Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Malibu
Know before you go
Beach Lot Constraints
Parking at El Matador and Zuma is subject to daily fees and often reaches capacity by mid-morning. Use official lots rather than restricted PCH shoulders to avoid fines.
Canyon Connectivity
Cellular service is frequently unavailable in deep canyons like Solstice or Latigo. Download offline maps and trail guides before leaving the Pacific Coast Highway.
Coastal Fueling
Gas stations are clustered near central Malibu and the Santa Monica border. Ensure a full tank before heading into the remote northern stretches toward Leo Carrillo.
PCH Traffic Flow
Commuter traffic peaks on weekdays between 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM. Plan travel outside these windows to minimize transit time between trailheads.
Trail Safety
Rattlesnakes are native to the Santa Monica Mountains and often sun on trails. Stay on marked paths and check for seasonal fire-related trail closures.
Check current conditions:California State Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near LAX
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to LAX
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at LAX
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at LAX
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at LAX
- ✓ Compare suppliers at LAX
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at LAX
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at LAXA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Malibu
- 01
Canyon Ruins and Coastal Piers
Suggested: 9 AM from Santa Monica
Solstice Canyon
Hike the shaded trails to view the Roberts Ranch ruins and a perennial waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Malibu Pier
Walk the historic wooden planks to observe local surfers at Surfrider Beach and take in the coastline views.
Allow 1–2 hours; PCH traffic varies significantly by time of day
Early arrivals are recommended for Solstice Canyon parking, which fills quickly.
Pick up your vehicle at LAX → - 02
Mountain Peaks and Sea Stacks
Suggested: 8 AM from Malibu Center
Sandstone Peak
Climb the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains via the Mishe Mokwa Trail for 360-degree Pacific views.
El Matador State Beach
Navigate the steep staircases to explore dramatic sea stacks, arches, and hidden caves along the shore.
Allow 1 hour for mountain transit; conditions vary on winding canyon roads
High temperatures are common inland; carry extra water for the Sandstone Peak loop.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Marine Bluffs and Wetlands
Suggested: 9 AM from Point Dume
Point Dume State Beach
Walk the bluff-top trails for seasonal whale watching and views of the crescent-shaped coastline.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Stroll the boardwalks of this critical migratory bird habitat where the creek meets the ocean.
Allow 45 minutes for local transfers; PCH can be congested
Whale migration typically occurs between December and April.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Coastal Access and Mountain Trail Reservations
Access to state beaches like El Matador is generally first-come, but parking is limited and requires a daily fee. Historic sites like the Adamson House require specific tour bookings. Always verify seasonal trail closures with California State Parks or the NPS before arrival.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
LAXMalibu
Los Angeles International Airport · 41 min drive
Find flights to LAX
Plan your road trip
From Los Angeles International Airport
41 min
about 23 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Malibu on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Malibu on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Malibu
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Malibu
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Malibu
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Malibu
Explore guided activities around Malibu. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Malibu
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
