10 Spots for a Photoshoot in Malibu
1. Zuma Beach
Ocean and Energy
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset / Morning
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Surfing / Sunbathing
Zuma Beach is an iconic Malibu beach with a wide stretch of sand, surfing waves, and panoramic ocean views. It is perfect for dynamic shots, romantic portraits, or family photos with a seaside vibe.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the sky glows orange and pink, and the light softens. Early mornings are great too; the beach is empty, and the air is fresh. Wowtographer knows how to capture the waves’ motion and make your photos vibrant.
Parking costs $12 in season, but it’s cheaper in the off-season (October to April). Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Light dresses, shorts with white shirts, or swimsuits with pareos create a relaxed look. Bring a beach towel or surfboard as a prop.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the sky glows orange and pink, and the light softens. Early mornings are great too; the beach is empty, and the air is fresh. Wowtographer knows how to capture the waves’ motion and make your photos vibrant.
Parking costs $12 in season, but it’s cheaper in the off-season (October to April). Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Light dresses, shorts with white shirts, or swimsuits with pareos create a relaxed look. Bring a beach towel or surfboard as a prop.
2. El Matador State Beach
Cliffs and Romance
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Couples / Panoramic Views
El Matador is a Malibu gem with secluded coves, sea caves, and rocks rising from the water. It is ideal for dramatic portraits, romantic shots, or photos with a wild nature vibe.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Sunset is the best time when cliffs glow with warm light, or try mornings for calm tones. Wowtographer will guide you safely to the caves and capture the best angles. Entry is free, but parking costs $8. Visit on weekdays or in November for fewer people. Choose boho-style clothing like maxi dresses or hats, or bright colors for contrast with the rocks. Sturdy shoes are a must; the descent to the beach is steep and rocky.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Sunset is the best time when cliffs glow with warm light, or try mornings for calm tones. Wowtographer will guide you safely to the caves and capture the best angles. Entry is free, but parking costs $8. Visit on weekdays or in November for fewer people. Choose boho-style clothing like maxi dresses or hats, or bright colors for contrast with the rocks. Sturdy shoes are a must; the descent to the beach is steep and rocky.
3. Malibu Pier
Retro and Ocean
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Midday
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Couples / Solo / Panoramic Views
Malibu Pier is a historic pier with wooden planks, cafes, and coastal views. It is perfect for retro-style shots, urban portraits, or fun family photos with ice cream in hand.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning when the pier is empty or at midday for vibrant colors. Sunsets are beautiful too, but expect more tourists. Pier access is free, with parking at $15 in high season. Weekdays or the off-season are best for a quieter experience. Coastal chic clothing like striped shirts, shorts, sneakers, or midi dresses adds charm. For kids, a kite makes a great prop.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning when the pier is empty or at midday for vibrant colors. Sunsets are beautiful too, but expect more tourists. Pier access is free, with parking at $15 in high season. Weekdays or the off-season are best for a quieter experience. Coastal chic clothing like striped shirts, shorts, sneakers, or midi dresses adds charm. For kids, a kite makes a great prop.
4. Point Dume State Beach
Cliffs and Panoramas
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Hiking / Adventure / Scenic Views
Point Dume is a beach with towering cliffs, sandy dunes, and ocean views, often used in Hollywood films. It is ideal for epic landscape shots or romantic portraits against a sunset.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the cliffs glow gold, or mornings for crisp light. Entry is free, but parking costs $12. Visit on weekdays or in April to avoid crowds. Neutral tones like beige or white, or bold accents like a red scarf, blend with the scenery. Wear comfortable sneakers for climbing the cliff.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the cliffs glow gold, or mornings for crisp light. Entry is free, but parking costs $12. Visit on weekdays or in April to avoid crowds. Neutral tones like beige or white, or bold accents like a red scarf, blend with the scenery. Wear comfortable sneakers for climbing the cliff.
