An Introduction To Malibu Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Malibu surf is a legendary experience along California’s beautiful coastline, celebrated for its famous waves, chilled out vibe, and gorgeous scenery. Located 35 miles west from Los Angeles, this quintessential surf spot provides access to world-famous breaks without the use of a car. Bike friendly roads, pedestrian friendly sections, and bus services truly make it great for surfers wanting to explore either on foot or two wheels.
At First Point, the hustle and bustle is right in the shadow of the infamous Malibu Pier. The long, peeling right-hand point breaks here have gathered surfers from around the globe. Second Point offers mellow, clean waves for beginners, intermediates, and longboarders.
While Third Point offers a punching challenge with faster sections for the more experienced. If you want to kick back for an easy session or find something with a little more adrenaline, conditions here are almost always consistent enough never to let you down.
Mix all that raw, natural beauty with surf history and easily accessible spots, and it creates a surfer’s paradise. Long rides, golden sunsets, it’s a place where the true essence of California surf culture lives.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Malibu
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Peak Malibu Surf Season | November to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Malibu surf reaches its winter pinnacle from November through March, when northwest winter swells wrap into the iconic pointbreak of Malibu. Wave heights range from 3 to 7 feet, producing long, peeling walls beloved by longboarders & shortboarders alike.
Malibu surf during this season showcases glassy lines on northeast wind windows, offering some of the cleanest surf on the coast. While popular, the lineup moves quickly, as waves allow multiple maneuvers on extended rides. Malibu surf in winter is the gold standard for classic California pointbreak sessions.
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Shoulder Malibu Surf Season | April, May, September & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
In spring & early autumn, Malibu surf mellows slightly, with waves usually in the 2 to 5-foot range. The swell energy is softer, but First Point maintain smooth, rideable peaks. Malibu surf during these shoulder months is perfect for refining technique, longboard trims or shortboard flow, without the larger winter sets.
Crowds thin out just enough to find space, & the weather warms up. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into your first pointbreak or an advanced rider polishing lines, Malibu surf in these months strikes a wonderful balance.
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Low Malibu Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Summer brings the gentlest Malibu surf, with small, slow-rolling waves between 1 & 3 feet. Malibu surf in the low season is ideal for learners, family groups, & those who prefer mellow conditions. The pointbreaks take a break from their usual power, offering soft, consistent sets that allow for multiple catch-&-rides.
Crowds can be large on sunny weekends, but the forgiving waves make it easy to find a friendly peak. Malibu surf in summer is all about relaxed sessions, catching endless easy rides, & soaking up the classic SoCal beach vibe.
Malibu Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Malibu Surf Temperature:
18–21°C (64–70°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikinis are okay during warmer afternoons, but most surfers will prefer a spring suit, especially for early or overcast sessions.
Rainfall:
Summer months are typically very dry, with less than 1–2 rainy days monthly, often experiencing long stretches of clear skies.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
17–20°C (63–68°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or 3/2 mm wetsuit is the go-to, offering comfort during crisp mornings & as the water starts to cool.
Rainfall:
Rainfall increases slightly, averaging around 2–5 rainy days per month, particularly by November as winter approaches.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
14–16°C (57–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is recommended for the colder winter swells, keeping you warm through morning chills & overcast days.
Rainfall:
Expect around 6–8 rainy days per month, most coming from Pacific storms bringing heavy, short-lived rain.
Malibu Surf Temperature:
15–18°C (59–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit continues to be necessary, though late spring sessions can occasionally feel comfortable in a spring suit.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases toward spring, with around 3–5 rainy days monthly, often tapering to drier conditions by May.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Malibu
| Malibu Surf Spots | Distance from Malibu | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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First Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
1-4 foot |
Gentle, long rides |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Second Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
2-6 foot |
Steeper, faster right hand break |
Intermediate |
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Third Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
3-8 foot |
Fast, hollow right-handers |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Malibu Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southest
- Crowd Factor: Very high
First Point at Surfrider Beach is the quintessential longboard point break, delivering endless, peeling right-hand walls on southwest swells with light north or notheast winds. Mid to high tides soften the wave, creating glassy sections that allow for graceful trim & rail-to-rail flow. Rides can exceed 200 meters when conditions align.
The take-off is gentle but the lineup is notoriously crowded, drawing surfers worldwide. Despite the intense competition, the wave’s forgiving nature keeps it accessible to all levels. First Point remains a bucket-list destination for its perfect wave shape & iconic status.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Second Point is more performance-oriented than First, offering a faster, punchier right-hand wave that demands more skill. Best at mid to high tide under southwest swells & northerly winds, it breaks over a cobblestone & sand bottom, creating steeper sections & occasional tube opportunities.
The take-off can be critical, rewarding precise bottom turns & snap off the top maneuvers. While the lineup is still busy, it’s less congested than First Point. Surfers seeking high-performance sections & potential barrel rides favor Second for its added speed & challenge.
