The seasons play out, in some fashion, as the day does: Spring is a sunrise, a beginning, with plants sprouting and a feeling of renewal in the air. Summer is the daytime, with the sun high above and an energy unmatched throughout the year. This would make the autumn akin to a sunset – and Malibu, of course, knows all about those.

Accordingly, fall is a season during which Malibu really shines. The weather cools off slightly, the air gets a touch crisper, and the summer crowds have all gone home. Even the ocean seems to love the season; true surfing pros know that fall boasts some of the best waves.

Looking to make a coastal hike, a Malibu scenic drive, or a picnic amidst the changing colors a part of your season? Here’s what to expect along the coast.

Thanksgiving:

While Malibu may not host large, bustling Thanksgiving events, its quiet coastal charm makes it an ideal setting for a cozy holiday escape. Visitors can enjoy a festive, intimate Thanksgiving feast at Malibu Beach Inn’s restaurant, Carbon Beach Club, which offers seasonal dishes and a stunning oceanfront view. For those looking to explore beyond the Inn, nearby Calabasas and the Santa Monica Mountains provide beautiful trails for a Thanksgiving morning hike, where fall foliage and crisp air create a perfect pre-feast adventure. Spend the evening savoring the coastal tranquility or sipping Malibu Wines by the fire, making for a peaceful holiday retreat.

Carbon Beach Club at Malibu Beach Inn

Hiking the Santa Monica Mountains:

The ridge of hills and peaks that separate Malibu from the rest of the southland is gorgeous this time of year, and as temperatures moderate following our hotter-than-normal summer, a walk through the trees gets more inviting. Those looking for the pyrotechnics of New England’s leaves may be disappointed; the changes in SoCal are more subtle. Look for the colors in the valleys early in the season, with the tops of trails and hills peaking in terms of hue later. King Gillette Ranch has a beautiful array of shades, and Grotto Trail, especially before the water, looks radiant.

A hiker on a trail experiencing autumn in Malibu.

Hit the Road:

If you’d rather take in the seasonal changes with the benefit of climate control, get behind the wheel and weave through the mountains. Driving from Pepperdine University to Calabasas via Malibu Canyon Road is transportive literally and figuratively, taking you through curves of the Santa Monicas and deep through the titular ravine, connecting the San Fernando Vally to the sea. Decker Canyon Road, meanwhile, is a classic Malibu drive, and it has the types of turns that make sightseeing a distraction for the person steering, but the passengers get a gorgeous eyeful of the Pacific Ocean.

Scenic views in Malibu

Dining al Fresco:

Malibu is temperate all year, of course, but there’s an added beauty to having a meal out in nature in the fall. There are picnic areas at several of the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, like those along Solstice Canyon, that allow you to dine amidst the changing colors. Malibu Bluffs Park, meanwhile, combines gorgeous views of the coastline with activities for the kids, like sports fields and playground equipment. And Trancas Canyon Park adds in a dog park for the furry friends, as well. Grab a meal to go, find a seat at a picnic table, and enjoy a bite while taking in a long fall sunset.