5. Malibu Creek State Park
Canyons and Nature
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Hiking / Picnicking / Wildlife
Malibu Creek State Park features canyons, streams, and meadows, where MASH and Planet of the Apes were filmed. It is perfect for natural shots, family photos, or adventure-style portraits.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning is best for soft light, or try sunset for warm tones. Wowtographer knows the trails to the lake and rocks for unique photos. Entry costs $12 per car, with fewer tourists on weekdays or in spring. Choose outdoor-style clothing like jeans or flannel, or floral dresses for a natural look.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning is best for soft light, or try sunset for warm tones. Wowtographer knows the trails to the lake and rocks for unique photos. Entry costs $12 per car, with fewer tourists on weekdays or in spring. Choose outdoor-style clothing like jeans or flannel, or floral dresses for a natural look.
6. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Caves and Tides
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Tide pooling / Cave exploring
Leo Carrillo is a beach with sea caves, rock arches, and tidal pools. It is ideal for unique shots with rocky textures or romantic photos by the water.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot during low tide (check tide schedules), preferably in the morning or at sunset. Entry is free, but parking costs $12. Visit on weekdays or in October. Boho-style clothing or bright swimsuits work for beach shots. Bring spare shoes; the caves can be wet.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot during low tide (check tide schedules), preferably in the morning or at sunset. Entry is free, but parking costs $12. Visit on weekdays or in October. Boho-style clothing or bright swimsuits work for beach shots. Bring spare shoes; the caves can be wet.
7. Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio
Vineyards and Chic
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset / Midday
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Wine tasting / Relaxing
Rosenthal Winery in Malibu offers vineyards with hill views, a cozy patio, and a California luxury vibe. It is perfect for romantic shoots, bachelorette parties, or elegant portraits.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot during the golden hour before sunset when the vines glow, or midday for vibrant shots. Wowtographer knows how to use the vineyards for stylish compositions. Entry is free, but tastings start at $20. Book in advance and visit on weekdays or in March. Garden-party dresses, hats, or linen suits create a chic look. A blanket or a wine glass adds coziness.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot during the golden hour before sunset when the vines glow, or midday for vibrant shots. Wowtographer knows how to use the vineyards for stylish compositions. Entry is free, but tastings start at $20. Book in advance and visit on weekdays or in March. Garden-party dresses, hats, or linen suits create a chic look. A blanket or a wine glass adds coziness.
8. Carbon Beach
Billionaires and Sunsets
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Scenic walks / Sunsets
Carbon Beach, known as Billionaires’ Beach, is an elite stretch of coast with mansions and panoramic ocean views. It is perfect for glamorous shots or relaxed portraits with a sea breeze.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the mansions glow, or mornings for an empty beach. Access is free, but parking is limited and costs $10–15. Visit on weekdays or in the off-season. Coastal luxe clothing like white suits or silk dresses, or casual jeans and sweaters, works well. Sunglasses and a hat add style.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot at sunset when the mansions glow, or mornings for an empty beach. Access is free, but parking is limited and costs $10–15. Visit on weekdays or in the off-season. Coastal luxe clothing like white suits or silk dresses, or casual jeans and sweaters, works well. Sunglasses and a hat add style.
9. Solstice Canyon
Waterfalls and Ruins
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Midday
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Hiking / History buffs
Solstice Canyon features a trail to a waterfall and abandoned mansion ruins, surrounded by oaks and hills. It is ideal for natural shots, romantic portraits, or photos with a historic vibe.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning for soft light or midday for vibrant colors. Entry and parking are free. Visit on weekdays or in winter for a quieter experience. Boho or casual clothing like jeans and boots fits the setting. Bring water; the trail takes about an hour.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning for soft light or midday for vibrant colors. Entry and parking are free. Visit on weekdays or in winter for a quieter experience. Boho or casual clothing like jeans and boots fits the setting. Bring water; the trail takes about an hour.
10. Malibu Farm
Farm and Vibrancy
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Midday
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Brunch / Farm-to-table dining
Malibu Farm on the pier is a restaurant with a farm aesthetic, flowers, and ocean views. It is perfect for lively, colorful shots with a California lifestyle vibe or family photos with food.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning when the farm comes alive or at midday for rich colors. Entry is free, but parking costs $15. Visit on weekdays or in April. Linen dresses, straw bags, or jeans with white shirts create a relaxed look. For kids, props like a fruit basket add charm.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning when the farm comes alive or at midday for rich colors. Entry is free, but parking costs $15. Visit on weekdays or in April. Linen dresses, straw bags, or jeans with white shirts create a relaxed look. For kids, props like a fruit basket add charm.