Are looking for a perfect place to unplug and recharge before September’s hustle and bustle? Then pack your bags and head to Malibu. This beachside town, located just north of its larger and busier seaside neighbors, Santa Monica and Venice, offers a relaxed and low-key stay sure to do the trick.
Where to Stay:
Opt for The Malibu Beach Inn, a favorite Malibu seaside retreat. Perched above the sand and sea of Carbon Beach, this small and friendly hotel offers a fantastic location, full-service beach amenities, and access to gym and spa facilities conveniently across the street. With updated and spacious rooms boasting spectacular sea views, comprehensive amenities, and in-room gas fireplaces, you cannot go wrong with any of their room types.
What to Do:
- Spend a morning at Malibu Lagoon State Park, watching surfers take the waves on Surfrider Beach and visit the historic Adamson House. In this 1929 Spanish villa, you can tour the preserved home and enjoy a large display of the renowned Malibu Potteries tiles. On-site, you can also visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum and learn about the rich history of Malibu and the surrounding area.
- Visit the Getty Villa, created to resemble a Roman countryside home. Oil tycoon J. Paul Getty built the villa, home to a vast display of Ancient Greek and Roman art. Outside, explore the lush gardens, courtyards, and reflecting pool, and enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site cafe. Admission is free, but plan ahead as you need timed entry tickets to explore.
- Hike the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail. This 3.2-mile loop is moderately challenging and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular attraction in the area with a few interesting stops along the way, including a waterfall, reflecting pools, and the ruins of the 1952 Robert’s House Ranch. Another area perfect for hikers of all ages is Malibu Creek State Park. With 15 miles of trails and dramatic scenery, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the natural beauty of California’s coastline.
- Indulge in retail therapy at the Malibu Country Mart. This large, open-air market offers countless boutiques, art galleries, health and wellness facilities, as well as some of Malibu’s best dining options after you have worked up an appetite.
- Sip on local wine at one of Malibu’s wineries and tasting rooms. With a variety of options to choose from, book a Malibu wine tour and visit a few. Some offer spectacular sea views, weekend concerts, and tasty on-site culinary choices. Be sure to reserve in advance, as the tasting rooms get busy, especially during the summer months.
- Relax on the beach. While it may be hard to pick just one, visiting one of Malibu’s famous beaches is a must-do. El Matador State Beach, Zuma and Point Dume Beach, Paradise Cove, and of course, Carbon Beach, aka “Billionaires Beach,” due to the number of high net-wealth and celebrity residents.
Where to Eat:
- Taverna Tony is an upscale and busy Greek eatery located in the Malibu Country Mart. This popular spot serves fresh and delicious Mediterranean food with indoor and outdoor dining and live weekend entertainment.
- Malibu Farm is located on the Malibu Pier and has two restaurants; a casual Cafe at the end of the Pier and a restaurant just past the entrance gates. Both serve tasty farm-to-table fare and offer great views of Carbon and Surfrider Beaches.
- Nobu Malibu is the place to see and be seen. However, it also offers consistently good food and excellent service. Grab a seat at the bar before dinner for a passionfruit saki and soak in the stunning ocean views.
- Malibu Seafood is a must-visit located at the start of the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail. It is a casual beachside shack with covered outdoor seating and counter service. Come for the fresh seafood, including clams, mussels, bay shrimp Louie, and the best fish and chips around. After, pick up some locally caught fish at their on-site fish market.
- It is the views that win you over at Geoffrey’s. A tried and true restaurant offers beautiful sunsets and is a perfect spot for a romantic seaside dinner. Serving typical California cuisine, you will find plenty of seafood and steak options here.
- Broad Street Oysters is a casual and open-air spot serving up some of the best East Coast-style seafood in the area. With a focus on serving sustainably farmed oysters, it is a friendly spot for a quick lunch in the heart of the Malibu Country Mart.
- Lucky’s Steakhouse brings the Rat Pack back to life. A traditional steakhouse and martini joint, it serves consistently good American fare and has a lively and fun bar scene to enjoy before or after your meal.
Highlighted by pristine beaches, artistic vibrancy, and exquisite cuisine, Malibu stands as a perfect weekend escape. Dive into Malibu’s tranquility, outdoor adventure, or both, for the perfect getaway. If you need help planning your next weekend getaway, contact The Destination Designer.
