What to See in Malibu: 6 Coastal Stops from West Malibu

Wondering what to see in Malibu while staying around Deer Creek? Start with the kind of day your family enjoys: sand and a picnic, a rocky shoreline, a casual seafood lunch, or a museum visit. These six stops give you a choice of outings from a West Malibu home base.

You do not need to squeeze them into one day. Choose one main outing, look at the route from your particular house, and leave time to enjoy being on vacation. Our rural West Malibu homes have different settings and beach routes, so ask us about the location before making your plans.

1. Zuma Beach: a classic day on the sand

Zuma Beach is a good place to consider when you picture towels, sand toys and a long beach walk. The county lists restrooms, showers and parking facilities, which help when you are bringing the whole family.

Choose your spot around the facilities your group needs. Bring a picnic, settle in and let a walk or a sandcastle project be enough entertainment. For time in the water, follow the day’s conditions and lifeguard guidance; an open-ocean beach changes from one visit to the next.

2. Leo Carrillo: take a closer look at the shoreline

Leo Carrillo State Park offers sand, rocky coastal features and tide pools. It suits an outing where the pleasure is noticing what is around you, whether that means watching the water or exploring the shoreline when conditions allow.

Check the tide and park notices before choosing your route. Give children time to look closely and leave the living shoreline as you found it. If your dog is joining you, Leo Carrillo welcomes leashed dogs on North Beach, north of Lifeguard Tower 3; use the park map to choose that area. A shorter visit can be especially enjoyable when you pair it with lunch afterward.

3. El Matador: coastal scenery with a climb

El Matador is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. Its rocks and coastline make it a memorable place for a scenic outing, with access from the bluff using paths and stairs.

Pack lightly and choose this stop when everyone is comfortable with the descent and return climb. For families bringing a stroller or lots of beach equipment, our family beach comparison can help you choose a more practical alternative.

4. Neptune’s Net: make lunch part of the outing

Neptune’s Net is a casual coastal seafood stop to consider along your route. Choose it for the kind of lunch where the meal itself is part of a relaxed beach day.

Look at the current menu before leaving, particularly if your group has different tastes or dietary needs. Neptune’s Net has separate restaurant and seafood ordering areas and does not take reservations. For more dining details, read our Malibu restaurant guide. Let lunch be an outing in its own right, with time to sit together and decide whether the afternoon needs another plan at all.

5. Sycamore Cove: look northwest from Deer Creek

For another coastal setting, consider Sycamore Cove in Point Mugu State Park. This stop is in Ventura County, northwest of Deer Creek, rather than in the City of Malibu.

It is an option for a picnic and beach walk when you want to explore in the other direction. Check the park’s access notices for the destination you plan to use, and build the day around the time your group wants outdoors.

6. Getty Villa: a planned museum day farther east

The Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades offers ancient art and gardens. Make this a separate planned outing from West Malibu, and arrange your timed entry through the museum before setting off.

Allow room in the day for the journey, your visit and a meal. Keeping the rest of the schedule light gives everyone more time to enjoy the art and surroundings without watching the clock for the next stop.

Choose what to see in Malibu around your family

Start with children’s ages, anyone’s needs around stairs and walking, and whether your dog is joining the outing. Tell our team what you enjoy and we can help you think through the home and neighborhood that fit your stay. Amenities and views vary by property.

For a simple way to put the days together, read our West Malibu getaway itinerary. Then ask Chic Beach Vacations about your stay or browse our beach vacation homes. A few well-chosen outings leave plenty of room for coffee, conversation and time together.