WHY WE LOVE IT HERE | The fresh ocean breeze that ensures the temperatures are rarely too hot or too cold. The quintessential postcard vistas that never seem to get old, and the fact that you can step outside most nights and see the constellations reveal themselves in the night sky. Malibu is a small, rural community that swells to a busy beach town as soon as July hits! The rest of the year, it’s just far enough away from the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood to strip away the hustle and bustle of the city. There is definitely a feeling of wholesome free-range living that people seem to adopt here.
BEST TIME TO GO | Southern California has pretty predictable and quintessential weather from April - November, but the Fall is when Malibu really shines - once all the tourists leave and the locals get to reclaim all the beaches, trails and parks and farm stands.
WHAT TO PACK | Malibu weather is confusing to pack for. You can always count on experiencing various seasons within one day. Mornings can be cool as the mist rolls in off the ocean and when the sun sets in the evening. But the days can be hot in the sun (and just perfect in the shade). Layers are key. The locals have adopted an unofficial uniform of hoodies and sweats or easy-going denim and tees.
TIPS | My favorite lesser known beach is Lechuga—it almost feels like you are in Indonesia. To access it you take the third gate on the left along Broad Beach Road and walk down the steep wooden steps. Voila—paradise found!
Please reach out to [email protected] if you need help deciding on and booking a stay in Malibu or curating a full custom itinerary.
SLEEP
For a sweet and unique Airbnb This Scandi Tiny home is the perfect little abode, located just minutes from Zuma beach, mature fruit trees and a cowboy tub for moonlight bathing. We also love The Surfrider Hotel for it’s easy access to the Malibu Pier, tons of dining and shopping at Cross Creek as well as an epic surf break just outside the front doors. If you want to be closer to Western Malibu, newcomer Hotel June has just opened it's doors on Point Dume. The Calamigos Guest Ranch is a unique paradise tucked into the Malibu mountains with neighbouring vineyards, private cottages, multiple pools, a killer spa and even some pickle ball courts. And for a dreamy coastal experience with waves beneath your room, perched right on the sand is Malibu Beach Inn.
EAT: BREAKFAST
Little Beach House makes a mean scrambled egg quesadilla, but I also love the quinoa roasted veg scramble at Marmalade Cafe. Sometimes we drive over the hill to Lovi’s Delicatessen in Calabassas. If all else fails grab fresh produce and baked goods from the Thorne Family farm stand (on Saturday's only) and make your own beautiful spread or bring a picnic to the beach. Stick around for the live music and good vibes.
ENERGIZE
There are tons of amazing hikes for view junkies. Our personal favorites are Solstice Canyon, Zuma Ridge and the Point Dume Nature Preserve trail that spits you out onto Westward Beach. It’s beautiful any time of day with sea lions basking in the sunny cliffs below, dolphin and whale sightings (depending on the time of year). But if you go later in the afternoon you can end the hike with happy hour at The Sunset right on Westward Beach.
SNACK
We love the smoothies and açai bowls at SunLife Organics, anything on the The Real Coconut Kitchen's grain and dairy-free menu and the yellowtail sushi burrito from Howdy’s at Cross Creek and the brand new Pita Bu for the best falafel this side of Tel Aviv.
PLAY
Trancas Canyon Park is one of the places that made me fall in love with Malibu. Bring a picnic and spread out on the gorgeous field and kids will go crazy for the wild west themed playground.
EAT: LUNCH
Broad Street Oyster Co. their lobster rolls are a must. Malibu Seafood or Spruzzo for very average pizza with an excellent view of Zuma Beach.
FROLIC
The weekly Music in the Park, a Friday night summer series with live music hosted on the lawn at the Trancas Countrymart is a summer must-do. Or partake in the Shabatt on the beach service every friday evening at Point Dume/Westward Beach. It's open to people of any religion or background and the Argentine Cantor has the voice of an angel!
CAFFEINATE
The Real Coconut for Mexico Cities finest Buna Coffee, Blue Bottle at Cross Creek, Cafe de La Plage at Point Dume Village or Caffe Luxxe in Eastern Malibu (on your way into town from LA)
INSPIRE
Malibu's coastline is full of so many amazing surf breaks - I always get inspired when i'm out on the water. Plan to spend a day at one of our amazing beaches and try your hand at surfing our swells. Henry from the Malibu Surf Experience is a local instructor who can coach any level - from first-time-on-a-board to big-break-boys (and girls!)
Hike Upper Solstice Canyon for views all the way out to Catalina island (on a clear day). Kids will love all the incredible rock formations and naturally occurring caves for playing and hiding in
EAT: DINNER
The Old Place deep in the Mountains of Malibu is fun for a true old-timey western meal. Giddy up! We also love Malibu Farm a former vacant pier now transformed into a fetching farm-to-table dining experience. Cafe Habana for great margaritas and latin food with a California bent.
The countdown is on for the opening of Malibu's first brew pub + tap room, Malibu Brewing Co. (launching Spring 2022)
DATE NIGHT
Lucky’s for stiff martinis and steak frites or get your Greek on at Taverna Tony's with a side of live piano music.
