Malibu is synonymous with California surf culture. From the legendary waves at Surfrider Beach to the sandy stretches near Zuma Beach, this coastal community has long attracted surfers, beach lovers, and travelers looking to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Southern California.
The surf scene extends well beyond Malibu. Along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the journey from Ventura County into Los Angeles County offers a memorable coastal drive past beaches, oceanfront neighborhoods, scenic overlooks, and some of Southern California's best-known surf destinations. Whether you're heading south from Oxnard and the Ventura County coastline or making your way toward Santa Monica and Los Angeles, Malibu is a natural stop for exploring surf shops and the culture that surrounds them.
Photo by Fabio Sasso on Unsplash
You don't have to be an experienced surfer to enjoy the scene. Local surf shops offer everything from boards, wetsuits, and ocean accessories to rentals, lessons, skate apparel, and coastal-inspired gifts. They are also useful places to ask questions about equipment and find out what you need before heading into the water.
The Best Surf Shops in Malibu, CA
Whether you're planning a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway or searching for surf gear for your next session, Malibu offers a variety of surf shops and coastal retailers worth discovering. From surfboards and equipment rentals to surf-inspired apparel, skate gear, and unique beach lifestyle finds, these six businesses offer something for surfers and coastal explorers alike.
We've organized the list using available Google customer review ratings and review counts to help you compare local favorites. Keep in mind that ratings and reviews can change over time, and the best surf shop ultimately depends on what you're looking for. Whether you prioritize equipment selection, rental services, customer service, or distinctive coastal merchandise, use this guide to find the Malibu shop that best fits your needs.
1. Sea N' Soul Surf
Sea N' Soul Surf combines surf essentials with coastal lifestyle products and a welcoming beach-town atmosphere. Located near Zuma Beach, this boutique is a convenient stop for visitors looking for surf merchandise, clothing, beach accessories, gifts, and other products inspired by California's coastline.
The shop also advertises surfboard rentals, wetsuit rentals, and membership options that can include access to different types of boards and other water-sports equipment. For visitors planning to surf during their trip, Sea N' Soul is a useful place to investigate rental options before heading to the beach.
Those who aren't surfing can browse the boutique's apparel, accessories, and gifts. Its combination of surf services and lifestyle shopping makes it a versatile stop for locals and visitors traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Best for: Surfboard rentals, beach gear, coastal apparel, gifts, and ocean-inspired lifestyle products.
Address: 29575 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite J, Malibu, CA 90265
2. The Bunker Surf & Skate
The Bunker Surf & Skate brings together two important parts of Southern California's action-sports culture: surfing and skateboarding. Located at Malibu Country Mart, the shop is a convenient addition to a day of shopping, dining, and exploring central Malibu.
The store focuses on surf-and-skate retail, making it a worthwhile stop for shoppers interested in apparel, accessories, and products associated with the local surf scene. Its location also makes it easy to combine a shopping visit with a drive to Malibu's nearby beaches.
If you're exploring Malibu Country Mart and want to check out a surf-and-skate retailer, add The Bunker to your itinerary.
Best for: Surf-and-skate apparel, accessories, and shopping at Malibu Country Mart.
Address: 3900 Cross Creek Road, Suite 1A, Malibu, CA 90265
3. Drill Surf & Skate
Drill Surf & Skate is a Malibu surf-and-skate retailer with roots dating back to 1991. Located along Pacific Coast Highway near Zuma Beach, the family-owned business combines surf culture with a clothing brand influenced by the area's beach and skate communities.
The store carries clothing, including graphic T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other casual apparel. Its online store also features skate-related products and merchandise inspired by Malibu and Zuma Beach.
Beyond shopping, Drill is a useful place to ask about surf equipment, lessons, rentals, and board repairs. Contact the shop directly to confirm current service availability and any booking requirements.
Its mix of surf-and-skate merchandise and local coastal style makes it a strong option for visitors looking for more than a conventional beachwear store.
Best for: Surf-and-skate clothing, surf gear, rentals, lessons, and board-repair inquiries.
Address: 30745 Pacific Coast Highway, Building D, Suite 20, Malibu, CA 90265
4. Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost
Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost offers a surf-focused experience that goes beyond conventional retail. Located near Malibu Country Mart and central Malibu's coastal attractions, it caters to people who want to spend more time in the water and less time worrying about transporting equipment.
