Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting

If you’re dreaming of cruising along the California coast in a classic VW bus, this Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting might catch your eye. Promising a laid-back vibe, scenic views, and a taste of local wines, it’s aimed at travelers eager for a relaxed, photo-worthy experience with a hint of nostalgia.

While it’s not a full-blown guided tour with historical insights, it offers a fun ride with some lovely sights and a few tasty treats.

What we like about this experience is the chance to enjoy Malibu’s stunning scenery from a uniquely retro vehicle — a true conversation starter and a memorable way to see the coastline. The wine tasting stop is another highlight, giving you a chance to sample local wines amidst beautiful surroundings.

However, a possible snag is that the tour’s description can be a bit misleading — specifically regarding what’s included in the price, especially alcohol at the winery.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy casual, social outings with a taste for vintage charm and scenic beauty. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed, small-group experience rather than a comprehensive guided exploration.

If you’re expecting detailed commentary or a full-day adventure, you might want to consider other options. Still, for a quick escape to Malibu’s iconic sights in a fun vintage vehicle, it could be just right.

This experience made our article of Which Santa Monica Wine Tours To Choose? Our Best 8 Picks.

Key Points

• Vintage VW Experience: Ride in a classic, retro-style VW bus, which adds a playful and memorable touch.
• Scenic Stops: Enjoy snap-worthy views at Malibu Pier and Point Dume, with sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas.
• Wine Tasting: Includes a stop at a local Malibu winery, although alcohol is not included in the tour price—be prepared for additional costs if you want to buy wine.
• Small Group: Limited to six travelers, making it intimate but potentially less flexible in timing.
• Value for Price: At $199 per person, it offers a fun experience but may lack in-depth commentary or guided insights.
• Weather Dependence: The tour’s success heavily relies on good weather, as much of the appeal is outdoor scenery.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Meeting Point and Duration

The adventure kicks off at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a lively spot packed with beaches, shops, and plenty of California vibe. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which is enough time to see some key sights without feeling rushed. Since it ends back at the starting point, you can easily plan other activities afterward or just enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

The Journey in the Vintage VW

Cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in a vintage VW bus is undeniably charming. We loved the way this vehicle evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to California’s hippie era. The driver, described as friendly, provides a laid-back atmosphere, but don’t expect a detailed commentary — there’s little information shared about the scenery or history along the way. One reviewer mentioned, “The driver was friendly but did not give info about the area along the way like a tour guide,” which is worth considering if you’re hoping for an educational ride.

Stops at Point Dume and Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier offers breathtaking views where you can gaze at the Pacific’s expanse, with the added bonus of mountain terrain nearby. The 15-minute stop is just enough to soak in the scenery and snap photos. From the pier area on clear days, you can see as far as the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island, making it a highlight for those who love sweeping vistas.

Next, the tour makes its way to Point Dume, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ocean backdrop. Though brief, the stop allows for some excellent photo opportunities and a sense of the area’s rugged beauty.

The Winery Stop and Wine Tasting

One of the main attractions is a stop at a local Malibu winery. While the tour promises wine tasting, the actual experience might not fully match expectations. According to one reviewer, “Alcohol was not included in the price at the winery stop — tour description was very misleading.” It appears that guests are responsible for purchasing their own wines if they wish to partake, which adds an additional expense.

The winery visit offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful mountain views with vineyards, and if you’re a wine lover, it’s a pleasant way to mingle and sample some local varieties. The experience is casual, not formal, but it’s a chance to relax and take in the scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are snacks and alcoholic beverages, but it’s worth noting that bottled water and sunscreen are not provided — simple things that can make a difference on a sunny day. The tour’s limited inclusions reflect its casual, social vibe rather than a comprehensive tasting or guided experience.

Group Size and Booking

With a maximum of six travelers, this tour maintains an intimate feel. However, because it is often booked 23 days in advance, it’s wise to plan early if you want to secure a spot. The tour is also accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed and easy proximity to public transportation.

Pricing and Value

At $199 per person, the tour is a bit of an indulgence for what it offers. While the vintage vehicle and scenic stops are fun, some travelers might find the experience somewhat lacking in depth or guidance. The limited time at each stop means you’ll get a quick taste of Malibu’s beauty but won’t explore in detail.

Given that the winery tasting isn’t included in the price and additional costs may apply, travelers should consider whether this fits their budget and expectations for an authentic Malibu adventure.

Authenticity and Real Traveler Feedback

The lone review available is mixed, with one guest describing the experience as “Fun! But description is misleading.” The driver’s friendliness was appreciated, but the lack of commentary and the miscommunication about wine inclusion were notable drawbacks. This highlights the importance of understanding what this tour delivers — a cheerful ride with scenic views rather than an educational or guided tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers seeking a lighthearted, social outing with a vintage twist. It’s ideal for those who want a short, scenic escape with some good photo opportunities and a casual wine tasting. If you’re after a more informative or full-day tour, or expect detailed historical insights, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

It also suits visitors who want to combine their love of vintage vehicles with the natural beauty of Malibu without breaking the bank on more extensive guided experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Malibu tour offers a fun, relaxed way to see some iconic spots — Malibu Pier, Point Dume, and vineyards — all in a charming, vintage vehicle. The views are stunning, especially if the weather cooperates, and the small group size makes it feel personalized. However, the experience may leave you wanting more in terms of guidance and detail, especially if you’re hoping to learn about Malibu’s history or wine deeply.

For Instagram-worthy photos, a nostalgic ride, and a casual tasting, it hits the right notes. But if you’re looking for a fully guided, educational experience or a wine tasting included in the price, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, it’s a quirky, scenic adventure best enjoyed by those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a vintage vehicle ride and the beauty of Malibu’s coastline.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the small group size makes it accessible. Service animals are also allowed.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.

Does the tour include guided commentary?
No, the driver is friendly but does not provide detailed information about the scenery or area along the way.

Are drinks included at the winery?
No, alcohol is not included in the price. You may need to pay extra if you wish to purchase wines at the winery.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen and bottled water are not provided, so it’s good to bring these for comfort during outdoor stops.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, good weather is important as much of the experience is outdoor. Cancellations due to poor weather are possible but usually offer a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

Whether you’re after a quirky photo op, a leisurely coastal cruise, or just a fun twist on a Malibu outing, this vintage VW tour delivers a memorable ride with some scenic highlights — just keep expectations in check about guided insight and included tastings.