An Insider’s Travel Guide to Malibu
Ah, the city where I am from, Malibu. There are so many things that I can say about the city, which holds such a special place in my heart. It is my happy place. At its heart, the city of Malibu is actually a small town (the population is under 13,000) —with its remarkable concentration of 20-plus pristine beaches along the Pacific Coast, some of the prettiest hiking trails in the country and a close-knit community of local-owned small businesses, it’s also so much more than just “27 miles of scenic beauty.” There’s a lot of history (the land was originally inhabited by the Chumash Native Americans and the ocean breaks were among the first to welcome surfers back in the ’20s), the best of which, many would argue, is still in the making thanks to a recent influx of new shopping destinations, boutique hotels, and incredible restaurants. Whether it’s a business that has been there since I was a child (like the Malibu lunch staple John’s Garden) or a newer restaurant to surface (like Lucky’s,) Malibu is filled with hidden gems and places to fall in love with.
When to Visit
I may be partial, but I think Malibu is beautiful all year round, but most like to visit in the summer to fall months when the weather is at its peak. Since Malibu is on the water, it can get chilly in the winter, so December to February you’ll see temperatures around the low 60s, and at night can even drop into the 40s! March and April are a little warmer and can sometimes even have summer-like weather, but then it drops back down in May and June for the notorious “May Grey” and “June Gloom” months. This basically means that the mornings to afternoons can be super foggy with marine layer, and not ideal beach weather. The busiest months are definitely July through October, where you’ll most likely get clear blue skies and the hot sun, with daytime temperatures averaging around the mid-high 80s, which to me, is perfect weather.
What to Do
There is a lot to do in Malibu, especially if you love the outdoors. Malibu centers around the beach and the views of it, so a lot of activities are tailored to those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you are more of a city person who likes action and nightlife, you may be disappointed to find that Malibu is actually quite sleepy at night, with most places closing on the earlier side. There are a few exceptions, which are on my list, if you are itching for a night out while there.
There are countless hikes to go on in Malibu, ranging from easy trails for the leisurely hiker, to really intense, advanced ones for the hiking pro. Some of my favorite trails are Solstice Canyon (There’s a route for every level, from mellow walking to more difficult trails. As you work your way up, you’ll see the Keller House, the remnants of a 100+plus-year-old stone cabin which was damaged in the 2007 fires,) Los Liones (perfect to pack a picnic and enjoy at the top overlooking the ocean,) and Sandstone Peak (The hike is six miles round-trip, and the entire way has views of Westlake Lake and Sherwood Lake on one side and the ocean on the other.)
With 20+ beaches to choose from, there is one for everyone. El Matador is picturesque with huge rock formations, Zuma has big, open sand stretching three miles along the coast, and Carbon has the best views of multi-million dollar beach houses.
If you like horseback riding, there are a few stables that offer trail rides that overlook the ocean and go into the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, making for a perfect afternoon or sunset activity.
Car enthusiasts can catch Malibu’s unofficial car show, Cars & Coffee, on Sunday mornings at the Malibu Country Mart, where you’ll find every kind of car imaginable from classic to modern, and maybe even spot Jay Leno with his impressive collection of classics.
If you surf or want to learn how, there are surf schools that offer lessons to both children and adults.
For the more Bohemian type, check out Malibu Shaman for all of your crystal, sage, incense, singing bowl, and general metaphysical/mystical needs. In business since the ‘80s and family owned, this eccentric but cool shop is exactly what you’d expect to find in Malibu.
Many people do not know this, but there are 50 wineries and 6 tasting rooms in Malibu. Some of my favorite places for wine tasting are Malibu Wines and Rosenthal.
Did you know you can go on safari in Malibu? Malibu Wine Safari offers jeep safaris so you can see wild animals, like zebras, bison, and even a giraffe while sipping their locally made wines.
The Malibu Farmers Market is a low-key local favorite on Sunday mornings. Set up in the Malibu public library parking lot, within walking distance of the Country Mart, this is where you’ll find the freshest seasonal produce, driven in from local organic farmers that morning, pastry and snacks by small family owned businesses, and the prettiest just-picked flowers.
If you have a penchant for shopping, there is a store and something for everyone in Malibu. From local artisans selling custom-made hats, to global designer stores, all the way to beachy home goods, you can find a lot of amazing pieces in Malibu. Check out Malibu Country Mart, Lumber Yard, Malibu Village, Trancas Country Mart and Malibu Colony Plaza for all kinds of stores ranging from art galleries, to clothing, to homeware, to accessories, sporting goods and more.
Where to Eat & Drink
Malibu Farm Cafe & Restaurant: Two restaurants located on the Malibu Pier, with farm-to-table fresh, locally sourced ingredients, fresh juices, craft cocktails, and al fresco seating with an incredible view.
Malibu Seafood: A fresh fish market with patio seating. Order your fresh fish and take it outside to sit on their patio, or for a picnic on the beach across the street!
John’s Garden: A Malibu casual lunch staple, John’s Garden has been around for over 40 years. Order your healthy lunch at the counter (I love the Surfer Princess Sandwich) and sit outside in the park.
