The Surfrider Hotel is a 20-room boutique hotel at 23033 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265, in the Civic Center–Malibu Pier area opposite Surfrider Beach. Reopened in 2017 after the transformation of a 1950s motel, it combines California beach-house interiors with a rooftop restaurant reserved for hotel guests. Travelers come for surf views, thoughtful design, and a small-scale alternative to a full-service coastal resort.
What to Expect at The Surfrider Hotel
The renovation by architect Matthew Goodwin, Emma Crowther Goodwin, and Alessandro Zampedri retained the motel’s intimate proportions while replacing conventional roadside styling with raw timber, natural stone, organic linens, and custom furniture. Rooms feature collected artwork, spa rain showers, and Parachute waffle robes; handwoven hammocks reinforce the residential mood. This is a compact property beside a working highway, not an isolated beachfront compound: Pacific Coast Highway separates the building from the ocean.
Accommodation ranges from bedrooms to larger suites, with outlook and floor location making a meaningful difference. The second-floor Surfrider Suite measures 500 square feet and sleeps two in a custom four-poster California king bed; its living area, ensuite kitchen, and views toward Malibu Pier and First Point suit a longer couples’ stay. Upstairs, the Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant offers seasonal coastal cooking and drinks overlooking the surf. Its guest-only policy makes booking a room essential for travelers specifically seeking this rooftop experience.
- Guest-only roof deck: An intimate dining and drinking space overlooking Surfrider Beach, rather than a public rooftop bar.
- Surfrider Suite: A 500-square-foot second-floor suite with a living area, kitchen, and panoramic coastal outlook.
- Beach-house materials: Natural stone, raw woods, organic linens, and bespoke furniture shape the interiors.
- First Point views: Watch the long right-hand waves associated with Malibu’s historic surfing culture.
- Small-property atmosphere: Just 20 rooms and suites keep the experience personal rather than resort-scale.
The Surfrider Hotel at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 23033 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central Malibu; Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach area |
| Operating Hours | Overnight accommodation daily; check-in from 3 p.m., checkout by 11 a.m.; restaurant service follows separate hours. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ luxury lodging; nightly rates vary by room and date. Rooftop dining is reserved for hotel guests. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro bus 134 along Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu Pier; paid on-site parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | The Surfrider Hotel; +1 310-526-6158 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead for summer weekends, and choose by room position rather than photographs alone: an upper-floor ocean outlook and a quieter location are different priorities. Request rooftop dining arrangements before arrival, particularly around sunset. Ask the kitchen about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs in advance; seasonal menus can change. Dress is relaxed coastal casual. Confirm parking charges and the final room total, including taxes and fees, through the official room listings; do not assume meals or parking are included.
Metro’s 134 connects this stretch of Pacific Coast Highway with Santa Monica, although a car is more convenient for exploring Malibu’s dispersed beaches and canyons. Use designated crossings: highway traffic is fast, and the hotel is not directly on the sand. Request the ground-floor accessible accommodation if needed, and discuss bathroom specifications and access to the upper-level roof deck before booking. Malibu Pier, Adamson House’s Spanish Colonial Revival exterior and grounds, and Malibu Lagoon are roughly 5–15 minutes away on foot, depending on the entrance and crossings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I check in, and when is the best time to stay?
Standard check-in begins at 3 p.m., with checkout by 11 a.m.; arrange early arrival directly. Spring and fall weekdays suit a less hurried coastal stay, while summer mornings can begin under marine cloud before afternoon clearing.
How much does a stay cost, and can non-guests visit the rooftop?
This is a $$$$ property with date-dependent room rates rather than a fixed admission charge. The Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant is for hotel guests, so it is not an option for a standalone public dinner reservation.
How long should I stay?
Allow one night for rooftop dining and a morning beach walk. Two nights leave time for Malibu Lagoon, the pier, and a slower afternoon without immediately repacking.
Is the hotel suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
The hotel lists accessible accommodation, including a ground-floor option. Discuss your required entrance route, bathroom setup, and rooftop access directly with staff; do not assume that booking an accessible bedroom establishes access to every upper-level space.
When planning your Malibu travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Malibu, pair this stop with standout local spots including Beach Hut Deli, Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, Regent Santa Monica Beach, and Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier (0.1 km away).
