The Surfrider Malibu

The iconic beach of Malibu is an integral part of surf history and one of the premier surf destinations in the state of California. Located just across the Pacific Coast Highway and overlooking the famed break, The Surfrider Malibu aims to capture everything this stretch of coastline and accompanying California beach culture represents.

The hotel at Surfrider Malibu was originally built in 1953, which is just a few years before the classic surf film “Gidget” inspired thousands of people, and especially women, to pick up a surfboard. The hotel was recently remodeled with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the California surf town vibe with a touch of luxury.

There are 20 rooms and suites at Surfrider Malibu. The rooms are all tastefully designed and decorated and have a variety of themes. Almost all have partial or total ocean views. Fine Bellino linens on the beds and spa rain showers are among the finer touches in the rooms, Each room also contains a minibar stocked with local California treats. Other room amenities include organic skincare products, complimentary wi-fi, and displays of artwork from local artists. There is easily accessible parking complete with electric charging stations and the lobby also features locally sourced boutique offerings.

Surfrider Beach is the main attraction when it comes to surfing in Malibu. In 2010 it was designated as the first-ever World Surfing Reserve and has appeared in many classic surf movies and art pieces. The wave is generally known as a longboarding wave, though there are sections that are more suitable for shortboards. It’s a long, right-handed point break that can pick up swell almost year-round. It can also become very crowded so be prepared to share waves and enjoy the company of many other surfers. To avoid major crowds or find a variety of different waves, you can check out standout spots such as Zuma Beach, County Line, Point Dume, Leo Carrillo, and Topanga. Being so close to Los Angeles, finding a wave to yourself will be nearly impossible so keep that in mind and brush up on your ethics and rules of surfing. Custom surfboards from McTavish are available to demo.

Surf lessons are available through Surfrider Hotel. There are plenty of gentle, mellow waves to learn or improve your skills on. You can rent boards and wetsuits there, with the hotel also offering a complimentary surf basket that includes towels, sunscreen, umbrellas, and wax. Surfboard and wetsuit storage is available at the hotel, along with a heated outdoor shower to warm you up from the generally chilly ocean water.

Surfrider Malibu offers a roof deck bar and restaurant that’s exclusively open to guests of this surf resort. Much like the hotel, its aim is to capture the feel and taste of the best that California surf culture has to offer. The bar and restaurant overlook the waves at First Point Malibu, making it a great place to check out the surf as you start your day with breakfast, or watch the sunset when you’re all surfed out. They offer a menu featuring a combination of locally sourced seafood and organic fruits and vegetables. The taste of California is also prevalent in their beverage offerings, with everything from fruit smoothies to house-made tonics, as well as wines sourced from local vineyards. Surfrider Malibu is very dedicated to its theme of locally sourced and sustainability. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In keeping with its beach house theme, no shoes are required.

When you’re not surfing, Surfrider Malibu can set you up for picnics on the beach, in-room massages, yoga, and horseback riding. Shore fishing and fishing off of the Malibu pier are also available. The Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic stretch of road that follows the coastline, so a scenic cruise is always a great option

Flights are made into Los Angeles International Airport, From there it’s just a 45 min. to 1 hour drive depending on the traffic. Surfrider Malibu has a partnership with Mini Cooper and complimentary rentals can be provided subject to availability.