
š 4 Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in Malibu
Share
Few places do sunset quite like Malibu. With its rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and iconic coastline views, itās one of the most romantic and photo-worthy sunset destinations in Southern California. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet beach moment or a panoramic bluff-top hike, Malibu delivers.
Here are four of the best places to catch the sunsetāand what to know before you go.
Ā
š Table of Contents
- š 1. Point Dume Nature Reserve
- š 2. Zuma Beach
- š£ 3. Malibu Pier
- š 4. El Matador State Beach
- š What to Pack for Malibu Sunsets
Ā
š 1. Point Dume Nature Reserve

š Location: Cliffside Dr, Malibu
šø Vibe: Dramatic, peaceful, panoramic
Point Dume is hands-down one of Malibuās most iconic viewpoints. Towering above the ocean, this rocky bluff offers sweeping views of the Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island (on a clear day), and the curve of the coastline all the way toward Palos Verdes. Itās also a great place to spot dolphins, migrating whales (in winter), and seabirds.
š„¾ Trail Info:
-
Point Dume Cove Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
- Duration: ~45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: Ocean bluffs, tidepools, wildflowers (spring)
š Pro Tips:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset for the golden light.
- Thereās limited parking along Cliffside Drāgo early, especially on weekends.
- If youāre up for it, hike down the stairs to the hidden cove beach below!
Ā
š 2. Zuma Beach

š Location: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
šø Vibe: Classic, wide-open, family-friendly
Zuma is Malibuās most expansive beach, perfect for those who want space to spread out and watch the sky explode with color. The beach faces west, making it ideal for full-sky sunsets. Bring a blanket, kick off your shoes, and enjoy the uninterrupted view.
š Pro Tips:
- Lifeguards are on duty and restrooms are available.
- Great spot for a picnicābring snacks or grab something nearby in Trancas Country Market.
- Surfers often catch the last waves of the day hereāmakes for great photos!
Ā
š£ 3. Malibu Pier

š Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
šø Vibe: Chill, iconic, photogenic
The historic Malibu Pier is more than just a fishing spotāitās one of the best places in the city to watch the sun dip behind the horizon. With views of Surfrider Beach and the Santa Monica Mountains in the background, this is a golden hour dream.
š Pro Tips:
- Grab a coffee or meal at Malibu Farm CafƩ before or after sunset.
- Free and paid parking available along PCH.
- The pier closes at nightfall, so donāt linger too long after sunset.
Ā
š 4. El Matador State Beach

š Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
šø Vibe: Romantic, rugged, cinematic
If youāve ever seen a movie or commercial filmed on a Malibu beachāit was probably here. El Matador is famous for its sea stacks, rock arches, and secret coves. The walk down to the sand is steep and scenic, and once you're on the beach, youāll feel worlds away.
š„¾ Trail Info:
-
El Matador Beach Access Trail
- Distance: ~0.5 miles roundtrip
- Duration: ~20 minutes
- Difficulty: EasyāModerate (steep stairs and dirt trail)
š Pro Tips:
- Parking lot is smallācome early or park along PCH (watch for signs).
- Best at low tide for exploring caves and arches.
- Bring sandals or barefoot itājust watch for rocks.
Ā
š What to Pack for Malibu Sunsets
Even if itās warm during the day, Malibu sunsets often come with cool breezes. Hereās what youāll want to have:
- š§„ Light jacket or hoodie
- š Comfy walking shoes or sandals
- šø Camera or phone with extra storage
- š§ŗ Blanket and snacks (perfect for Zuma or Point Dume)
- š§ Water bottle
- š Sunglasses (for the pre-sunset golden hour)
- šÆļø Optional: Flameless candle or lantern for post-sunset beach vibes
Ā
š Want the Full L.A. Experience?
If Malibu is just one stop on your Los Angeles adventure, donāt miss our Los Angeles CityBookāa complete digital guide to the best neighborhoods, beach towns, hikes, photo spots, restaurants, and must-see attractions.
ā Custom maps
ā Day-by-day itineraries
ā Budget-saving tips & local favorites
š Get the Los Angeles CityBook here and explore L.A. like a local.
Ā
š FREE Download: Malibu Sunset Guide
Want to keep these sunset spots handy on the go? Weāve turned this blog post into a beautifully designed, printable Malibu Sunset Guide PDFāperfect for offline use while you're on the road.
ā Trail info & parking tips
ā What to pack checklist
ā Links to map pins for each spot
š Click here to download your FREE Malibu Sunset Guide