A Wayfarer Guide to Sustainable Travel on the Coast
Let’s be real—Malibu is magic. Towering cliffs, glassy waves, golden hours that feel like slow motion. It’s one of those rare places that still feels a little wild, a little cinematic, and a lot like paradise.
But here’s the thing: paradise is fragile. More visitors means more pressure on trails, beaches, wildlife, and the people who live here full-time. At Wayfarer, we believe travel should add to a place, not take from it. That’s why we created this guide—so you can experience Malibu in a way that’s not just unforgettable, but also sustainable. We also highly recommend taking our Malibu Audio tour…great stories to go along with the views.
Why Sustainability in Malibu Actually Matters
Malibu’s ecosystems are incredibly diverse—and incredibly delicate. We’re talking ancient kelp forests, chaparral-covered hills, endangered birds, freshwater springs tucked deep in canyons. And they’re all under threat. Development, pollution, climate shifts, and yes, too many careless tourists can do real damage.
The good news? A few simple choices can go a long way:
- Protect marine life like dolphins, whales, and the Western Snowy Plover.
- Keep trails healthy and reduce erosion in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Cut down on beach pollution (we all see those bottles and snack wrappers).
- Support local businesses doing it the right way.
How to Travel Light (Even When You’re Bringing the Whole Crew)
1. Stay Somewhere That Walks the Walk
Choose spots that keep your carbon footprint small and your experience rich.
- The Surfrider Malibu – Solar-powered, plastic-free, and steps from First Point.
- EcoMalibu Rentals – Think: composting toilets, reef-safe products, and killer views.
- Malibu Beach RV Park – Budget-friendly, low-impact, and a great home base for trail or beach days.
2. Eat Like You Care (And Like You’re Hungry)
Malibu has no shortage of great food—but not all kitchens are created equal.
- Malibu Farm (Pier) – Organic, fresh, local. Everything we love.
- The Sunset Restaurant – Solid coastal eats with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Neptune’s Net – Classic roadside seafood that works hard to source sustainably.
And don’t miss the Malibu Farmers Market—grab a snack, meet a local, and support small farms directly.
3. Explore With Intention
Malibu’s more than beaches—there’s plenty to see and do without burning gas or trampling sensitive ground.
🌊 On the Water
- Skip the Jet Ski. Grab a paddleboard or kayak instead.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone or octinoxate).
- Join a local beach cleanup—Heal the Bay runs great ones.
⛰ On the Trail
- Stick to marked paths. Trust us, shortcuts cause erosion.
- Don’t feed wildlife. Don’t touch wildlife. Don’t selfie with wildlife.
- Pack out everything. Even your orange peel and that granola bar wrapper.
🍷 On the Vines
- Head to Saddlerock Ranch for organic wine tasting and regenerative farm tours.
- Book a bike tour between wineries if you can—zero emissions, double the fun.
4. Cut Your Carbon Without Killing the Vibe
- Rent an e-bike and cruise PCH with the wind at your back.
- Carpool to the trailhead. Better yet, bring friends and make a day of it.
- Offset your travel emissions using tools like Cool Effect.
5. Support the Right Kind of Local
- Skip the big box shops—Zuma Jay’s makes surfboards using sustainable materials.
- Shop local art, crafts, and foods instead of plastic souvenirs.
- Donate to the Malibu Foundation or the Santa Monica Mountains Fund—they’re doing the hard work behind the scenes.
Malibu’s Real Challenges (and How You Can Help)
| The Issue | Your Move |
| Plastic pollution | Bring your own bottle, bag, and utensils |
| Trail wear and tear | Stay on trails, don’t shortcut |
| Wildlife stress | Watch, don’t interact |
| Water waste | Short showers, report leaks, be mindful |
Want to Go Deeper? Try These Low-Impact Adventures
- 🚴 Malibu Electric Bike Tours – Quiet, fun, and scenic as hell.
- 🐋 Whale Watching with Eco Boat Tours – Hybrid boats, real respect for the ocean.
- 🌿 Saddlerock Farm Tour – Learn about soil, goats, and wine (in that order).
Final Word from the Wayfarer Crew
We didn’t write this because it’s trendy. We wrote it because we live and work out here—and we want this place to stay wild, salty, and beautiful. Not just for us, but for our kids. For yours. For anyone lucky enough to find themselves in Malibu.
So go surf. Go hike. Go eat well and sleep better. Just do it with care.And if you want to explore Malibu like we do? Download the Wayfarer Malibu Tour—we’ll guide you through the canyons, beaches, and backstories that make this coast unforgettable… without leaving a trace.
by xotatech.com