What are the Best Spots in Malibu to Watch the Sunset?

There’s something truly remarkable about witnessing the sun dip into the Pacific at the end of a day. El Matador State Beach, Point Dume Nature Preserve, and Malibu Pier are among the best spots to watch the sunset in Malibu. 

Whether you’re standing on a bluff or cozied up on a beach, there’s not a bad seat in the house. These locations offer dramatic coastal cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and unobstructed horizons as the sun melts into the sea.

Best Malibu Sunset Spots by Experience

Malibu offers sunset experiences for every preference, from dramatic panoramas to iconic photo setups. Here’s a quick look at our top spots: 

1. Point Dume Nature Preserve – For the Most Iconic Views

An iconic spot to watch the sunset in Malibu, we’re starting our tour at Point Dume Nature Preserve, where a mile of hiking trails weave their way to a picturesque promontory. Park at the trailhead lot and hike a short way to the top of Point Dume. The path is suitable for all levels and rewards you with grand views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. Gaze to the west to enjoy the pink-drenched vistas as the sun sets over the water. An insider tip from All Things Malibu: look for an overhanging rock that extends from the west facing side of the cliff for the perfect perch.

• Paid parking lot: $3/hour or $15/day
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: 2.5 miles north
• Difficulty: Easy (short hike, ~1 mile round trip)
• Best for: panoramic views, photography, whale-watching in season

2. Encinal Canyon Road – For the Best Scenic Drive

If you’re looking for an evening cruise, this spot is for you. We’ll start at the intersection of Encinal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, and drive north up the winding Encinal Canyon Road. There are plenty of viewpoints where you can pull over and watch the sunset. We suggest one that’s a mere 30 seconds past the intersection on your left. It’s plenty high enough to see the sun drop into the ocean. After a 4-mile drive up the road to Charmlee Wilderness Park, hikers will enjoy walking 20 minutes for a stunning overlook. If you’d rather stay in the car, drive 5 miles to the end of Encinal Canyon Road and turn around to perfectly time the sun setting on your 10-minute drive down the canyon.

• Street parking: Free
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: 3.5 miles north
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (drive to viewpoint or 20-minute hike to Charmlee)
• Best for: scenic drive, elevated views, no hiking required option

3. Zuma Beach – For an Easy-Access Beach Sunset

This list wouldn’t be complete without a Malibu sunset on the beach. Walk down from the cliffs to get eye level with the ocean at the popular Zuma Beach, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. Zuma is the quintessential Southern California beach, with its wide, 1.8-mile stretch of white sand, paved board walk, volleyball nets, and pastel blue lifeguard posts. It makes for the perfect setting to honor the end of a day. Simply look out to the ocean and watch the glowing globe disappear. Don’t forget a jacket or blanket, as the temperature drops at sunset.

• Free parking lot
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: 4 miles north
• Difficulty: Easy (beach access from parking)
• Best for: relaxed beach sunset, families, picnic setup

4. Malibu Pier – For a Classic California Aesthetic

The Malibu Pier, originally built in 1905, is a registered Point of Historical Interest and a spectacular place to watch a Malibu sunset. Make early dinner reservations at Malibu Farm Restaurant, located at the start of the pier, where you can feast on fresh fish and colorful vegetarian dishes on the outdoor patio. With its chic coastal vibes and magnificent view of the Pacific, you may be tempted to stay here. However, we suggest that you request the check and wander on for an evening stroll down the Malibu Pier. At the end of the boardwalk, watch the surfers below and say goodbye to another magical day in Southern California as the sky lights up in shades of pink.

• Street parking: Free (limited)
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: 2.5 miles south
• Difficulty: Easy (flat pier walk)
• Best for: dining + sunset combo, accessible for all ages

5. El Matador State Beach – For the Best Photos

While both offer stellar ocean views, this spot is in stark comparison with the soft beaches of Zuma. El Matador State Beach is a unique, geological wonder, complete with craggy rock formations, coastal caves, and a stunning sea arch that shines at sunset. Photographers especially appreciate El Matador State Beach as they strive to capture the fading light, contrasting dramatically against the dark rock formations and crashing waves. To get here, find a parking spot off Pacific Coast Highway (arriving early is recommended). Head to the overlook before walking down to the beach via a steep dirt path that transitions to stairs. Once on the beach, find a spot to lay out your blanket and get ready for the show. You shouldn’t have a problem finding space, as the limited parking prevents overcrowding.

• Street parking: Free (very limited, arrive early)
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: 3.5 miles south
• Difficulty: Hard (steep stairs ~100 steps, uneven paths)
• Best for: dramatic photos, romantic sunsets, rock formations

6. Carbon Beach Club Restaurant at Malibu Beach Inn – For Sunset Dining

For an elegant end to the day, catch the Malibu sunset at Carbon Beach Club while dining on the oceanfront terrace. Sip on a cocktail from the award-winning barman or have our sommelier hand select a wine to pair with a locally-sourced, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Connected to the restaurant is Malibu Beach Inn, our luxury beachfront sanctuary and a splendid place to retire after a day well spent, if we may say so ourselves. To search for a reservation at Malibu Beach Inn, click here.

• Valet parking included with dining
• Distance from Malibu Beach Inn: Direct access (on property)
• Difficulty: Easy (oceanfront terrace)
• Best for: sunset fine dining, oceanfront views, exclusive experience