A Romantic Malibu New Year’s Eve: Date Ideas for Couples

Malibu Guides
Written By Megan Moore
 
 
This image shows two elegant champagne coupes filled with sparkling wine against a blurred background of festive bokeh lights and additional wine glasses. Text overlay reads, "Malibu New Years Eve: Date Ideas for Couples,".
 
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Malibu is the perfect destination for couples looking to celebrate a sparkling New Year’s Eve. With its stunning coastal views, charming restaurants, and luxurious vibes, this slice of paradise offers plenty of romantic options to welcome the new year together. Here are some unforgettable Malibu New Year’s Eve date ideas that’ll make your celebration one for the books.

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Full Day Itinerary: Malibu New Years Eve

1~ Get Breakfast at Malibu Farm Café

Start off your New Years Eve day with breakfast at Malibu Farm Café! Malibu Farm café is always my go-to recommendation for people who are visiting Malibu. It’s located at the end of the Malibu Pier, right beside the famous Malibu First Point surf spot. Eat a delicious breakfast while you watch surfers catch the last waves of the year!

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy Building C, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Malibu Farm Café

Description: Malibu Farm Cafe is an counter-service cafe located at the end of the pier. It overlooks the classic surf spot, Malibu First Point. It is open for outdoor dining and to-go.

2~ Shop at Malibu Country Mart & Malibu Village Mall

As a local, I always refer to this shopping area as Cross Creek. There are technically 5 shopping areas all filled with high-end stores and beautiful boutiques. But the main two are Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Village Mall. There is also Malibu Lumber Yard, Surf Canyon, located right behind Malibu Village Mall, and lots of other shopping opportunities right across the street.

You can truly explore Malibu’s downtown shopping area for hours, window shopping, or filling that extra suitcase you brought with you with fabulous clothes and knickknacks that will always remind you of your trip to Malibu!

3~ Enjoy Lunch at Malibu Seafood

While there are tons of places to eat at Cross Creek, Malibu Seafood is a can’t miss stop on your Malibu New Years Eve adventure! Travel a little ways down PCH to get to the iconic restaurant. This restaurant has been seen in many popular movies and TV shows, as well as in the media.

Address: 25653 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Malibu Seafood

Description: This classic Malibu eatery is located directly across PCH from Corral State Beach. It’s always crowded, so make sure you get there early to get an outdoor table!

4~ Book a Romantic Sunset Photoshoot at El Matador Beach

If you’re looking to capture the essence of your love in one of Malibu’s most scenic locations, a romantic sunset photoshoot at El Matador Beach is an absolute must. Once the photoshoot is over, linger on the beach to watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s the perfect way to transition into your evening celebrations.

  • Why El Matador Beach?

    • El Matador Beach is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, hidden coves, and golden sunsets that create a breathtaking backdrop. The combination of natural beauty and soft evening light makes it one of the most picturesque spots in all of Malibu.

  • Hire a Photographer:

    • Consider working with me, Megan W Photography, for your romantic Malibu photoshoot. As a local photographer with expertise in photographing couples, I provide detailed planning to ensure your session aligns with the best lighting of the day. Plus, I offer a client closet and wardrobe planning services to help you and your partner (and anyone else involved) look and feel your best during your session.

    • Sunset on December 31st is at 4:57pm, leaving plenty of time for more New Years Eve festivities.

  • Why It’s Special:

    • A photoshoot here isn’t just about the pictures—it’s about creating an experience together. You’ll laugh, pose, and share a magical evening, with the sound of waves adding to the romantic atmosphere.

You can learn more about photoshoots at El Matador by reading my
Ultimate El Matador Beach Photoshoot Guide.

Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: El Matador Beach

Description: This is Malibu’s most picturesque and iconic beach. It’s always swarmed with other couples and photographers looking to capture the perfect sunset photos in Malibu.

This image shows a couple embracing and sharing a kiss on a beach during sunset at El Matador State Beach. The sunlight beautifully filters through a rock formation with a natural arch, creating a warm, romantic glow.
This image captures a romantic moment as a man lifts a woman in his arms at El Matador State Beach, with sunlight illuminating the scene. The woman gazes at him with a warm smile, while gentle waves lap around them, adding a serene and intimate vibe.

5~ Cruise into the New Year Aboard the New Years Eve Party Cruise

To really celebrate the New Year, consider hopping aboard the ultimate New Years Eve Party Cruise! They have food, an open bar, live music, and fireworks!

To get there, head on down to Marina Del Ray. Early Check-in begins at 9:15pm, gates close at 10:25pm, and the cruise starts at 10:30pm until 1:15pm. You must be 21+ to enjoy this New Years Eve event.

Address: 13755 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: Tue, Dec 31, 2024, 9:30 PM - 1:30 AM PST (Check in is at 9:15pm)

Website: New Years Eve Party Cruise

 

Other ways to Enjoy a Malibu New Years Eve

1~ Sunset Stroll on Malibu’s Beaches

Kick off your Malibu New Year’s Eve with a romantic walk along one of Malibu’s iconic beaches. Imagine holding hands as the golden hues of the sunset light up the sky and the waves crash gently along the shore.

Bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa or mulled wine to enjoy after your walk. If you’re feeling adventurous, stay a little longer to watch the moonlight reflecting off the water. It’s a simple yet romantic way to connect before the evening festivities. And if you decide to stroll along Westward or Point Dume, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at Sunset Restaurant afterward.

Here are the best beaches for a romantic stroll!

