• There’s a long tradition of Malibu volunteerism that stretches into the present day as locals and visitors alike have ample opportunities to give back to the community.
  • Malibu features a high concentration of hiking trails, beaches, state parks, and wildlife, creating a wide variety of Malibu volunteer possibilities. 
  • Most of the Malibu volunteer prospects are within a few miles of the Malibu Beach Inn

One of the very first volunteer organizations in Malibu was Trancas Riders and Ropers, an all-volunteer equestrian group founded in 1952 that offered equestrian-related activities and training to local families, children, and the under-privileged. 

The organization only recently permanently galloped into the horizon, but it reflects both the rural nature of Malibu and also the city’s close relationship with volunteerism. Malibu, with its many stunning hiking trails, its 21 miles of sandy beaches, and equestrian organizations, is awash in volunteer opportunities. In fact, you can barely throw a seashell without hitting one. 

The volunteer spirit is alive and well in Malibu, both despite and because of the recent Malibu fires that devastated part of the area. Just a short distance from the Malibu Beach Inn, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the community—whether you’re a longtime local or a weekend visitor at the Malibu Beach Inn. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, what better way to give thanks to “The Bu,” as locals call this coastal town of 9,500 lucky denizens.

Community getting on a bus for Malibu volunteer opportunities

Adamson House

Just a 10 minute stroll from the Malibu Beach inn, the historic Adamson House and the Malibu Lagoon Museum is not just a fun place to visit; it’s a wonderful Malibu volunteer opportunity. Built in 1929, the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival beach house is nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Tile,” and you’ll see why once you get a peek at the interior. Volunteer opportunities here include becoming a docent to lead groups of visitors through the house, as well as a visitor center assistant, providing information to guests. This Malibu volunteer role requires an eight-hour-per-month commitment. As a docent, you’ll not only get educated on the history of the house and the area, you’ll get an up-close look at the intricate and wondrous tilework throughout the property. 

California Wildlife Center

The Malibu-based California Wildlife Center has a stellar reputation for looking after both land and marine animals and keeping the environment safe and clean for them. CWC offers ample amounts of exciting and rewarding Malibu volunteer opportunities, allowing the volunteer to have some unique animal experiences. These include working in animal rehabilitation and marine mammal volunteers assisting in the rescue of sea lions, seals whales, dolphins, elephant seals and seabirds. 

Heal the Bay

A good portion of Malibu falls within the Santa Monica Bay. Heal the Bay was founded in 1985 with a mission to making the coastal waters and the beaches that they hug as pristine, clean, safe, and healthy as possible—for humans and animals alike. 

The nonprofit organization offers a bounty of ways you can be a Malibu volunteer. In addition to other volunteer shifts, Heal the Bay organizes regular beach clean-ups, called Nothin’ But Sand, where volunteers comb the sandy strands looking for trash and other refuse—perfect for any Malibu Beach Inn guests who want to give something back while enjoying the quintessential sunny beach weather. Check the calendar to find out the next time they’re doing a clean-up in Malibu. 

beach cleanup volunteers in Malibu

Malibu Creek State Beach

For 50 years, Malibu Creek State Beach has been the domain volunteer docents taking visitors around the verdant, 8,215-acre mountainside state park to reveal the natural wonders that lurk within. Whether you’re leading a nature hike, manning the visitor center, taking part in a group trail clean-up, or helping out with restoration and conservation, volunteers at Malibu Creek State Park are ambassadors. The park offers plenty of opportunities for Malibu volunteers. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu

With outlets all around the country, the Malibu facility of the Boys & Girls Club is always looking for volunteers, especially for short-term commitments—ideal for Malibu Beach Inn travelers in search of Malibu volunteer prospects. Check the calendar, but you may encounter posts seeking volunteers to help out in a chili cook-off, kids’ fun run, or a half-marathon, among other one-day events.  

The City of Malibu

Malibu’s Community Services Department offers an array of Malibu volunteer spots. You can be a volunteer at literary readings, art exhibitions, CineMalibu movies in the park, or cleanup strolls in Malibu Bluffs Park, Legacy Park, or Charmlee Wilderness Park. If you’re a visitor, any one of these volunteer activities gives you the opportunity to meet locals and see a part of Malibu you may not have normally come across. At the same time, you’re helping the community. It’s a win-win. Find out more here. 

Whether you’re a lifelong local or spending a getaway with us at Malibu Beach Inn, opportunities to give back are everywhere. The recent fires showed just how resilient this community is, and giving back isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s a year-round mindset.

Written by: David Farley

Edited by: Brenna Darling de Cruz