The Ultimate Guide to Malibu’s 7 Most Stunning Drives for Ocean Lovers
Located in Los Angeles County, in the US state of California, Malibu is a picturesque beach city known for its 21 miles of scenic coastline. With a laid-back vibe, Malibu—lovingly called “The Bu” by locals—is a top destination for surfers, sunbathers, and those hoping to catch a glimpse of its famous residents.
Located west of Los Angeles in the Santa Monica Mountains region, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers breathtaking views of Malibu’s beaches as it winds along the coast.
With its stunning shoreline vistas, surrounding mountains, canyons, and parks to wind through, Malibu is a dreamy destination to explore by car. Here are seven of our favorite drives in this corner of paradise.
What are the Best Seven Scenic Roads in Malibu?
Tuna Canyon Road
Tuna Canyon Road in Malibu is a highly scenic yet demanding route, known for its steep gradients of up to 18% and challenging twists and turns. This one-way, downhill road offers breathtaking views of the Pacific, though its narrow lanes and lack of guardrails make it risky, especially with its history of high-speed accidents. Photographers love this route for its wooded setting and stunning ocean views.
Corral Canyon Road
Corral Canyon Road is a steep, winding drive in Malibu, popular for its proximity to the beach and superb Pacific views. Known for its narrow lanes and sharp curves, it can be difficult to navigate, especially at night or in poor visibility. This 5-mile stretch offers an exhilarating experience for drivers but isn’t recommended for those prone to car sickness.
Latigo Canyon Road
Latigo Canyon Road is a technical, cliffside route in Malibu featuring over 10 miles of challenging turns and switchbacks. With gradients averaging 7%, it’s known for tight curves and blind corners, making it a thrilling drive with spectacular coastal views. There’s a pullout with a postcard-perfect view of the coast about 1.5 miles from the start, making it a popular stop for photographers.
Encinal Canyon Road
Encinal Canyon Road is a steep, curvy road located in Malibu’s Charmlee Wilderness Park. Covering just over 5 miles, the paved route winds up from the coast, offering ocean views and an average gradient of 5.5%. Known for occasional rockslides, this short but scenic drive takes around 20 minutes and offers some of the best Pacific vistas.
Decker Canyon Road
Decker Canyon Road is a memorable 4.7-mile drive south of Thousand Oaks. Known for its narrow, twisty path through the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s lined with tight curves and sharp hairpin bends. This technical route provides stunning views of both the Pacific and mountains but is considered dangerous due to its lack of guardrails, debris, and steep drops.
Yerba Buena Road
Yerba Buena Road, an 11.3-mile drive through the Santa Monica Mountains, is a challenging, narrow route with steep grades reaching up to 11%. While the road is scenic, with wooded sections and Pacific views, it’s also prone to closures due to landslides. Drivers should be cautious of sharp curves, rocks, and sand along the road.
Deer Creek Road
Deer Creek Road is a steep, winding route in Ventura County with a 12% gradient that makes for a thrilling drive. The road is fully paved and offers spectacular views of the Pacific, especially from the Deer Creek Ocean Overlook, a popular viewpoint along the way. Caution is advised due to limited guardrails and sharp curves.
Image credit: Depositphotos