Malibu, California is home to a multitude of celebrities for so many reasons, not least the pristine beaches, elegant restaurants, and cozy beach vibe. However, after living in Malibu for 4 years during my college years, I’ve grown to love and appreciate all of the unreal views that Malibu has to offer. Below is a list of some of my favorite photography spots in Malibu.
Point Dume
Arguably one of the most popular locations to roam around, Point Dume offers a nice array of all things Malibu. There are some hiking trails to get lost on, sandy beaches below to walk along, and a nice cliffside to adventure on. Point Dume offers a nice little vista of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island as well. To the northwest is the ever popular Zuma Beach. If you know someone who has access, Little Dume Beach is also spectacular to check out and a bit more quiet since it’s a private beach.
El Matador State Beach
Easily my favorite beach to photograph at sunset, El Matador is home to some pretty amazing rock formations to get creative with. In addition to the beauty of El Matador, you’ll usually run into a fair amount of other people waiting for the perfect sunset. While this can often be irritating while trying to capture shots, El Matador is fairly spread out and has plenty of vantage points to shoot from. This beach is without a doubt one of my favorite photography spots in Malibu.
Corral Canyon Road
While there are plenty of canyon roads in Malibu that offer a unique perspective of the city, Corral Canyon is one of my favorites for a few reasons. First of all, it offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, especially as the sun peaks over the horizon in the morning. In addition, a few miles up the canyon road is a trail that leads to an infamous spot known as Jim Morrison’s Cave. According to the New Girls Guide to LA, “It’s rumoured that Jim Morrison, the lead singer of the Doors, came to this place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of Los Angeles and wrote lyrics to many of his songs here.” It offers a pretty unique view of the valley as well as some incredible graffiti art.
Alumni Park, Pepperdine University
Now, I may be a bit bias here, but you can’t judge me until you take the trip. It’s an understatement to say that Pepperdine is one of the most beautiful college campuses around. Sitting on top of the Santa Monica Mountains, Pepperdine is home to some beautiful architecture and even better views of Malibu. Alumni Park, a stretch of lawn overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean, is a beautiful spot to not only spend an afternoon but also to photograph. If you’re feeling patriotic, head there during September to view Pepperdine’s Waves of Flags display.
All in all, Malibu is home to some of the most gorgeous and breathtaking views in Southern California. It’s no wonder that so many celebrities decide to settle down in the area!