The business has advertised surfboard rentals, board demos, storage, lockers, changing facilities, coaching, and other surf-club amenities. Its coastal outpost also carries clothing, accessories, and lifestyle merchandise.
For travelers visiting Malibu without their own equipment, a rental can be a practical way to experience the local surf scene. More experienced surfers may want to inquire about available demo boards and storage options.
Because services and membership benefits can change, contact the shop before your visit to confirm what's currently available and whether advance reservations are recommended.
Best for: Surfboard rentals, board demos, surf coaching, storage, and surf-club amenities.
Address: 3862 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Photo by Oleksii Rozanov on Unsplash
5. Surfing Cowboys
Surfing Cowboys takes a different approach to Malibu's surf culture. Rather than concentrating on conventional surf equipment, the retailer is known for surf-inspired fashion, vintage merchandise, art, and distinctive pieces reflecting California's coastal heritage.
Shoppers can explore apparel, accessories, artwork, and lifestyle items that draw inspiration from surfing and the broader Southern California aesthetic. It's a good choice for visitors who want to bring home something different from a standard beach souvenir.
Located on Cross Creek Road, the store can be included in a shopping trip through central Malibu. It also offers an alternative for people who appreciate the history and style associated with surfing but don't need to buy a board or rent a wetsuit.
Best for: Vintage-inspired merchandise, surf fashion, art, and unique California coastal gifts.
Address: 3844 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, CA 90265
6. Zuma Jay Surfboards
Zuma Jay Surfboards is a longstanding name in Malibu's surf scene and a natural stop for anyone looking for a dedicated surf shop. Located on Pacific Coast Highway, the business serves surfers looking for equipment and accessories for a day in the ocean.
The shop is associated with surfboards, wetsuits, and other surf essentials. Depending on current availability, visitors can inquire about board rentals and equipment for different experience levels.
For newcomers, a dedicated surf shop can be a useful resource for learning about board sizes, wetsuit options, and the basic equipment needed for a session. Experienced surfers may prefer to ask about specific board types, accessories, and other gear.
Zuma Jay is worth considering if your priority is surf equipment rather than apparel, gifts, or general coastal lifestyle shopping.
Best for: Surfboards, wetsuits, surf accessories, and traditional surf-equipment shopping.
Address: 22775 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
How to Choose the Right Malibu Surf Shop
The best surf shop for your visit depends on what you need and how you plan to spend your time along the coast.
- For surfboard rentals and coastal lifestyle products: Start with Sea N' Soul Surf.
- For surf-and-skate clothing: Explore The Bunker Surf & Skate and Drill Surf & Skate.
- For rentals, board demos, coaching, and storage: Check out Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost.
- For vintage-inspired fashion and coastal gifts: Visit Surfing Cowboys.
- For traditional surf equipment: Consider Zuma Jay Surfboards.
Shop offerings, inventory, and rental availability can change. Check each business's official website or contact the store before making a special trip.
Tips for Surfing and Shopping Along the Pacific Coast Highway
If you're planning a surf-themed road trip from Ventura County into Los Angeles County, Malibu makes a convenient stop along the way.
- Plan your route. Pacific Coast Highway connects coastal communities and beach destinations, but traffic can be heavy on weekends and during peak travel periods.
- Check surf conditions. Swell, tides, currents, and local conditions affect which beaches are appropriate for your experience level.
- Ask about rentals before arriving. Surfboard and wetsuit availability can vary, and some services may require advance booking.
- Bring the right gear. Water temperatures and weather conditions can change throughout the year, so ask about appropriate wetsuit thickness and equipment.
- Respect local beaches. Follow posted signs, beach regulations, lifeguard guidance, and surf etiquette.
For beginners, lessons with a qualified instructor can be a safer way to get started than heading into unfamiliar surf alone.
Discover Malibu's Surf Culture with In 805
Malibu remains an iconic stop for anyone interested in California's surf culture. From Zuma Beach to the shops around Cross Creek Road, visitors can find surf equipment, rentals, coastal apparel, and distinctive local retail experiences.
Whether you're a dedicated surfer preparing for your next session or a traveler exploring the Pacific Coast Highway from Ventura County into Los Angeles County, these six businesses offer different ways to experience the Malibu coast.
For more local businesses, destinations, and travel inspiration across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, explore In 805 — Your Guide to California's 805 Region.
Published October 22, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)