The Best Airbnbs And Vacation Rentals In Malibu California

Settled serenely between the mountains and the vast Pacific, Malibu is a SoCal hotspot for surfers and nature lovers. You’ll love exploring the rocky bluffs of Point Dume, the rugged hiking trails of Leo Carrillo State Park and the surfing at the Malibu Pier, but you’ll need a place to relace your walking shoes. The sun and surf may bring you here, but these spectacular Malibu vacation rentals will convince you this iconic California coastal city is just as beautiful on the inside.

1. A poolside beach house with sea views

Short-term Rental

A pool, firepit, spa and endless ocean views make this two-story Malibu vacation home for eight feel like a private resort. This sprawling 2,300sqft (215sqm) home was built for beach bums and sunseekers. Malibu and Big Rock beaches are within 2mi (3km), and if you need insider tips on local surf spots, a dedicated hospitality manager is available 24/7 (a swell touch). Make a note to ask about any dog beaches in the area because this place gladly welcomes pets.

2. An oceanfront villa with a dolphin-spying deck

Short-term Rental

If “oceanfront” translates to “must-have” then you should nab this two-bedroom Malibu beach villa before you get to the end of this sentence… This adults-only home has stairs leading down to Las Tunas State Beach, and back at base you can watch dolphins swim by from your very own above-the-water balcony. Grill out on the oceanfront deck and take a dip in the water whenever you please. And on the rare occasion you actually want to venture away from the home, hop on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and cruise over to dining hotspot Moonshadows for a drink on the Blue Bar‘s oceanfront patio, or enjoy fresh swordfish over a fiery sunset.

3. A retro-inspired Draper-style design den

Short-term Rental

A large pool table looks out over palm trees and the Pacific Ocean at Cliffridge by Avantstay Lush Malibu Hills Estate, Malibu, California.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the California coast, this cucumber-cool vacation rental in Malibu is your getaway to a grand vacation – one which Mad Men’s Don Draper might well approve. Retro-toned textiles, ad-agency prints and mid-century furniture abound within. There’s a backyard hot tub, an ocean-facing pool table, a group-gathering fireplace and ocean views from nearly every room – plus enough atmospheric festoon lighting to guarantee evening good times on the various decks. It sleeps eight in three bedrooms (including sofa beds and bunks) and it’s a scenic 10-minute stroll to La Piedra Beach or a three-minute drive to El Matador State Beach.

5. Breezy Surf Cottage With Direct Beach Access

Apartment

Lying right on the shore, this stylishly decorated Malibu beach cottage is the ultimate getaway. Take a nap on the outdoor patio to the sound of the Pacific Ocean, or descend the private staircase to go for a swim. Every space in the two-bedroom house has views of the ocean, and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors open up to create a marvelous indoor-outdoor area.

6. Sophisticated Canyon Retreat With Infinity Pool

Villa

This four-bedroom vacation home in Malibu screams luxury mod with high-end design pieces in each room, like an Autoban pumpkin coffee table, David Weeks leather sling chair and Aesop bath products. The secluded property sits high up over the coastline and has breathtaking mountain views that can be seen from both inside and out thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. The comfortable patio area overlooks the large infinity pool and hot tub, ready for guests to hop in and unwind. The architecture and impressive attention to detail is enhanced by desert landscaping that blends the property into the surrounding area.

7. Affordable Mountain Sanctuary

Apartment

A winding drive up the mountainside takes guests to this lovely loft-style home rental in Malibu perched on the cliffs. There are unforgettable views of the canyon and ocean from many places on the property, especially from the wooden deck fitted with a dining table and barbecue for al-fresco dining. The open-concept living room brightens up the space, while the lush gardens and outdoor seating areas invoke a tranquil ambience.

8. Spacious Mini Mansion Right on the Beach

Apartment

Up to nine of you can spend the day surfing or tanning at the beach, which is just steps away from this four-bedroom holiday rental in Malibu. Enjoy a barbecue, or relax on one of two decks with sweeping views of the ocean. In the colder months, cuddle up next to the indoor fireplace, or head to the nearby Charmlee Wilderness Park or Leo Carrillo State Park for some hiking.

Looking for more Malibu accommodation options? Our guide to the best hotels in Malibu has you covered – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Chloe Byrne and Kalena McElroy contributed additional reporting to this article.

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