Top 10 Things to Do in Malibu
Malibu trips are the perfect mini-getaways when LA gets too... LA. Haha, if you know, you know. While known to be upscale and chic, Malibu maintains the very chill, beach town vibe. We are so fortunate to have Malibu just a short drive away. Here are some of my go-tos.
1. POINT DUME STATE BEACH
7103 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
There’s nothing like starting a beautiful day with a view of the California coast. Start your Malibu adventure with a very easy hike and breathtaking view. An added bonus: the breeze from the beach and the sound of the waves. Parking is $10 at the beach and the entrance to the trail is at the very end of the parking lot, you won't miss it.
2. EL MATADOR
32215 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
El Matador is not a basic beach. In fact, El Matador is hands-down my favorite beach in the world! The coast literally sparkles and the beach is a gradient from deep blue to a bright turquoise. The rocks are absolutely stunning. We enjoyed hanging out in the “caves” for a quick break from the sun. If you can, go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. This beach is much more enjoyable when it is calm.
3. MALIBU CAFE
327 Latigo Canyon Rd, Calamigos Ranch, Malibu, CA 90265
Entirely outdoor venue complete with life-size chess and other games, a man-made mini lake complete with a waterfall and paddle boats (yeah, I know, so extra!), full bar, fire pits, pool tables, colorful and unique decor, lots of grass and greenery. Definitely a unique vibe and nothing like it in LA. The food at the café is aiiight. They also have a BBQ truck onsite that I would recommend over the café. We usually come to enjoy drinks and games (and the gram).
4. MALIBU WINES
Enjoy the delicious Malibu Wines and all the super cool experiences they have to offer:
MALIBU WINE SAFARI* - Anywhere with wine, I’m there. A wine SAFARI? I’m running there. Malibu Wines offers a guided tour through the Saddlerock Ranch and Malibu vineyard in open-air Safari vehicles. How cool is that? There are a number of stops throughout the tour to enjoy the views, get your taste on, and see lots of animals up-close and personal - because, duh, what’s a safari without animals? Also you have to meet the iconic Stanley the Giraffe! *Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
MALIBU WINE HIKES - 2 of my favorite things combined: hiking and wine. Malibu Wines offers two options - an open 2 mile hike where you get to enjoy the Saddlerock Ranch vineyards, gardens, cave paintings and my favorite part - WINE. They also offer a 2 hour guided tour on a 4x4 adventure vehicle, which includes snacks, beverages, and wine to-go. Each vehicle fits up to 5 people, so this option is great for groups.
MALIBU BIKE TOURS - Easy biking through the vineyard in the mountains of Malibu with many stops along the way to enjoy the views and beverages. The tour includes rental of an electric assist bike and is about 2 miles with some incline.
MALIBU WINES & BEER GARDEN - per the Malibu Wines team, it is the latest concept of the popular Malibu Wines Tasting Room. Located in West Hills and serves Semler and Saddlerock label wine, a variety of local and regional craft beer, as well as food on weekends.
5. BROAD OYSTER STREET CO.
23359 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
In a basic Malibu strip mall is a not-so-basic wonderful seafood joint with an extensive menu featuring fresh oysters (duh), caviar, sea urchin, and crab claws their lobster rolls and oysters. Don’t let the ambiance fool you, the menu items are top quality (and pretty pricey!, lol). The crowd fave is the “Famous Lobster Roll & Fries” - you can order it warm with butter or chilled with mayo. WARM WITH BUTTER ALL THE WAY. Feeling extra? Add uni and/or caviar on top!
Call (424) 644-0131 to place an order for pick-up, but no phone orders on weekends. They have a drive-thru option. We love picking it up and eating at a nearby beach.
6. GETTY VILLA*
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Getty Villa offers an experience of ancient Greek and Roman art in a setting that recreates a first-century Roman villa. My fave is the beautiful garden that’s worth a visit on its own. We love a picnic in the Getty Villa gardens. They have activities for everyone - lectures, performances, family events, and even afternoon tea!
Admission is free, but a timed-entry ticket is required. You can reserve via their website.
*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19 and scheduled to open on 1/1/2021
7. PARADISE COVE BEACH CAFE
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Has mini-vaca written all over it. Head outside to the lovely seating area in the private beach to pop bottles on the shore. Absolutely amazing ambiance. Plenty of day beds you can reserve, little beach huts, beach chairs, and outdoor dining area overlooking the beach. While the food is pretty casual - think baby back ribs, coconut shrimp, chicken tender vibes), it went perfectly with the vibe of the entire place. Very mixed crowd. Some families, some couples, some groups of friends. Great place for EVERYONE!
8. STAYCATION IN CARBON BEACH
Sometimes, a quick day trip isn’t enough. I highly recommend staying in an Airbnb for a quick getaway - specifically Carbon Beach aka Billionaire’s Beach. Unlike other houses on the Malibu coast, the houses here are built right on the sand so there’s no wall blocking any views. There is no public access so you will likely be one of the few enjoying the beach.
9. LEO CARILLO STATE PARK/STAIRCASE BEACH
35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A beautiful beach in Malibu where our pups are allowed! There’s not much more to say other than my puppy loved his time at Staircase Beach and we are frequent visitors.
10. NOBU
22706 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265
NOBU NOBU NOBU NOBU! *Drake voice* The perfect place for a romantic date or celebration with friends. Nobu sits right on the coast and the view of the ocean is absolutely stunning. I recommend making reservations 45 minutes before sunset because the view really makes the experience! While the food is good, it's not the best Japanese food in town and definitely not worth the price. You go to Little Tokyo for that. You come to Nobu Malibu for the views, potential celebrity sightings, and to put on your fancy pants.