Summer Fun in Malibu
by Sharon Gay
Four of my favorite California places to vacation in the summer are Malibu, Lake Tahoe, Shelter Island in San Diego and the Northern California Wine Country.
Malibu is a famous seaside community with stunning beaches, top restaurants, great shopping and close proximity to LA's hot spots.
Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn for the utmost in luxury and location - and don't miss the great dining at the Carbon Beach Club and Geoffrey's Malibu on your perfect Malibu vacation! For wine lovers, dinner at the Carbon Beach Club is complemented with an elaborate, carefully selected list of small-production wines from California’s premier vintners.
Malibu offers rugged scenery, hiking trails, and legendary surf spots like Zuma and Surfrider beaches.
Explore Mulholland Drive, Point Mugu State Park, Nicholas Flat Trail Malibu, Getty Villa and Art Museum,Adamson estate, Malibu Lumber Yard & Malibu Country Mart, Hollywood Theater, Adamson House, Malibu Pier and Pepperdine Center for the Arts.
Enjoy the beautiful Malibu Country Mart, Planet Blue, John Varvatos, Oliver Peoples, Ralph Lauren stores and 65 upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Take a Crumbs cupcake break in the new Lumber Yard development, shop at the stunning James Perse store, and be sure to check out the new celebrity hot spot Maxfield.
Where to Stay
Malibu Beach Inn
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, California
310.456.6444
Enjoy casual Pacific Coast elegance and stunning ocean views at "the jewel of California’s most famous seaside community,” - “a tranquil, immaculate oceanfront refuge” and top Southern Cal great escape at the Malibu Beach Inn. The Inn features a multi-lingual staff, luxury rooms, impeccable service setting, and a premiere collection of world-class art.
"The landscaping and architectural designs of the Malibu Beach Inn are of the highest standards. As one guest put it, “I feel like I’m in my own private guestroom at one of the mansions on Billionaire’s Beach.”
Where to Dine
The Carbon Beach Club @ Malibu Beach Inn $$$ Breakfast & Brunch, Modern California Coastal Cuisine, featuring a carefully selected wine list of small-production wines from California’s premier vintners.
Geoffrey's Malibu $$$ Oceanfront Dinners Seafood 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Duke's Malibu $$$ American, Hawaiian, Seafood 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu Seafood $$ Seafood 25653 Pacific Coast Hwy
Cholada Thai $$ Thai 18763 Pacific Coast Hwy
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe $$$ American, Burgers, Seafood 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy
Tra di Noi $$$ Italian, Ladies Lunch 3835 Cross Creek Rd
Taverna Tony $$$$ Greek, Italian, Mediterranean 23410 Civic Center Way
Sage Room $$$$ Italian 28915 Pacific Coast Hwy
Reel Inn $$ American, Diner, Seafood, Chowder 18661 Pacific Coast Hwy
Plate $$$ Malibu - California, Organic 22601 Pacific Coast Hwy
Neptunes Net $ Burgers, Seafood 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy
Nobu Malibu $$$$ Asian, Japanese, Sushi, Peruvian 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy
If you have time, some of LA's top restaurants including Mastro's Steakhouse, Fogo de Chão, Osteria Mozza, Katsuya, Bottega Louie, Bossa Nova Brazilian, and Wolfgang Puck's Spago are within driving distance.
What to Do
Water Sports
The water around Malibu is perfect for a variety of water sports - from wakeboarding to water skiing to ocean kayaking to wind surfing. Adventurers will love all the fun things to do in Malibu!
Malibu Pier
This iconic landmark features an array of dining and shops, as well as legendary surfing nearby. Surfers come from around the world to Surfrider Beach, known for its three-point break that offers rides of 300 yards or more. Malibu attractions at the pier include Malibu Beach Supply Co., the Surf Museum and much more.
Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-440-7300
The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. Exhibits include Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities such as Gods and Goddesses and the Stories of the Trojan War, as well as Roman-inspired architecture and gardens. Admission to the Getty Villa is free. Parking is $15 per car.
Malibu Country Mart
3835 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
The Malibu Country Mart is Southern California's premier retail destination and features over 65 unique and upscale boutiques and restaurants including John Varvatos, Ron Herman, Oliver Peoples, Chrome Hearts, Planet Blue and Missoni. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, outdoor playground, and fantastic sculpture collection while you shop, play and dine.
Malibu Lumber Yard
3939 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
The Malibu Lumber Yard Mall is home to approximately 15 retail and food establishments such as MILK, Kitson, Tory Burch, James Perse, Planet Blue Kids and Theory. The two-level mall is framed by 70-year-old Kentia King palm trees and a 100-year-old aloe tree stands sentinel in one corner. This prestigious mall is a can’t-miss Malibu attraction for serious shoppers.
Hollywood Theaters – Malibu Cinema
3822 Cross Creek Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-6990
The Hollywood Theatres – Malibu Cinema is an intimate movie theater located on the famous Cross Creek Road in beautiful Malibu, CA. Featuring two screens, spacious leather seating and intimate viewing environments, it is a beloved site for both locals and tourists alike.
Adamson House
23200 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-8432
Built in 1930 for Rhonda Rindge Adamson and her husband, this house affords gorgeous views of the Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Beach and Malibu Pier. The expansive house features extensive Malibu tiling, sparkling fountains, flagstone pathways, and a pool with an adjoining bathhouse. Guided tours are available Wednesday through Saturday; a gift shop is open for memorabilia and unique gifts.
Pepperdine Center for the Arts
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
310-506-4522
The Pepperdine Center for the Arts features a variety of artistic performances and exhibits. Patrons can attend everything from benefit movie screenings to acrobatic acts to modern art exhibits. Call box office for upcoming shows and ticket information.
Point Mugu State Park
9000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
818-880-0350
Located in the Western Santa Monica Mountains, the Point Mugu State Park is the perfect recreation destination for hiking, swimming, cycling, and horseback riding.
Nicholas Flat Trail
Covering about 8 miles with an elevation of 1,800 feet, this trail offers spectacular ocean views and is lined by spring wildflowers. The first three miles of the hike are relatively steep, but Nicholas Pond offers the ideal location for a restful picnic.
Park Place Stable
2035 Decker School Lane
Malibu, CA 90265
310-589-8845
Experience the outdoors in a new way! Park Place Stable is a full-service stable offering trail rides, beach rides, and lessons. Private and non-private events are available; call ahead to reserve.