Broad Beach

Address: 31220 Broad Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Broad Beach

Description: This amazing beach is most popular among the locals during the fall and winter months! It’s truly best enjoyed during extremely low King Tides. Enter through one of the public access gates, turn right, and enjoy your stroll down to Lechuza Point. Check out the many tide pools and explore the stunning sea cave at the point. Or, you can walk to the left and check out the Hannah Montana House! Just be mindful not to trespass to get your iconic Hannah Montana shot.

This image captures a joyful moment of a couple running along the beach with their dog during sunset. The woman, in a flowing white dress, leads the way as the dog bounds beside her, and the man follows close behind.

Point Dume

Address: Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Point Dume Natural Preserve

Description: Point Dume is an absolutely massive Natural Preserve with lots of places to explore. My best tip for visiting Point Dume, is to avoid parking up top on Birdview. There’s extremely limited parking and finding a spot is near impossible. Instead, park down below at Westward beach and hike up! You can choose to hike along the bluffs, or make your way over to the staircase and have your romantic stroll along Big Dume Beach.

Westward Beach

Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/westward-beach/

Description: Westward beach is located at the base of Point Dume bluffs, just east of Zuma. Westward beach is a popular spot for whale watching, as the grey whales migrate by there during the winter and early spring months.

This image captures a whale partially breaching the surface of the ocean at Westward Beach in Malibu, with its head and part of its body visible. The surrounding water is calm with gentle waves, set against a horizon of open sea under a clear sky.

2~ Romantic Dinner with an Ocean View

Malibu is home to some of Southern California’s most picturesque and romantic restaurants. A Malibu New Year’s Eve dinner here isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience.

Pro tip: Reserve your table weeks in advance, as spots fill up quickly for New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget to request a table by the window for the best view.

Here are the best restaurants with an ocean view:

Nobu Malibu

Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Nobu Malibu

Description: This celebrity-favorite restaurant combines world-class sushi with an unbeatable oceanfront view. Imagine indulging in fresh sashimi and sipping on sake as the waves crash just feet away.

Geoffrey’s Malibu

Address: 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Geoffrey’s Malibu

Description: For a classic Malibu vibe, Geoffrey’s offers a cozy yet elegant setting with incredible coastal views. Their New Year’s Eve menu often features luxurious dishes like lobster and champagne pairings.

The Sunset Restaurant

Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: The Sunset Restaurant

Description: If you want to enjoy your New Years Eve dinner while watching the best sunset views in Malibu, then The Sunset Restaurant is the best place for you! After your dinner, you can walk across the street and take a light stroll down the beach.

This image features a charming beachfront restaurant called "The Sunset," with its white exterior and black trim, located against a backdrop of sandy dunes and a blue sky. In front of the entrance, a couple shares a romantic moment.

3~ A Cozy Night In at a Malibu Beach House

For couples who prefer a quieter celebration for their Malibu New Years Eve, renting a beach house is the ultimate romantic option. Malibu offers a range of beautiful vacation rentals where you can enjoy privacy and luxury.

There’s something absolutely serene about having your own private space to relax and unwind. Light some candles, pop a bottle of champagne, and toast to the year ahead while listening to the soothing sound of waves.

Snuggle up by the fireplace or venture out to your private deck for some stargazing. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and romance.

Places to Stay:

The Malibu Five

Website: The Malibu Five

Description: A collection of 5 Beach front units in Malibu. You can choose to rent out a single unit, or all 5 if you want to celebrate New Years Eve with up to 10 people!

Broad Beach, Beach Front Villa

Website: Broad Beach Villa

Description: In my opinion, this is probably the prettiest and best AirBnB to rent in the winter! It has stunning views of the sunset, and it has access to both Lechuza Beach and Broad Beach (one of the best beaches for a sunset stroll).

The Hannah Montana House

Website: Hannah Montana House

Description: Imagine staying in THE Hannah Montana house. This house was also featured in Big Little Lies. This house has a fenced off, private beach area. The only downside is that fans of Hannah Montana love to come up to the fence line and take selfies or film Tiktoks from the beach.

4~ Midnight Toast Under the Stars

There’s no better way to welcome the new year than with a magical midnight moment under Malibu’s starry skies.

Pack a bottle of champagne and two glasses to toast as the clock strikes midnight. Whether you’re bundled up on the sand or standing atop a scenic overlook, it’s a moment that’s sure to feel timeless.

For an extra romantic touch, make a list of your hopes and dreams for the coming year and share them with each other.

The Best Places to view the Stars in Malibu

Point Dume Bluffs

Address: Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Point Dume Natural Preserve

Description: Point Dume is an absolutely massive Natural Preserve with lots of places to explore. My best tip for visiting Point Dume to stargaze, is to climb up to the top of Bluffs and enjoy the lights and the stars with a perfect view.

Leo Carrillo State Beach & Cliffs

Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Leo Carrillo State Beach

Description: Leo Carrillo is located at the very Western end of Malibu. It has some of the least light pollution in Malibu thanks to it’s remote location. Walk down to the beach or climb up on the cliffs to enjoy the starry night sky.

 

In conclusion, Malibu is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place where romance comes alive. Whether you choose an adventurous beach walk, an elegant dinner, or a cozy night in, the key is to focus on the joy of being together for your Malibu New Years Eve.

As the waves roll in and the stars shine bright, let Malibu’s magic set the tone for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Cheers to love, laughter, and the endless possibilities of the year ahead!

Happy New Year from Malibu!

 

Interested in an Engagement Session?

A picture of the photographer, Megan W Photography, holding a Nikon mirrorless camera while standing in front of the ocean on a foggy day.
 

About Megan W Photography

Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.

Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.

Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.

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The image shows the photographer, Megan W Photography, standing in front of the ocean on a cloudy day. She is holding a Nikon mirrorless camera and smiling.

Hi! I’m Megan

I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.

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