Rating: 4,5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Third Point is a quieter alternative down the Malibu point, offering rights that peak under southwest swells with mid tide & northerly winds for clean faces. The wave is punchier & shorter than the other points, breaking over a steeper cobblestone bottom for faster drop-ins & more critical sections. Rides typically span 50–100 meters, rewarding firm bottom turns & carving.
Crowds are moderate, as many surfers stick to the more famous points. Third Point provides a solid performance wave with fewer people, ideal for experienced surfers seeking a bit of solitude.
Rating: 4/5
Travel Time To Malibu Surf Spots
| Malibu Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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First Point |
Approx. 8 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Second Point |
Approx. 10 min. |
3 min. |
Not required |
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Third Point |
Approx. 15 min. |
3 min. |
Not required |
Accommodation In Malibu
For those planning a Malibu surf trip, Trip.com is a valuable website to secure lodgings close to the beach. Their wide range of accommodations includes everything from upscale beachfront hotels to affordable hostels, making it easy to find the right fit. Booking your stay in advance means less hassle, less stress and more time on the water.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€280 to €550 |
$300 to $600 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€600 to €820+ |
$650 to $850+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Malibu Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Malibu surf schools let you experience the magic of California’s most legendary surf break while learning from some of the best in the business.
Malibu Surfing School provides personalized instruction with expert coaches, while Socal Surf Sup caters to all ages with a focus on building foundational skills.
Malibu Surf Experience ensures a unique and immersive learning journey for aspiring surfers. Always Summer Surf School combines fun and safety, making it ideal for families.
Sea n Soul Surf offers dynamic lessons, emphasizing technique and confidence-building. Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or working on your style, Malibu surf schools offer a laid-back yet professional vibe that makes learning fun.
Malibu Surf Camp
While there aren’t traditional overnight surf camps in the area, Malibu surf camp experiences can easily be created thanks to the town’s endless surf-friendly accommodations & daily lesson options.
Many visitors build their own Malibu surf camp vibe by booking surf lessons during the day & staying in one of the many beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, or cozy lodges within walking distance of the waves.
This setup lets surfers enjoy flexible schedules, soak up the famous Malibu lifestyle, and balance time in the water with exploring the town’s vibrant coastal charm.
Malibu Surfboard Hire
Malibu surfboard hire is super easy, with plenty of rental shops offering a full range of boards from soft-tops to high-performance models, all just steps from the beach.
Sea n Soul Surf stands out for its well-maintained equipment and friendly service. Catering to surfers of all levels, they offer a range of boards, from beginner-friendly foamies to high-performance shortboards.
With top-quality gear & friendly local shops, Malibu surfboard hire makes it a breeze to grab a board & get in the lineup.
Malibu Surf Report & Surf Cam
To enjoy Malibu surf fully, you need accurate and timely surf data. Surf-Forecast is the best option for swell, wind and tide forecasting, whereas Surfline live cams show current views of waves at premier surf breaks throughout the USA and can be accessed via subscription.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM makes connecting very easy once you land, without the hassle of having to purchase local SIM cards. This way, you ride without a hitch while keeping track of surf forecasts, watching live cams and posting your Malibu surf videos on the web.
How To Get To Malibu Surf
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) To Malibu
Distance: 45km (28mi)
To reach Malibu surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and take a taxi or shuttle to your destination. Below is a guide with various transportation options.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
From LAX, catch the Big Blue Bus Line 3 from the Lower/Arrivals Level heading to Downtown Santa Monica. At the Santa Monica Transit Center, transfer to the Big Blue Bus Line 10 or Metro Bus Route 534 toward Malibu.
These buses stop at popular Malibu beaches such as Zuma & Surfrider. While the fare is low, the journey involves transfers & can be impacted by heavy westside traffic, particularly during morning & evening peak hours.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Malibu specialized shuttle services, including HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups, provide both shared & private options. Shared shuttles depart at set intervals from LAX’s Ground Transportation Center, stopping at key Malibu landmarks such as Malibu Pier & Point Dume.
Private shuttles can be scheduled to match your flight arrival & offer non-stop transport directly to your hotel or rental. Advance booking is essential, especially on weekends & during high-season events like surf contests.
USA Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Surfing in the USA offers variety, comfort, and well-developed infrastructure. The local currency is the U.S. Dollar, and contactless payments are standard. English is spoken throughout the country. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere.
Our USA surf page walks you through all 7 essentials, including visa information, safety tips, and what to expect when it comes to connectivity and healthcare.
Travel Insurance For Your Malibu Surf Trip
You arrive in USA after all your efforts to surf rather than have your luggage not be with you. Or even worse, you wake up sick on day one. Travel insurance is always there for those unexpected moments. Replacement equipment or emergency medical care for injuries related to sports, makes it support that comes to your aid just when you need it most.
USA surf trips deserve that extra layer of confidence. VisitorsCoverage gives you access to trusted plans so you can ride each wave knowing you are covered. Smart travel is safe travel.
Discover Malibu: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the waves aren’t ideal, Malibu offers a variety of activities. Below are 5 recommendations to make the most of your time. Or be sure to check out GetYourGuide and Viator for even more experiences in the area.