Malibu Babymoon: The Ultimate Guide for Expecting Couples

If you’re planning a babymoon and wondering where you should go, let me make the decision easy for you: Malibu.

I might be a little biased because I live nearby and have spent years photographing families and maternity sessions along the Malibu coast, but I really do think Malibu is one of those places everyone should visit at least once.

It’s beautiful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re actually there. You’ve got miles of coastline, gorgeous beaches, incredible restaurants, beautiful hotels and vacation rentals, and that laid-back California feeling that makes it very easy to slow down and relax.

And that’s exactly what I think a babymoon should be.

You don’t need an itinerary packed with activities from morning until night. You’re about to have a baby! This is your chance to sleep in, eat really good food, sit by the ocean, take a little walk, have a long lunch and just enjoy being together before life gets a whole lot busier.

And if you’re traveling from somewhere else to have a Malibu babymoon, I have one more recommendation: add a maternity photography session to your trip! There’s something pretty special about documenting your pregnancy against the Malibu coastline, especially if this isn’t somewhere you get to visit regularly.

So if you’re planning a Malibu babymoon, here are all of my favorite places and things to do.

Why Malibu Is Such a Great Babymoon Destination

Malibu really has a little bit of everything.

It’s close enough to Los Angeles that you don’t have to spend your entire vacation traveling, but once you’re in Malibu, it feels surprisingly removed from the city.

The beaches are beautiful, the scenery is incredible, and everything has that relaxed West Coast feeling. Malibu is very casual. You can wear jeans and flip-flops to dinner at most places and nobody is going to look twice.

And then there’s the light.

I photograph all over Southern California, and Malibu has some of the prettiest light I’ve ever seen. There’s something about the combination of the ocean, mountains and California sunshine that makes everything feel a little magical.

It’s also a great place for a babymoon because you can make your trip as relaxing or as active as you want. Spend an entire afternoon at the beach, or go for a little hike in the morning and spend the afternoon eating and shopping.

You really can’t go wrong.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Malibu for a Babymoon?

Honestly, almost any time of year can be beautiful in Malibu.

January tends to be the month when we’re most likely to get some rain, but otherwise, Malibu is a pretty wonderful year-round destination.

One thing to keep in mind is that summer can bring what locals call “June Gloom,” when coastal clouds and cooler temperatures can hang around in the mornings. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if your dream is warm sunshine and a bright beach day, it’s something to be aware of.

Personally, I think one of the best things about Malibu is that even when the weather isn’t perfectly sunny, it’s still beautiful.

Where to Stay for Your Malibu Babymoon

If you’re going to splurge on your babymoon, Malibu is definitely the place to do it!

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

If you want something really special, take a look at Nobu Ryokan Malibu.

It’s an intimate, Japanese-inspired oceanfront hotel with a very quiet, private feel. It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for that once-in-a-lifetime babymoon experience, this is the kind of place I’d look at first.

And of course, having Nobu Malibu right there makes dinner incredibly convenient.

The Surfrider

The Surfrider is another fun option if you want something that feels a little more casual and quintessentially Malibu.

It’s stylish without feeling overly formal, and it has that cool California surf-town feeling that I think fits Malibu perfectly.

A Beachfront Vacation Rental

Don’t overlook a vacation rental, either.

There are some beautiful homes right along the beach, and I have photographed several families and couples at Malibu vacation rentals over the years.

For a Malibu babymoon, I actually love the idea of having your own little place where you can make coffee in the morning, sit outside, order takeout one night and just enjoy the ocean.

Sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re pregnant.

Things to Do on a Malibu Babymoon

You absolutely do not need to fill every minute of your trip, but there are a few things I wouldn’t miss.

Spend Some Time at the Beach

Obviously.

You’re in Malibu!

Pick a beach, bring a chair or towel, grab a book and spend some time doing absolutely nothing.

I think we underestimate how nice it can be to have an afternoon with nowhere to be.

Take a Light Hike at Malibu Creek State Park

This is one of my favorite recommendations for a couple who wants to get outside without turning the babymoon into an adventure vacation.

Malibu Creek State Park is beautiful, with green hills, tall grasses, oak trees and gorgeous scenery throughout the park. There are different trails and you can make your walk as short or as long as you want. You can find trail information, park maps and current information on the California State Parks website

If you’re pregnant and feeling good and your doctor hasn’t given you any activity restrictions, a gentle walk here can be a really nice way to spend a morning.

