Preparing to Study in Malibu
One of the best ways to prepare to live in a new city, state, or country is to learn as much as you can about the area prior to your arrival. If you arrive on campus prepared, you will be able to more quickly acclimate to Pepperdine, make new friends, and ensure the smoothest possible transition to your graduate program.
We are excited to welcome you to Malibu and show you all that this beautiful city has to offer! Be sure to view our virtual
Malibu Campus Tour to see all that the Malibu campus has to offer.
Campus Map and Directions
Plan your route to campus by viewing our interactive campus map and directions.
Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest international airport to Pepperdine.
A variety of local, independent transportation and rideshare services are available from the airport. Visit the suggested websites listed below to book directly with the vendor of your choice.
Off-Campus Transportation
By no means is our Malibu campus isolated, but there are transportation limitations you should consider before arriving on campus:
- Traffic – Because of the heavy traffic and narrow shoulders on Highway 1, it is not recommended that students walk or bicycle from campus into Malibu.
- Public Transportation – It is important to note that public transportation (provided by Los Angeles County) to and from the Malibu campus is quite limited. Students can consult the Metro website’s Trip Planner feature for public transportation options.
- Rideshare Services – Using apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient ways to get from campus to town, but for daily commuting those services will quickly become quite expensive.
- Car Rental – For short-term car rentals, students can consult travel search websites such as Kayak to compare prices.
Plan Ahead!
If you’re going to live off-campus, it’s very important that you consider how you will get to and from campus, and then create a reliable transportation plan.
On-Campus Transportation
Campus Shuttles
The on-campus shuttle provides students with free transportation to a variety of locations around the Malibu campus.
There are two on-campus shuttle routes:
- The orange shuttle route serves upper (Drescher) and lower campus and runs counter-clockwise
- The blue shuttle route serves the lower campus and runs clockwise
To see where the shuttles are located at any given moment, be sure to download the Pepperdine app, and you can view the live shuttle tracker feature.
For the most up-to-date shuttle schedules, visit the Transit Services section of the Pepperdine website.
Off-Campus Shopping Shuttle
You can also catch the free Shopping Shuttle for a trip to local destinations like Whole Foods, Malibu Country Mart, and Ralph’s grocery store. Be sure to check the Shopping Shuttle schedule for departure and arrival times.
ZipCar
For Pepperdine students who don’t own their own vehicle, ZipCar is a great car-sharing system that allows you to rent cars by the hour or by the day. To register with ZipCar and reserve a vehicle, visit the Pepperdine ZipCar website.
Malibu
Many of your basic shopping needs, such as grocery shopping, can be done at the Malibu Colony Plaza, which includes a Ralph’s grocery store, and the Malibu Country Mart and surrounding shopping area, which includes Whole Foods and a weekly Malibu Farmer’s Market. Both of these shopping areas are within a short, 5-minute drive from campus, or can be accessed by the Pepperdine Shopping Shuttle.
Calabasas
Just a short drive through the Malibu Canyon, you will find a variety of shopping options in Calabasas, including a Trader Joe's for groceries, and The Commons at Calabasas, which includes several grocery, clothing, and personal care stores. Erewhon Market also provides a variety of pre-made food options, organic groceries, and wellness products. Keep in mind that you will need to drive to Calabasas as there are no bus lines that go there.
Woodland Hills
Most of your household necessities (i.e., linens, tableware, electrical appliances, basic furniture) can be purchased at Target in Woodland Hills; however, keep in mind that you will need to drive to the Target as there are no bus lines that go there.
Santa Monica
Expanded shopping needs, including grocery shopping, household necessities, clothing, and personal care, can be found in Santa Monica, which is accessible by car or bus.
There is no shortage of entertainment in Malibu and the greater Los Angeles area. Explore dining, culture, shopping, and recreational activities near the Pepperdine campus that enrich the experience of living and studying in Southern California. Additionally, Pepperdine's One Stop office provides discount tickets to various movie theaters, amusement parks, and a variety of other Southern California attractions, vendors, and local restaurants.
