Santa Monica To Malibu: A Visual Guide

From Venice Beach’s painted lifeguard towers to Malibu Farm’s never-ending pier, the Los Angeles coast offers a dreamlike cultural tour of West LA

Along the winding coast of Southern California lies an iconic route through every oceanfront haven in West Los Angeles. The Pacific Coast Highway is one that drivers don’t mind getting stuck on, thanks to views panning from San Diego to the Golden State’s northern border. But the trappings of a true LA experience lie in the portion of the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu.

Travelers driving the coast of Los Angeles can wander into everything from Patrick’s Roadhouse — the bright green Irish shoreside shack that locals love — to El Matador State Beach, which is a rocky hideaway bay perfectly suited to sandy picnics. For the traffic-bound, there are a variety of must-visit hubs along the Los Angeles coast in which to lie out and dine out.

Santa Monica: Patrick’s Roadhouse

Malibu: Malibu Pier

Malibu: Surfrider Beach

Malibu: El Matador State Beach

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.