Just remember that trails can have uneven or slippery sections, particularly around the creek, so wear comfortable shoes and don’t push yourself.

And honestly, if you’re pregnant, there’s no prize for hiking the longest trail. Take the pretty walk, stop for pictures, enjoy the scenery and call it good.

Walk Out to the End of Malibu Pier

Definitely put the Malibu Pier on your list.

You can walk all the way out to the end, enjoy the views and have lunch or breakfast at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe.

I love Malibu Farm. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Malibu, and it’s such a fun place to have a meal while you’re enjoying the ocean.

It’s casual, fresh and very California. And sitting out over the water is pretty hard to beat.

You might even see some wildlife while you’re out there. Sharks and other marine life are regularly spotted along the Malibu coast, so keep your eyes open.

Go Shopping at Malibu Country Mart

If you need a break from the beach, head over to Malibu Country Mart.

It’s a fun place to wander around, do a little shopping, grab something to eat and just enjoy a slower afternoon.

This is also one of those activities that doesn’t require a huge amount of planning. Just wander around and see what catches your eye.

Which Malibu Beaches Are Best for a Babymoon?

This really depends on what you’re looking for.

Zuma Beach

If your priority is easy access and relaxing, I’d probably choose Zuma.

It’s a big, beautiful beach with a large parking lot and an easy walk out to the sand. That’s especially nice when you’re pregnant and don’t necessarily want to navigate stairs or a steep trail just to get to the ocean.

For a classic Malibu beach day, Zuma is hard to beat.

El Matador

If your priority is scenery, El Matador State Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu.

The cliffs and rock formations are iconic, and the views are incredible. It’s one of my favorite places for maternity photography for exactly that reason.

But there is a catch.

El Matador requires a descent down stairs and uneven terrain to get to the beach. If you’re pregnant and having any mobility issues or you’re simply not feeling like navigating stairs, I’d choose somewhere easier.

You can still enjoy the views from above, but I wouldn’t make this your beach day if you’re uncomfortable walking.

El Pescador

For something a little quieter and easier-going, I really like El Pescador State Beach.

It’s one of the smaller pocket beaches along the Malibu coast, and it has beautiful cliffs and scenery without quite the same crowds as El Matador.

It’s also one of my favorite locations for maternity photos.

Will Rogers State Beach

If you’re spending the day in Santa Monica, Will Rogers is another easy beach option.

It’s farther south, so it makes sense to combine it with your Santa Monica day rather than driving back and forth.

Where to Eat on Your Malibu Babymoon

Okay, this might be my favorite section.

Because if I’m planning a trip, I’m planning around food.

Malibu Farm

I already mentioned it, but I’m going to mention it again because I really love Malibu Farm.

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is right on Malibu Pier, so you get the ocean views along with a fresh, California-style menu.

This would be high on my list for lunch during your trip.

Nobu Malibu

If you’re looking for a really special dinner, make a reservation at Nobu Malibu.

It’s definitely more of a splurge, but if you’re celebrating your last little getaway before becoming a family of three, why not?

The restaurant is right on the ocean and has that special-occasion feeling.

And if you’re staying at Nobu Ryokan, it’s an especially easy choice.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

For something much more casual, I love Paradise Cove Beach Café.

This is the place I’d recommend when you want that fun, relaxed Malibu beach vibe. You can literally eat with your toes in the sand if you choose to sit outside, and the whole experience feels very California.

It’s also a great place to end your Santa Monica day if you want to head back up the coast and have a late lunch or early dinner.

Neptune’s Net

And then there’s Neptune’s Net.

This one is completely different from Nobu, and that’s exactly why I like it.

It’s a very casual, old-school Malibu stop that’s popular with surfers, bikers and locals. Grab some fish tacos, sit outside and watch the surfers at County Line across the street.

My son surfs there, so this is one of those places that feels very much like the real Malibu to me.

It’s not fancy.

It’s just fun.

And I think every Malibu trip needs a little bit of that.

Add a Malibu Maternity Session to Your Babymoon

If you’re traveling all the way to California for your Malibu babymoon, I really think you should consider adding maternity photos to your trip.

I have clients come to Malibu from all over. I’ve photographed people visiting from Chicago, Northern California and other parts of the country, and I completely understand why you’d want to document your pregnancy somewhere this beautiful.

If you’re already here, why not?

The Malibu coastline is so different from what many people have at home. You have the ocean, dramatic cliffs, mountains, beautiful light and that unmistakable California scenery.

