• Malibu is more than postcard-worthy beach views. There’s plenty to see and do in the town and surrounding area that doesn’t involve the sand or the sea.
  • Boutique stores, parks off the beaten path, and works of art dot the landscape here, filling out a list of things to do in Malibu.
  • Plan an adventure that goes beyond the beach! (while still spending some quality time on the sand)

Malibu attracts more than eight figures worth of visitors each year, and many of them arrive ready to hit the beach. There are plenty of reasons why: the sand-side recreation is second to none, the climate is consistently perfect, and the ocean air is clean and cleansing.

But a trip to the ‘Bu would be incomplete without checking out the many, many hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and local boutiques on offer in the oceanside town. Here is a small selection of our favorites.

Inn of the Seventh Ray: 

Really, this entry could include most of Topanga Canyon, the colony of artisans and others centered around the titular canyon road that starts about five miles west on the PCH from Malibu Beach Inn’s front doors. The Ray is one of the standouts of the Canyon, with its emphasis on local ingredients all along its new American, multifaceted menu. There’s also a reason that it’s been used often as a wedding venue: the property itself is gorgeous, with dining available along a creek, in a gazebo, and from other scenic seats.

View from Paramount Ranch

Paramount Ranch: 

For the longest time, this film ranch – where scenes from “Westworld”, “The X-Files”, and even 1932’s “A Farewell to Arms” were filmed – acted as a living monument to Tinseltown history. Sadly, 2018’s Woolsey Fire destroyed many of the observable artifacts from those shows and others, but there’s still plenty of parking and hiking to be had, and it’s also a favorite spot for horseback riding lessons. Just 12 miles away from the front doors of the Inn, the Ranch is a lovely outdoor setting that is as evocative of the West in person as it is on all those TV shows and movies.

view of the Malibu village sign near the beach

Surfing Cowboys: 

It’s hard to describe this boutique, just steps from Malibu Beach Inn in the Malibu Village Mall. It carries clothing, both its own designs and vintage gear, but it’s also a repository of surf- and skate-themed art, jewelry, and nostalgic local memorabilia. No matter your favorite era of Malibu, the west, or surfing, you’ll find something aesthetically pleasing. It’s both a perfect and a deadly “just looking” experience: fun to explore and peruse, but almost certain to end in a bagful of new goods to bring home. 

Legacy Park: 

Beachside parks get most of the attention here, but this walking trail and “living learning center,” as the city calls it, is a Malibu, California attraction worthy of an afternoon of exploration as well. Located a mile from Malibu Beach Inn, the park sits at the intersection of prairies, bluffs, woodland, and wetland, making it a rare chance to explore several habitats at once. It’s a great location to take the kids (especially those who are learning about the natural world in school) or just get some steps in after a meal at Carbon Beach Club.

People sitting on the lawn at the Malibu Country Mart

Kirk’s for the Home: 

The easiest way to bring a piece of Malibu back home is by finding a perfect gift – for others or for yourself – at the newest addition to Malibu Country Mart. Showcasing local artisans alongside a thoughtfully curated mix of new and vintage home goods, the shop feels both elevated and effortlessly coastal. From sculptural accents and soulful ceramics to timeless textiles and found treasures, each piece tells a story. Kirk’s is the kind of place that encourages lingering—and will make you wish you’d arrived with an empty suitcase, ready to be filled with one-of-a-kind finds inspired by Malibu living.

woman sitting on the balcony

With Carbon Beach just beyond our doors, the ocean is an ever-present muse—but the charms of our slice of coastal paradise go far beyond the surf. Perfectly positioned in the heart of it all, Malibu Beach Inn offers more than a place to stay. It offers a front-row seat to the authentic rhythms of life and things to do in Malibu. Whether your days are spent exploring hidden gems or simply savoring the stillness between adventures, our storied stretch of coastline invites you to experience Malibu as it was meant to be discovered.  

Featured image by Jordi’s Photo via Envato