A friendly look at the Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting
If you’re thinking about adding a touch of classic California charm to your trip, this vintage VW hippie tour might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed cruise along Malibu’s scenic coast, complete with stops at iconic spots like Point Dume and the Malibu Pier, plus a wine tasting at a local vineyard. We’ve looked into what it offers—so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your travel style.
What we like: First, the vintage VW bus adds a fun, nostalgic touch that makes the trip feel special. And second, the views are undeniably gorgeous—ocean, mountains, and vineyards all in one outing. That said, a possible downside is that the tour is a bit brief and doesn’t include detailed commentary, which might leave some craving more info about the area.
This experience is best suited for travelers who are after a laid-back, visual journey rather than an in-depth guided tour. If you’re okay with a small group, some simple snacks, and a focus on scenery and wine, this could be a memorable half-day outing.
Key Points

- Scenic coastal drive along Malibu’s famous spots, with stunning views.
- Vintage VW bus adds charm and an authentic feel to the experience.
- Limited tour guide info during the drive—more of a casual cruise.
- Includes wine tasting and snacks, making it a relaxed, adult-friendly outing.
- Short duration of about 4 hours—good for filling a morning or afternoon.
- Small group size (max 6 travelers), which helps keep it intimate.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour includes alcoholic beverages and snacks, which makes it a nice, easygoing experience for those who enjoy a drink with scenic views. But keep in mind, bottled water and sunscreen are not provided, so bringing your own is a good idea, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun or planning a full day outdoors.
The admission tickets for the stops—Point Dume and the Malibu Pier—are included, giving you some time to soak in the sights, take photos, and enjoy the fresh ocean air.
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The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Experience

Start at Santa Monica Pier. This is a lively, iconic spot to meet your vintage VW, setting the tone for a fun, relaxed outing. From there, the drive along Pacific Coast Highway begins, winding past some of Malibu’s most beautiful scenery. We loved the way the bus’s open windows let in the salty breeze and panoramic views, creating a carefree vibe.
Stop 1: Malibu Pier (15 minutes). Here, the views are spectacular. You’ll get a chance to see the Pacific Ocean, Point Dume, and the mountain terrain that forms Malibu’s backdrop. It’s a quick stop but enough for some memorable photos. The reviewer noted: “Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Point Dume, and gorgeous mountain terrain landscapes.”
Stop 2: Pacific Coast Highway and Winery (20 minutes). After more scenery, you’ll hop out at a local Malibu winery for some wine tasting. This is a highlight for many, especially since the views from the vineyard are often described as beautiful. However, a review pointed out that alcohol was not included in the price at the winery, despite the tour description suggesting it was. The tour provider responded, explaining they cover the winery expenses, so the guest’s payment was for the wine itself, not the tasting. This is an important detail to keep in mind.
The Experience: Our Honest Take

The vintage VW adds a real nostalgic touch—if you’ve ever wanted to cruise California in a colorful, retro bus, this is your chance. The ride itself is relaxed, and the driver was friendly, but don’t expect a detailed commentary or history about the area. As one reviewer said, “The driver was friendly but did not give info about the area along the way like a tour guide.” If you’re hoping for an educational experience, you might find this a bit lacking.
The views from Point Dume and the pier are genuinely stunning. We loved the way the scenery shifts from ocean vistas to mountain backdrops. It’s the kind of trip where the scenery does most of the talking. The small group size (up to 6 travelers) keeps things intimate, which is great if you want a relaxed, social vibe.
The wine tasting at the vineyard is enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a good local selection. However, since alcohol is not included in the tour price, you should be prepared to pay separately at the winery—something that might be a surprise if you’re expecting all fees to be covered.
Is it worth the price?

At $199 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option in Malibu, but it does include some nice touches: a vintage vehicle experience, scenic stops, and wine tasting. Whether it’s good value depends on your expectations. If you’re after a laid-back, Instagram-worthy drive with some wine and snacks, you might find it charming. But if you’re looking for a more in-depth or guided experience with detailed commentary, this might feel a bit sparse.
Who would enjoy this tour?

This tour is best suited for those who prioritize scenery and a relaxed pace over detailed storytelling. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or travelers who love vintage vehicles and want a taste of Malibu without a long, structured tour. It’s also suitable for adults who enjoy wine but doesn’t cater specifically to families or children, as the focus is on scenic enjoyment and wine tasting.
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Final thoughts

This Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu offers a fun, nostalgic way to see some of Malibu’s most iconic spots. The views are undeniably beautiful, and the vintage bus adds a layer of charm that’s hard to beat. However, the limited commentary and brief stops mean it’s more of a scenic jaunt than a deep dive into Malibu’s history or culture.
If you’re a laid-back traveler who loves good views and a bit of wine, this could be a charming addition to your trip. But if you’re after a more comprehensive, guided experience with detailed info, you might want to consider other options.
Overall, it’s a decent, light-hearted outing—kind of like a friends’ road trip in a colorful bus, with plenty of chances for photos and good vibes.
Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting
“The drive in the VW bus was unique and fun. The driver was friendly but did not give info about area along the way like a tour guide. Alcohol was…”
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
This tour is mainly designed for adults, with a focus on scenery and wine tasting. It doesn’t specifically cater to children or families, so consider this if traveling with kids.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 4 hours, which makes it a good half-day activity. It starts at Santa Monica Pier and ends back there.
What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Does the price include wine?
Alcoholic beverages are included, but one reviewer pointed out that the wine was paid for separately at the winery. The tour covers their expenses, so you’ll pay at the vineyard but not for the wine tasting itself.
What should I bring?
Bring bottled water, sunscreen, and your camera. The tour doesn’t include bottled water or sunscreen, so come prepared for sunny, outdoor conditions.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you’re after a casual, scenic trip with a touch of vintage California cool and some wine, this Malibu tour could be a memorable choice. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the depth of information and overall pacing. It’s more about having a relaxed, beautiful ride than enjoying Malibu’s detailed stories.
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