Things to See and Do in and around Malibu:
Beverly Hills - The famous shopping and dining grounds of the Stars. Make sure to take a trip down famous Rodeo Drive while you are there.
Calabasas Commons - A local outdoor shopping area with various stores and restaurants.
Catalina Island - On a clear day, the island is visible from the school Cafeteria. Activities on the island include water sports, island tours, and various seaside shops. The Catalina Express boat leaves daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point ports.
City Walk - A boardwalk of restaurants, unique stores, clubs, and theatres located next door to Universal Studios.
Disneyland - "The Happiest Place on Earth."
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art - located on the Malibu Campus of Pepperdine University
Griffith Park Observatory - According to the Observatory's website, the Griffith Observatory has been a major Los Angeles landmark since 1935. It attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year and ranks among the top tourist attractions in Southern California. It sits on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, where it commands a stunning view of the Los Angeles basin below. Thousands of people enjoy the view from its balconies, especially at night.
The Grove LA- The Grove Los Angeles is a shopping and entertainment complex built adjacent to the historic Farmers Market. It centers on a landscaped park and a dancing fountain. It's become a popular spot for shopping and dining, and its lively crowds and street grid layout making it feel like an old-fashioned downtown.
Hollywood - "As LA's hottest new destination, Hollywood & Highland gives a physical presence to the glamour and excitement for which Hollywood has always been known - and what visitors worldwide look for when they visit this entertainment capital. It's the definitive place where movie and television production, high fashion, and fine dining come together."
J. Paul Getty Museum - With incredible views of Los Angeles, all the way to the ocean, this is a great place to visit, even if you are not interested in viewing the exhibits.
The Getty Villa Malibu - The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Located on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades (just south of Pepperdine), the Getty Villa is the place to see Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos and the Theater, and Stories of the Trojan War.
La Brea Tar Pits - Saber-toothed cats, Colombian mammoths, and the La Brea Tar Pits, the world-famous repository of Ice Age fossils in the heart of the Los Angeles 'Miracle Mile' district.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art - The main buildings at LACMA (also known as LACMA East) are located in the Miracle Mile area.
Los Angeles Zoo - The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park,.
Magic Mountain - A popular theme and adventure park associated with Six Flags.
Museum of Tolerance - "The Museum of Tolerance is a high-tech, hands-on experiential museum that focuses on two central themes through unique interactive exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust - the ultimate example of man's inhumanity to man."
Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area
Third Street Promenade - An outdoor walkway of shops, restaurants, cart vendors, and street entertainers, located in Santa Monica.
Universal Studios - A theme and adventure park within the heart of the movie studios.
Venice Boardwalk - Venice, California is a desired destination for travelers the world around. It is unlike any place on Earth. Well known for its artists, street performers, and funky atmosphere. It is a virtual carnival running year-round with free admission.
Enhance your experience of living and studying in the Malibu and Los Angeles area by exploring an array of delicious restaurants. You’ll be sure to find what you are looking for at these curated sites.
- The 10 Best Restaurants in Malibu, according to TripAdvisor, updated every month
- The Best Restaurants in Malibu according to Infatuation (and explore other Los Angeles areas and neighborhoods, including the San Fernando Valley and Downtown)
- Food news and dining guides for Los Angeles from Eater
- 10 Best Restaurants Near Pepperdine from Yelp
- Restaurants Near Pepperdine from OpenTable
Explore Spiritual Life at Pepperdine
One of the rewards of pursuing a higher education at Pepperdine University is the unique opportunity for spiritual growth. By instilling a spirit of purpose in all aspects of daily life, Pepperdine strengthens character and helps clarify direction for students as they advance their educational and career goals.
The Hub for Spiritual Life provides a list of Local Faith Communities.