Nobu: One of the best, if not the best, views in Malibu. Get a reservation ahead of time, otherwise you may find yourself waiting for hours to get a coveted table.
Lucky’s: Recently opened, Lucky’s is a steakhouse in the Malibu Country Mart, who’s first location in Montecito has been loved by many for years. Try the grilled artichoke and pepper steak.
TraDiNoi: Another restaurant which has been around forever, TraDiNoi is a true local mainstay with great Italian food for lunch and dinner. If you want a more casual experience, order from their window at lunch and take your pasta to go, or eat it in the park.
Taverna Tony: One of my absolute favorite restaurants in LA (not just Malibu!) Taverna Tony is a Greek taverna which transports you to the Mediterranean. Super fresh Greek food with a great vibe. Try the saganaki, Greek peasant salad, grilled octopus, and combination platter.
Cafe Habana: A casual Cuban/Mexican cafe with great food. If you’re looking for something fun to do after hours, visit on Wednesday evening to experience their karaoke night which has a mix of locals, random celebrities, and tourists from all over the world getting on the mic.
Cholada Thai: Authentic and fresh Thai food in a beach shack across from Topanga State Beach.
Saddle Peak Lodge: Nestled amidst the Malibu hills, Saddle Peak is an actual hunting lodge with three tiers of dining. Go if you like warm and rustic décor and lots of meat.
The Old Place: The Old Place Cornell is maybe one of my favorite places in all of LA. The history of this restaurant is incredible. It is an ex-general store turned restaurant with hearty American food in a setting that feels like you are on the set of an old Western film. Go early and grab wine at their wine store and tasting room next door and sip it amongst the wild peacocks roaming the property.
Malibu Kitchen: Malibu Kitchen is a gourmet market with everything from delicious sandwiches (the meatloaf sandwich is incredible) and market fresh salads for you to enjoy on their porch, or take to go. Don’t leave without something sweet, like their crispy chocolate chip cookies and cranberry muffins.
Broadstreet Oyster Co.: Order your seafood to go (their fish n’ chips are great) and take it down to the peach for a picnic.
Caffe Luxxe: A caffe with the best hand-crafted espresso in Malibu, inspired by Northern Italian coffee shops.
Malibu Yogurt: My happy place as a kid, I think I must have went to Malibu Yogurt at least 3-4 times per week. They have frozen yogurt, ice cream, and shaved ice and for some reason, it just tastes different in the best way possible, but that could easily just be my nostalgia, so don’t hold me to this one.
The Country Kitchen: This hole-in-the-wall has been around forever for a reason. Locals love this nondescript spot in a strip mall off PCH for their hamburgers, hotdogs, and breakfast burritos that you can eat at their picnic tables out front.
Lily’s: People will drive an hour+ from all over LA, just to get Lily’s famous breakfast burrito.
Where to Stay
The Malibu Beach Inn is my favorite boutique hotel in Malibu, if not in Southern California. Situated on Carbon Beach (neighboring Nobu and the Malibu Pier) this small luxury hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and casual design inspired by Malibu’s effortlessness. Each of the 47 rooms sits directly above the sand, with balconies to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. The oceanfront restaurant, The Carbon Club, has a menu full of locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails and one of the best views in the city.
The Surfrider Hotel is a small 20-room Californian Beach House located in central Malibu on PCH, across the street from Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Pier. Originally built in 1953, and recently transformed, it is inspired by the rich heritage of California surf culture, offering an authentically local experience and personalized service. It has a beautiful rooftop deck and bar (only available to hotel guests) perfectly poised for sunset viewing, beach supplies (umbrellas, towels, and sunscreen), a heated outdoor shower, custom surfboards from local shaper Wax Surf Co., surfboard and wetsuit storage and rentals and use of complimentary Mini Coopers.
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. Designed with the rural landscape at the forefront (it is situated in the mountains, not on the ocean) the cozy cottages, bungalows and estate rooms co-exist with the undisturbed, natural habitat of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Nobu Ryokan is an in intimate 16 room retreat that honors the traditional Japanese Ryokan, featuring teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and serene outdoor patios. Seamlessly blending traditional Japanese minimalism and modern Californian touches, this is more of sanctuary hideout than hotel.
The Ranch Malibu is perfect if you’re not necessarily looking to explore the area and are need of a reset in a beautiful retreat-like setting. The Ranch offers three acclaimed results-oriented, fitness and wellness programs, each designed to recalibrate the mind and body through an intense fitness and wellness regimen paired with a highly structured nutritional diet. This is not your typical spa or resort vacation, it is a luxury wellness destination.
Travel Tips
Pack a sweater, even if visiting in the summer! Nights at the beach can get cold, which comes as a surprise to many.
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially at the more popular places like Nobu, Taverna Tony and Lucky’s.
If you are a Soho House member or know one, do not miss getting a cocktail at Little Beach House Malibu, which has arguably the best vibes in the entire city, and not to mention, the best people watching.
