Have you ever wanted to live like the rich and famous for a weekend but just don’t have the budget for a lavish lifestyle? It is definitely possible to experience Malibu on a budget and take a peek into the lives of celebrities.
Accommodation
Airbnb – $190/night split between 2 people for 2 nights
We chose to stay at an Airbnb since the hotels in Malibu are all pretty expensive and we wanted a more unique experience. The place we chose was a pool house of a really fancy house that had a pool, hot tub, and even a tennis court and was in a great location very close to the beach. I felt like Ryan Atwood when he first arrives at the Cohen’s house. Truly a dream come true for me. It wasn’t exactly dirt cheap, but it was a great price for the luxury experience we were looking for.
Malibu Beaches
El Matador Beach – $3 for 1 hour of parking
The first beach we checked out was El Matador Beach. It has tons of cool rock formations and is the perfect place for a photoshoot! We even saw a music video being filmed when we were there. We kind of got bullied out of a popular photo spot by a photographer, so that was annoying, but I ended up getting better pictures in other locations, so she can go kick rocks (literally)! This beach is very windy and not really ideal for laying out and enjoying the ocean, so we moved on to the next spot.
Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach – $10 for all day parking
Visiting the Pier and Surfrider Beach is a must when you’re in Malibu, so this was next on our list. There’s always people out surfing and it’s fun to watch them since I know it’s something I’m not capable of doing. You can easily spend most of the day here just walking around and chilling on the beach.
Scope Out Celebs at Nobu – Free
Nobu, a celebrity hotspot, is right next to the Pier, so you might as well walk over and see if you can spot anyone famous. If you’re a cheapskate like us, go to McDonald’s for lunch (which is conveniently across the street from Nobu), and walk alongside the parking lot. You can even see the back of the restaurant from the beach, so either method works. Unfortunately, we didn’t see anyone when we were there but maybe you’ll have better luck.
Hidden Gems
Point Dume – Free
Parking is sparse at the base of Point Dume, but you can park on the side of Grasswood Ave for free. Just make sure your car is completely within the white line because I’ve read they’re sticklers around there and will ticket you. Walk past the fancy houses and imagine what it’s like living there as you make your way to Point Dume. We went just before sunset, which is the perfect time for a beautiful view. We went a little late though and were unable to get to the top before the sun set, but we will had a great time there. I was wearing flip flops and there were some parts where I wished I had been wearing actual shoes, so keep that in mind.
Malibu Hindu Temple – Free
On our way home, we stopped at the Malibu Hindu Temple, which is about 15 minutes north of the beach. This is an actual temple, so be mindful of that and respectful of other visitors. You will have to remove your shoes to go in, so keep that in mind too. It’s a very beautiful place and something that you wouldn’t expect to see in Malibu, so it’s a cool place to stop if you’re driving that way.
Have you been to Malibu? Let me know your favorite things to do in Malibu in the comments!
Want to read another travel guide? Check out my review of the Norway in a Nutshell Tour.