Hike Malibu Bluffs Trail for Quiet Coastal Views Near L.A
Malibu Bluffs Park is a community park located off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The six acre park is home to Malibu Bluffs Skatepark, baseball fields, a childrens playground, and a community center.
Adjacent to Malibu Bluffs Park is the Malibu Bluffs Open Space Area. Perched above Malibu’s stunning coastline, the open space area is a great place to go hiking in Malibu.
There is a 1.6 mile hiking trail that loops around the bluff and along the hike you can enjoy ocean views and vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is an easy trail that is beautiful to hike year-round.
Surprisingly, this Malibu hiking trail is lightly-trafficked and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many people on this trail. Maybe a runner or a local resident walking their dog.
Begin this hike at Malibu Bluffs Park which is located on Winter Mesa Drive. The Michael Landon Community Center is situated in front of the park and it is where you’ll find the trailhead.
At the community center you’ll see a paved footpath that circles Malibu Bluffs Park. Facing the ocean, follow the path towards the right. Along the way you’ll see wildflowers and views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Once you get to the end of the park, continue along the paved footpath towards the right. At the end of the paved path are several picnic tables that overlook the ocean.
Keep going past the picnic tables. This is when the paved path turns into a wide, dirt hiking trail. Stay on this dirt trail almost to the end until you see a steeper spur trail on your left-hand side (which veers towards the ocean).
Take this trail all the way down until you reach a point where you can’t go any further. At this point you will be standing above Malibu Road. This is where you will enjoy the best ocean views along the trail.
While there are large homes that block access to the beach directly across the road from the hiking trail, you can still get down to the beach if you really want. All you need to do is hike down to Malibu Road and walk a few hundred feet north to reach a public beach access point.
Otherwise, continue following the dirt trail north which will take you on a loop around the Malibu Bluffs open space area. The entire trail is very easy.
Eventually the trail will lead you back to where you started the hike. It will be a little steep getting back up the hill to the park, however it’s not too strenuous.
On your return, you can walk around Malibu Bluffs Park along the paved path until you’re back at the community center. There is a nice overlook and seating area about midway that you can use to take a break if needed.
Back at the community center is a public restroom to freshen up if necessary, and if the community center is open, you can go inside and fill up your water bottle.
Discover other hidden gems near Malibu Bluffs Park
Malibu Hindu Temple is nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains in Calabasas, California. The temple showcases traditional South Indian architecture, featuring intricate carvings and majestic towers. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary for devotees and visitors, offering a serene environment for worship and reflection.
Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, located in Malibu, California. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the surrounding mountains. The trail to the top features diverse landscapes—chaparral-covered hillsides, rugged rock formations, and sweeping ridgelines—making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Paradise Cove is a picturesque beach located in Malibu, California, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery. This secluded stretch of sand offers visitors the opportunity to relax by the Pacific Ocean, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and sea. The beach is home to the Paradise Cove Beach Café, a quintessential California beachside restaurant where guests can dine with their feet in the sand, savoring a variety of seafood and classic dishes. The café’s outdoor seating area, adorned with surfboards and thatched umbrellas, enhances the tropical ambiance.
Where is the Malibu Bluffs Trailhead?
The Malibu Bluffs Open Space Trailhead is located just off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), across from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Access the trailhead by entering Malibu Bluffs Park, located at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is free at Malibu Bluffs Park, but spaces can fill up quickly on weekends, especially during nice weather—so plan to arrive early if you want a guaranteed spot.
