AN INSIDER’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO MALIBU
Malibu is known as an exclusive enclave for the rich and famous, but it really is just a laid-back California beach town with near-perfect weather and plenty to offer for everyone. While this guide barely scratches the surface, it does offer a cross-section the most popular and less obvious ways to spend your time.
GETTING THERE
Malibu is easily accessible from Los Angeles via the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, or “the PCH” as locals like to call it. Start in Santa Monica and drive north for approximately 11 miles. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the “21 miles of scenic beauty” sign next to the towering bluffs.
WHERE TO STAY
A Surfer’s Paradise: The Surfrider is an exclusive, 20-room Californian Beach House located on the PCH, across the street from world-famous Surfrider Beach and Malibu Pier. Originally built in 1953, it celebrates the rich heritage of surf culture with California-cool amenities like a rooftop deck + bar overlooking the ocean, surfboard and wetsuit rentals, complimentary paddle boards, beach towels and beach chairs, surf lessons, and more.
Luxury Beach: The Malibu Beach Inn is one of California’s most illustrious beachside getaways. Situated along a strip of coastline called Carbon Beach (a.k.a. Billionaire’s Beach), this boutique hotel offers breathtaking oceanic panoramas and refined design inspired by Malibu’s effortless ambiance. Their oceanfront terrace, The Carbon Club, serves up locally sourced sophisticated fare, crafty cocktails and excellent people watching.
Chic Canyon Getaway: Calamigos Guest Ranch is the only sustainable luxury destination in Malibu that offers its guests both a private 250-acre ranch in the Malibu wine country and an exclusive beachfront Beach Club. The ranch also boasts a luxurious spa, and The Malibu Café, a popular and perfectly instagrammable al fresco restaurant. Guests also have access to the Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant, a private five-acre oceanfront club located 12 minutes away.
Other hotels worth consideration include the ultra-exclusive Nobu Ryokan Malibu and the roadside motel, The Hotel June.
Photo courtesy of The Malibu Beach Inn
WHERE TO EAT
Malibu Farm: With two dining concepts on the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm is the place to go for gourmet farm-to-table cuisine and the most coveted ocean view. At the entrance of the pier is Malibu Farm Restaurant, which offers a full-service high-end dining experience, while Malibu Farm Cafe is a casual counter-service at the very end of the pier.
Nobu: No explanation necessary here, Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's modern Japanese-Californian fusion restaurant is the place for impeccable service, the freshest sushi and the priceless people watching. You are guaranteed to spot a celebrity, or five, every time you go to Nobu Malibu.
Neptune’s Net: Technically located just across the Ventura County border, Neptune’s Net is a California landmark at the very north end of Malibu. An eclectic crowd of bikers, tourists and locals gather to take in the stunning ocean views while enjoying some of the freshest seafood you'll find along the coast. Other notable seafood shacks along the Malibu stretch of the PCH include Reel Inn Malibu and Malibu Seafood.
Lily’s Malibu: If you love burritos, head to Lily’s in Point Dume. This local favorite is so popular there is usually a minimum 45-minute wait for your take-out order. And with good reason. Lily’s breakfast burritos consistently rank high on LA’s best burritos lists.
The Sunset Restaurant: Tucked away on a beautiful stretch of Westward Beach between Zuma and Point Dume, The Sunset Restaurant is hidden gem that pairs an approachable seafood and Italian-centric menu with a homey vibe and some of the best sunset views in Malibu, hence the name!
WHERE TO SHOP:
Malibu Country Mart/Malibu Lumber Yard is Malibu’s premier location for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Removed from the stress and cookie-cutter selection of your typical shopping experience, the complex features unique and upscale boutiques and restaurants. Fred Segal has a capsule outpost and Kith, with its cult-like following, just opened its second LA location here.
Ranch at the Pier: One Gun Ranch’s beachy two-story gift shop, Ranch at the Pier, offers an eclectic collection of things you never knew you wanted. Visitors can rent surfboards and fishing rods, obtain a fishing permit and get equipped with bait and tackle too.
Cosentino’s Nursery: There are few things more quintessentially SoCal than succulents. At Cosentino’s Nursery you will find the best selection of these drought-tolerant plants for wholesale prices and free ocean views!
Aviator Nation is a 1970’s inspired California lifestyle brand. Hand-made and perfectly distressed hoodies and sweatpants are the foundation of what they do, but their aim is to unite a tribe of passionate individuals who want to inspire the world.
THINGS TO DO:
Malibu Pier: A trip to any seaside town would not be complete without a visit to the pier. Located in the heart of California’s surf culture, the Malibu Pier is a historic landmark and a California State Park, believe it or not. Here, you can enjoy a meal at farm-to-table Malibu Farm (as mentioned above), watch the surfers catching a ride at famous Surfrider Beach known for its three-point break, enjoy some retail therapy at Ranch at the Pier, and if you’re really lucky, spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the sea.
Beach Day: With some of the prettiest and cleanest beaches in Los Angeles County, a beach day is a must. Pack a picnic, a good summer read, and reef-friendly sunscreen, and claim your spot at one of the city’s nearly three dozen beautiful beaches, like El Matador State Beach, Pirates Cove and Westward Beach.
Wine Tasting: Did you know that there are 50 wineries and 6 tasting rooms in Malibu? For a fun day of wine tasting, visits to Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio, Malibu Wines, The Barn at Cielo Farms or Cornell Winery and sure to sastify even the most discerning oenophiles.
Horseback Riding: The Santa Monica Mountains serve as an idyllic background for guided horseback rides through shaded canopies and wildflower-blanketed hills. There are several stables offering public rides, including Malibu Riders.
Hiking: Hiking in Malibu, with its ocean vistas, cascading waterfalls and stunning wildlands, is a favorite pastime of Angelenos. Popular trails include Escondido Falls, Corral Canyon, Point Dume Natural Preserve, Tuna Canyon and Malibu State Creek Park.
P.S. If you liked the ideas in this guide, we can craft a custom travel itinerary to suit your tastes and budget. We also offer a pre-made Malibu day-trip itinerary available for download. Just get in the car and go!