Malibu in a Day: A Fun, Easy Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Thinking of spending a laid-back afternoon in Malibu, California? Whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara or escaping LA for the day, Malibu is a dream destination for scenic charm, oceanfront dining, and that breezy California vibe.
Recently, I found myself in Carpinteria, California, which is about 15 minutes south of Santa Barbara. With a free solo day on a Sunday, I roped my LA-based daughter into meeting me for lunch. Guess what world famous beach town was sort of halfway between us… you're right! Malibu, California… home to certain Barbie and Ken dolls of the 1970s, Frankie and Annette beach movies, Johnny Carson back in the day (I am nothing if not timely in my references), Pacific Ocean views, surfers, beautiful beaches, and celebrities!
This post is your guide to a low-key but fabulous Malibu afternoon, perfect for a solo wanderer or a laid-back catch-up with a friend. Expect good eats, stunning views, a few surprises (Archie comic book, anyone?), and honest tips from someone who actually went.
🛑 Note on 2025 Wildfires
Some Malibu businesses and attractions were temporarily affected by the early 2025 wildfires. As of July 2025, most have reopened, including the Getty Villa (limited days), Paradise Cove Café, and Neptune’s Net. Duke’s Malibu is set to reopen late July 2025. The Malibu Pier, Country Mart, and Point Dume Trail are also open and welcoming visitors again. I’ve updated this post with the latest info to help you plan your day with confidence!
Start Your Day with Lunch at OLLO Malibu
We met for lunch at OLLO Malibu (23750 Pacific Coast Highway). OLLO touts itself as a family purveyor of locally sourced California cuisine with Mediterranean influences. This cozy local favorite is ideal for solo diners or a relaxed meet-up with friends.
OLLO's is located in a nice strip mall with conveinient parking. There was a big newstand in the strip mall, full of every magazine you could think of. A rarity these days. I was able to get an Archie's comic book as a surprise for my 20 somthing kid!
The restaurant has a covered patio with heat lamps, and a large open dining room with bar. There is also a fireplace and TV.
It was a great atmosphere, with pleasant ambiant music, and the acoustics weren't too loud, so it was easy to have a conversation (Yes, this seems more and more to be my top criteria for a restaurant these days!)
The food was very good! I had Crab Cake Benedict, and my daughter had fish tacos.
Stroll the Malibu Pier for Classic Coastal Charm
We hopped in the car and drove a mile to visit the Malibu Pier. Parking was a steep flat fee of $25. There didn't seem to be other easy options, so we went for it. The pier has a great, classic vibe. Shops selling rafts, surfboards, and other beach gear. The restaurants (Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe) were packed and looked like a lot of fun, with good food.
There are great views of the beach and the coast from the pier, of course. The end of the Pier holds a fun shop, The Ranch at the Pier, selling knickknacks and artwork. The Farmers Cocktail Bar offers up delicious-looking concoctions.
(Almost) Window Shop at Malibu Country Mart
Open, though some shops are still recovering. After the delightful pier our plan was to visit the Malibu Country Mart for some shopping, or more likely some browsing. The Malibu Country Mart is a complex of buildings featuring high-end shopping and dining. Stores (that I recognized) included Brandy Melville and Starbucks 😀 There are lots of other clothing and home goods stores which I was interested in checking out.
Unfortunately, it was jam-packed when we arrived at about 3:30 on a Sunday afternoon. We couldn't find parking and gave up. But it does look like a fun place to browse and see some stores and merchandise, which is different from the usual stuff we can find at our local mall!
Other Fun Stops for a Future Visit
Though I only had an afternoon to spend in Malibu, I want to come back to explore more – especially now that many have reopened after the recent fires:
- Getty Villa Museum – Reopened with limited hours (Fri–Mon). Our old pal, J. Paul Getty's collection of ancient Greek and Roman art with fabulous ocean views and beautiful gardens in this recreation of a Roman country house! They offer an afternoon Garden Tea which I'd love to check out!
- Point Dume Cove Trail – Don’t let “hike” scare you off, this short, 1.1-mile loop is manageable and rewards you with breathtaking views. Perfect for a breezy solo stroll with a camera in hand.
- Geoffrey's Malibu – This restaurant was originally called “Holiday House” and was patronized by Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and JFK! Great for a solo splurge lunch or sunset dinner if you're in the mood to treat yourself. Every table is supposed to have an ocean view.
- Duke's Malibu – Temporarily closed due to fire damage but set to reopen in late July 2025. Duke Kahanamoku won 6 Olympic swimming and water polo medals. He is also known as the father of modern-day surfing. There are 6 Dukes Restaurants now, 3 in Hawaii and 3 in Southern California. Dukes is famous for their Hula Pie dessert: Macadamia nut ice cream in a cookie crust, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts!
- Malibu: Celebrity Homes, Beaches & History Tour – This highly rated 5-hour long open-air bus small group tour sounds like a really fun way to spend your afternoon in Malibu! It starts and ends in Santa Monica, so it's perfect if you're visiting L.A. without a car and/or want someone else to drive so you can enjoy the gorgeous views and not have to worry about the abysmal parking.
- Paradise Cove Beach Cafe – Fully Reopened. A reader just let me know about this gem with some tables actually on the sand of the beach. Looks like great food, and if you go on your birthday, you get a free 10-inch tall piece of cake! What's not to like?
- Neptune's Net – Another reader recommends this historic “beach shack” restaurant with great views. Check out this link for a list of movies it has been featured in.
Plan Your Perfect Afternoon in Malibu
Short on time but want that breezy California magic? Here’s how I’d structure a relaxing yet eventful afternoon in Malibu:
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at OLLO Malibu – Enjoy a leisurely California-Mediterranean meal on the covered patio. Try the Crab Cake Benedict or fish tacos, and treat yourself to a watermelon mimosa if you're feeling festive.
- 1:45 PM – Walk the Malibu Pier – Park nearby (yes, it’s a pricey $25 flat fee) and soak up ocean views, watch surfers, and browse beachy boutiques like The Ranch at the Pier.
- 2:45 PM – Grab a drink or sweet treat – The Farmer’s Market Cocktail Bar on the pier is a chill spot for an afternoon sip, or head to Malibu Farm for something fresh and seasonal.
- 3:30 PM – Attempt a stroll through Malibu Country Mart – If it’s not too crowded, enjoy browsing high-end shops and maybe spotting a celeb or two. (Parking here can be tricky—arrive early if possible!)
- 4:30 PM – Head home with sandy toes and a happy heart – Optional: detour to Point Dume for sunset views or swing by Duke’s for a slice of legendary Hula Pie.
Ready to Plan Your Own Malibu Moment?
I hope this little afternoon adventure gave you a glimpse of what makes Malibu such a magical coastal escape, even if you only have a few hours. Whether you’re craving ocean views, good food, or a breezy stroll with salt in the air, Malibu delivers.
Have you spent time here? Or do you have a hidden gem I should check out on my next visit? Drop your tips or questions in the comments, I love hearing from you!
