Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

Thinking about a unique way to see Malibu? This Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour combined with wine tasting might just be your thing. Offered from Santa Monica, it’s a laid-back adventure that blends scenic coastal drives, iconic spots, and a touch of wine country—all in a classic 1972 VW camper van.

What we really like about this experience is how it makes exploring Malibu feel personal and fun. First, cruising along in a hippie-style vintage van adds a nostalgic charm that’s perfect for snapping memorable photos. Second, the wine tasting at Rosenthal’s offers a relaxed, social vibe that many travelers enjoy.

Of course, no experience is perfect. Some reviews point out issues like inconsistent guide engagement and occasional vehicle hiccups. So, if you’re looking for a deeply informative or ultra-smooth ride, it’s worth considering. This tour suits anyone who appreciates scenic drives, vintage charm, and a leisurely pace—great for couples, small groups, or friends wanting a memorable day on California’s coast.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Drive: You’ll enjoy a leisurely drive along Malibu’s famous coastline with opportunities for photos.
• Vintage Vibe: The 1972 VW camper van offers a nostalgic, unique aesthetic that makes the experience stand out.
• Iconic Spots: Stops include Point Dume, Malibu Pier, and lookout points with ocean views.
• Wine Tasting: The tour ends with a tasting at Rosenthal, featuring four local wines paired with cheese and salami.
• Flexible Options: Small or private groups available with flexible booking and cancellation policies.
• Mixed Reviews: Guides are friendly, but some reviews mention variability in experience quality and vehicle condition.
• Price Point: At $195 per person, it’s a moderate cost considering the scenic drive, photo ops, and wine.
• Duration: The experience lasts around 4 hours, making it a comfortable half-day outing.
• Age Restriction: You need to be at least 21 to participate, given the wine tasting component.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Once you’ve booked your spot, the adventure kicks off at the Santa Monica Pier. This is a great place to get some cool photos with the vintage VW, which naturally attracts attention. From there, the tour heads north along the coast, hugging the shoreline and offering stunning views of the Pacific.

The drive itself is part of the charm. While some reviews mention the vehicle’s age occasionally causing issues—like stalls or noise—many find the vintage van adds fun and character to the experience. Just be prepared for the possibility of some rougher rides if the van has mechanical quirks.

Along the way, you’ll make several stops at photogenic spots like Point Dume, where cliffs meet the ocean in a dramatic way. It’s a favorite for photos, with sweeping views perfect for capturing memories. The Malibu Pier is another stop, ideal for a quick stroll and more picture opportunities.

You’ll also get a glimpse of Malibu’s celebrity homes from the roadside, which is always a fun addition for fans of Hollywood glamour. Watching surfers at Surfrider Beach adds another lively touch to the scenery.

The Highlight: Wine Tasting at Rosenthal

The tour wraps up at the Rosenthal tasting room, where you’ll sample four local wines. The tasting includes a cheese, salami, and cracker plate, making it a relaxed and enjoyable way to wind down. Many reviews praise the quality of the wines and the ambiance, with some noting the music and overall vibe as a highlight.

A few travelers have mentioned that the wine tasting feels rushed or that the experience can vary depending on the day, but most find it a pleasant and worthwhile conclusion to the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a fun, laid-back way to enjoy Malibu’s scenery and wine culture, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy vintage aesthetics, scenic drives, and a social atmosphere. It works well for couples, friends, or small groups looking for an easygoing day.

However, if you crave a highly detailed guided commentary or a smooth, modern vehicle, you might find this tour less satisfying. The reviews suggest that guide engagement varies and that vehicle reliability isn’t guaranteed, so patience and a sense of adventure are helpful.

The Value for Money

At $195 per person, you’re paying for a 4-hour experience full of picturesque views, photo opportunities, and a wine tasting. Considering the unique vintage vehicle and the scenic stops, many find it reasonably priced. But some reviewers feel the value depends on what you’re looking for—if it’s the vintage vibe and relaxed pace, it’s a hit. If you want a more in-depth tour with detailed commentary, you might feel it’s a bit light on information.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience Summary

• Transport: A 1972 VW camper van, which adds charm but can have mechanical issues.
• Group Size: Small or private groups available, making for a more intimate experience.
• Highlights: Malibu coastline, Point Dume, Malibu Pier, and wine tasting.
• Duration: About 4 hours—perfect for a half-day adventure.
• Cost: $195 per person—good value if you love scenic drives and wine.
• Age Limit: 21+ due to wine tasting.
• Booking: Flexible options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Our Final Take

This Malibu Vintage VW tour offers a distinctive way to explore California’s coast. It’s more about the vibe and scenery than detailed history or a polished guide, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re into vintage vehicles, scenic coastal views, and relaxed wine tastings, you’ll probably have a great time.

That said, keep in mind that vehicle reliability and guide engagement can vary, so it’s best approached with a flexible attitude. It’s an experience that’s most suited for those looking for a casual, photo-friendly day with some good wine and fun stories along the way.

If you want to make Malibu memories in a quirky, vintage ride, and don’t mind a little unpredictability, this tour might be just right.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, because you must be at least 21 years old to participate, mainly due to the wine tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a nice half-day outing.

What’s included in the price?
You get the scenic drive in the vintage VW, stops for photos, and a wine tasting of four local wines, plus a cheese, salami, and cracker plate.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Guide quality varies; some travelers mention they offer little insight, while others find them friendly and engaging. It depends on the day.

What’s the vehicle like?
It’s a 1972 VW camper van with hippie vibes inside and out. Expect vintage charm, but be aware it might stall or have mechanical quirks.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour private or group-based?
Both options are available, including small or private groups for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport, especially for the wine tasting, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for a scenic drive and outdoor stops.

Will I see celebrity homes?
While the tour mentions celebrity areas, the main focus is on Malibu’s natural scenery and iconic spots, not private residences.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re a vintage lover, a wine enthusiast, or just craving a scenic coastal cruise, this Malibu experience offers a memorable, relaxed way to soak in California’s beautiful coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: