Immortalized in film and song, Malibu Beach is an American gem, a place deeply ingrained in the popular consciousness as the epitome of the West Coast lifestyle. Though known for its maddeningly expensive hilltop mansions, Malibu isn’t just for the rich and famous. It has a wealth of waterfront rentals that will leave an impression on your mind as indelible as those left by the Pacific on the rocky coastline.
Hop on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and you’ll see a myriad of beautiful spots and architectural wonders. With hiking trails above, surfers below, and dozens of incredible restaurants and boutique shops in between, the charms of Malibu aren’t exactly hidden. With the museums and lesser-known attractions of Los Angeles all reachable by car, Malibu is an excellent place to discover southern California’s wonderful attractions while maintaining a base sheltered from the sprawl.
Warm and sunny all year round, Malibu is an enchanting place to take your next vacation. To help you on your way, here is a list of 11 Malibu beach house vacation rentals, each and every one on the water.
Comfortable Home In Eastern Malibu$875/nightly avg
A godsend for couples keen to explore Los Angeles from the comfort of a Malibu retreat, this oceanside home is ready for new renters. A short drive from Santa Monica and many other LA attractions, it nonetheless offers the unobstructed mountain and ocean views that make Malibu so attractive. A king bedroom sits high above the waves. Step past the fireplace, open the sliding doors, step out onto the balcony, and lord over the water as if you were sailing on one of the huge ships that regularly pull into the harbor at San Pedro. The home has a full kitchen, comfortable seating areas, and a second bedroom fitted with a bunk bed.
Carbon Beach Bungalow$899/nightly avg
The lagoon, pier, and commercial heart of Malibu are all at your fingertips when you stay at this perfectly-placed Bungalow on Carbon Beach. World-class restaurants, gorgeous sunsets, and memorable walks up and down the pier will be the cornerstones of your vacation when staying here. A humble home compared to the mansions in the hills above, this bungalow benefits from the same incredible location as grander offerings. It has a beachside balcony, a king bedroom, and room for two guests in the living room. There are several bungalows like this one that can be rented out together, so don’t hesitate to bring a large group.
Wooden Wonder On The Beach$570/nightly avg
A masterpiece of carpentry, this beautiful home on County Line Beach is a wood-lover’s dream. Approaching the home from the wooden walkway, the ocean looms large and this splendid example of the forest’s bounty instills a deep grounded feeling. In addition to the oak French doors, the home makes use of other materials. The shower is a grand marble affair, perfectly matched with the pristine porcelain sink. The kitchen is brand new and the ocean views are timeless. This is an ideal retreat for couples of all interests.
Romantic Retreat At Livingston Beach$1,091/nightly avg
A palace built for two, this modern home in far western Malibu is the perfect place for couples to bask in the unforgettable glow of the California sun. Locals and guests in the area will enjoy a private beach with pristine waters frequented by whales. The home is a spacious one with all kinds of luxurious touches like granite countertops and a fireplace surrounded by excellent lounge spots. Opposite the beach, trails wind through the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Seaswept Home At La Costa Beach$1,200/nightly avg
With beautiful blonde wooden fixtures and ocean views from every room, this two-bedroom beachside home is perfect for one or multiple couples. It has a lovely backyard deck with lounge chairs and a table for dining al fresco. Whether you go by beach or road, Duke’s, a fabulous restaurant which doubles as a shrine to surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku, is just a short walk away. The home has two queen bedrooms, a full kitchen, and easy access to local hiking trails.
Palace On The PCH$2,150/nightly avg
Just a few miles west of Pacific Palisades, this huge home on the PCH nevertheless feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. With three stories and five bedrooms, it can comfortably accommodate large groups of travelers. The last in a short line of houses, guests will enjoy access to a particularly large stretch of private beach. Enjoy drinks stirred by the ocean breeze from the upper balconies or dine at the water’s edge on the lowest terrace. With abundant comfortable spaces indoors and out, you might struggle to make it to all of the local eateries and attractions.
Cape Cod Home On Carbon Beach$2,152/nightly avg
Despite the thousands of miles separating this New England-style beach house from the land that inspired its style, it is very much at home on the California coast. Bright, airy, and open, the ocean positively seeps in through the walls. It has a spacious deck, windswept balcony, and a cozy patio with a hot tub and plenty of plants. Up to eight guests can enjoy the home’s open-plan living area and sleep comfortably in its four bedrooms. Pet owners will be pleased to know that dogs are welcome.
The Surfrider Villa$1,174/nightly avg
Another incredible property on Malibu Road, The Surfrider Villa is a contemporary California home that embodies the allure of Los Angeles’s beach towns. You can view the water through the home’s many large windows or step out onto the balcony to hear its roar. The villa has modern furniture, state-of-the-art appliances, and an abundance of pleasing design features. There is a king bedroom (complete with en suite and fireplace) and two queen bedrooms. The pier and culinary treasures, like the world-famous Nobu restaurant, are within walking distance.
Minimalist Home At Broad Beach$2,136/nightly avg
With smart-glass doors, pristine metallic features, and superbly-crafted wooden elements, this home on the ocean is a modern marvel made using the finest of materials. It was the last project of Pierre Koenig, a renowned leader of the California Modernist style. A stay at this home, therefore, offers not only a comfortable experience but a chance for aesthetic education. Even just stepping onto the beach is a unique experience; a powered drawbridge lowers steps to take you to the water. The home has a dipping pool, a home cinema, and four incredible bedrooms.
Malibu Road Marvel$3,099/nightly avg
Removed from the hubbub and noise of the PCH, this stunning home has stylish furniture, fresh interiors, excellent amenities, and 75 feet of beachfront. Recently remodeled, it promises a relaxing and luxurious vacation. Guests enter through a verdant courtyard complete with a grill, pool, and ample seating. Things will only get better from there as you explore the splendid rooms boasting expansive ocean views. A short walk from Pepperdine University, it’s a great base for anyone on a college visit. The house has a master bedroom and two guest rooms, one with two twins, the other a pair of doubles. A guest house can also be rented to accommodate larger parties.
1-Acre Estate In West Malibu$4,469/nightly avg
Wrought from stone and sitting on an idyllic oceanside acre, this enviable property in West Malibu will doubtless impress anyone lucky enough to pass through its gates. From the massive 3,000-square-foot rooftop deck (complete with infinity pool) to the grassy lawn which abuts the sand, there’s a lot to fawn over. It has five bedrooms (two of which are master suites), a blockbuster-worthy home theater, and direct access to a sandy beach. On top of all that, it has plenty of amphitheater seating in the yard, making the home a popular site for weddings and other events.
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