It’s easy to assume that a really nice area such as Malibu wouldn’t be overly accessible to van dwellers. A lot of wealthier cities don’t exactly love us hiding out overnight or coming off as though we’re stealing their views for a fraction of the cost (we are). But Malibu was surprisingly van- friendly and I definitely would recommend stopping here for a couple days on your trip along the coast. There are a few perfect spots to park right on the water and a couple beautiful parks and beaches that you just can’t miss out on if you’re in the area!
These are my best recommendations when van dwelling your way through Malibu.
Overnight Parking
UPDATE: After having really good luck a couple years ago and parking along Highway 1, it has come to my attention that the police are now ticketing people who do so. I never want to mislead you or put you in a spot overnight where you have to deal with a knock on the door and potentially even a ticket. If you want to risk it, there are several places along the highway where you’ll see parked RVs and vans. That’s there you can try to stay for free. Other than that, I will provide your best *paid* option below!
Malibu Beach RV Park
This RV park goes as low as $45 a night (depending on the spot you want) and it’s right on the beach. There are electrical hook ups, propane services, a dump station, laundry services, bathrooms and hot showers as well. So it really is a fantastic option for a pit stop and getting all your “chores” done for the week. The price is pretty low for the area and with all the services so it’s well worth not getting a ticket and hanging out here!
RECOMMENDED MALIBU GUIDE BOOKS
Things To Do
- Point Dume State Beach and Preserve: This beach is one of the best I’ve ever visited! If you’re lucky, you’ll see lots of wildlife as dolphins, whales, and seals are often spotted here. There are lizards running around but won’t bother you. The views are spectacular and there’s some hiking you can do also! Parking is easy to find and right on the street above. I recommend getting here early as it can get pretty busy in the warmer months!
(Photo Credit: Hugo V via Tripadvisor)
- Solstice Canyon: Amazing hike with a waterfall and many paths to choose from. You can make it a quick trip or loop around to hike a little longer. It was plenty marked for us to figure out and we really enjoyed meeting people along the way. If you go on a weekend during summer, prepare for it to be kind of busy and parking may not be right in front. There was a villa that caught fire and the remains are still there and can be seen at the end of your hike!
(Photo Credit: Jackie via Tripadvisor)
- Malibu Stars’ Homes Tour: Sometimes getting a little touristy can be really fun! We did not have time to go on this tour but if you do, you can catch about 40+ celebrities current homes. You will also be taken to different beaches in Malibu and shown perfect photo spots. It costs about $45 but lasts 2 hours which is a pretty good deal. Bring water and sunscreen if it’s hot because the vehicle is completely open for good photo opportunities!
Plugging In
It can be super difficult in some cities to find a Starbucks or coffee shop that has outlets, isn’t located in a grocery store, and offers decent wifi. In places like Malibu, they don’t typically want you hanging around for too long so they just won’t have any outlets available. These locations don’t mind you hanging out and charging up for a few hours:
Starbucks:
30765 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
23755 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90263
Caffe Luxxe:
22333 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 160, Malibu, CA 90265
Nearest Gym/Showers:
Planet Fitness: 2059 N Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036
This location is right along the PCH and is just North of Malibu. There are no locations in the actual city so you’ll have to wait until you get to Oxnard.
24 Hour Fitness:
You can find this just before getting into Malibu. It’s also right along the highway but not technically in Malibu. If you don’t want to wait until after your visit, I definitely recommend stopping here.
If you don’t have a gym membership, you can shower at the beach here! There are free public showers and restrooms at this beach. It beats buying a day pass somewhere plus it’ll be the last chance you get before heading into Malibu!
Final Notes
Malibu was a beautiful city to visit with lots to do and I always appreciate a city with overnight parking. They are surprisingly pretty lenient about parking along the PCH as long as you do it in designated areas. I definitely recommend going to a couple beaches and hanging out for at least the day. I didn’t have time to stop at many restaurants and try them out but feel free to recommend any that you’ve tried! Bouncing around from coffee shop to coffee shop trying to find outlets can be a pain so definitely stick to the ones mentioned and you’ll be just fine. Hope you enjoy the incredible views and parking along the beach as much as I did!
Good post
I
Camped in Malibu on a homeless truck the other night
I lived in Malibu when I was young and it’s a beautiful place to visit or stay
Hey Albert! Where is this exactly? Where did you camp? Can you park as well?