4-Day Itinerary for Malibu, California

• Day 1: Visit the Malibu Pier, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Later, explore the Getty Villa, a museum with an extensive collection of ancient Greek and Roman art. End the day with a walk along Zuma Beach.
• Day 2: Start the day with a hike in Malibu Creek State Park, which offers picturesque trails and rock formations. After the hike, head to Malibu Wine Safari to taste local wines while spotting exotic animals. End the day with dinner at Nobu Malibu, a top-rated Japanese restaurant that overlooks the ocean.
• Day 3: Spend the day relaxing on El Matador Beach, the most scenic beach in Malibu known for its stunning rock formations. In the evening, explore the Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum, a historic home turned museum showcasing the art and culture of the area.
• Day 4: Start the day with a hike in Point Dume State Beach, which offers a breathtaking view of a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Later, visit the Malibu Country Mart for some shopping and dining in a picturesque outdoor mall. End the day with a sunset picnic at Leo Carrillo State Park, a hidden gem with secluded beaches and tide pools.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Malibu Pier (1-2 hours, free)
• Getty Villa (2-3 hours, free)
• Zuma Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Malibu Creek State Park Hike (3-4 hours, $3 per person)
• Malibu Wine Safari (2-3 hours, $95 per person)
• Nobu Malibu (2-3 hours, $50 per person)
• El Matador Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum (1-2 hours, $7 per person)
• Point Dume State Beach Hike (2-3 hours, $8 per vehicle)
• Malibu Country Mart (2-3 hours, free)
• Leo Carrillo State Park (1-2 hours, $15 per vehicle)
• Total Estimated Costs: $178 per person

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car to fully explore Malibu, as public transportation is limited. Expect to spend around $50-100 a day for car rentals. Traffic can be heavy in Malibu during peak season, so travelers should plan on extra travel time during rush hour.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions such as Santa Monica Pier or the Getty Center. If you have less time, prioritize the top attractions and beaches such as El Matador Beach and Point Dume State Beach. Remember to bring sunscreen and beach towels for beach outings, and dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.