octopuses, sea hares, and colorful nudibranchs. Surfers will enjoy taking advantage of the waves in this popular spot, while hikers can explore the surrounding cliffs. This is one of two dog-friendly beaches in LA, so if you're traveling with your four-legged friend, bring them along!

Solstice Canyon is a park within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Malibu, California. Located off Corral Canyon Road from Pacific Coast Highway, the canyon runs north-to-south about a mile east of Point Dume. The park opened on June 20, 1988 and was created out of land owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Before becoming a park, the land was known as Roberts Ranch and, from 1961 to 1973, hosted a space research facility.
In 2003, a Chumash grave site was discovered within the park.