It really can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And your maternity photos don’t have to feel like another appointment you have to squeeze into your vacation. I keep my sessions relaxed and easy, and you don’t need to know how to pose. I’ve got you.

My Favorite Malibu Maternity Photography Locations

A few of my favorite locations include:

• El Matador for dramatic cliffs and iconic Malibu scenery
• El Pescador for a quieter coastal setting
• Mugu Rock Beach for beautiful ocean views
• Leo Carrillo for a gorgeous combination of beach, rocks and coastline

And because I photograph maternity sessions here regularly, I know how to work with the light and the location to create images that feel natural and organic rather than overly posed.

Malibu Maternity Photographer

When Should You Schedule Your Maternity Session?

If you’re building your maternity session into your Malibu babymoon, I would not schedule it on the day you arrive.

Give yourself a chance to get there, unpack, relax and settle in.

Instead, I would make the second day your photography day.

Spend the morning shopping or relaxing. Have lunch. If you’d like professional hair and makeup, schedule that earlier in the afternoon.

Then we’ll meet for your maternity session about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset.

I love that window because you get the beautiful warmth of golden light without waiting until the very last few minutes when the light can become overly yellow and saturated.

And afterward?

You’re already dressed up.

Go have a really good dinner.

Nobu would be a pretty great choice.

When to Take Maternity Photos? Learn the Best Week for Pictures!

Your Perfect 3-Day Malibu Babymoon Itinerary

If I were planning this trip for my best friend, this is exactly how I’d do it.

Day 1: Arrive, Relax and Explore Malibu

Don’t overplan your first day.

Get to Malibu, check into your hotel or vacation rental and settle in.

Spend a little time relaxing, then head over to Malibu Pier and have lunch at Malibu Farm.

Walk out to the end of the pier, enjoy the ocean and take your time.

If you feel like shopping afterward, head over to Malibu Country Mart.

Then have an easy dinner and get some rest.

You’re pregnant. You don’t need to hit every attraction on the first day.

Day 2: Malibu Creek, Hair & Makeup and Maternity Photos

Start your morning with a light hike at Malibu Creek State Park.

You can make your walk as long or short as you want, and it’s such a beautiful change of scenery from the beach.

Then have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.

If you’re having your hair and makeup done for your maternity photos, this is the perfect time to do it.

We’ll meet in the late afternoon for your maternity session, starting about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset.

Afterward, you’re already dressed up, so make a night of it.

I’d go somewhere special like Nobu.

Day 3: Santa Monica

On your last day, head south toward Santa Monica.

Spend some time shopping at Third Street Promenade and wandering around the area.

You can also walk through Palisades Park and enjoy the ocean views.

There’s plenty to see and do without making the day overly strenuous.

And you don’t have to spend the entire day there.

Head back toward Malibu in the afternoon and finish your trip with a late lunch or early dinner at Paradise Cove Beach Café.

Then settle in for one last evening by the ocean before heading home.

Honestly, I think that sounds pretty perfect.

A Few Things I’d Keep in Mind When Planning a Malibu Babymoon

My biggest advice?

Don’t try to do too much.

Malibu is spread out along the coast, and a car is really helpful for getting around. A recent Malibu babymoon traveler noted the same thing when planning a trip without a car, since the area isn’t particularly walkable as a whole. Reddit

Build some downtime into your itinerary.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Don’t be afraid to skip something if you’re tired.

And if you’re doing a hike, beach walk or anything involving stairs, listen to your body.

The goal is to enjoy your trip, not come home exhausted.

And of course, if your doctor has given you any restrictions during your pregnancy, follow those first.

Is a Malibu Babymoon Worth It?

Absolutely.

I think Malibu is one of those places where you can have a really special trip without feeling like you have to do something extravagant every minute.

You can spend the morning hiking through the hills, have lunch overlooking the ocean, wander through some shops, take maternity photos at the beach and finish the evening with an incredible dinner.

Or you can sleep until 10, sit by the pool and order lunch.

Both sound like a pretty great babymoon to me.

And if you’re already making the trip to Malibu, I really do think maternity photos are the perfect way to document it.

Your baby will never be this tiny again.

And you will never be pregnant with this particular baby again.

Take the pictures.

You won’t regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Malibu Babymoon

Ready to Plan Your Malibu Babymoon?

If you’re planning a Malibu babymoon and want to add maternity photos to your trip, I’d love to photograph you while you’re here.

I’ll help you choose the location, plan the timing around the light and guide you through the entire session so you can simply enjoy the experience.