Malibu, Los Angeles, California (Courtney Leary)
We loved the proximity of both the mountains and the ocean— both are RIGHT THERE!
- More about your oliver guide: Courtney Leary
- Trip type: Adult, Beach
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 2 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS
to & from
Fly into LAX… UBER. UBER. UBER.
Where to Stay
Malibu Beach Inn: A majorly updated old hotel, the only one in the area that is actually on the water (waves crashing outside your window. Lounge chairs on the beach, towels, drinks and food for guests. Rooms are nice but not particularly spacious, service is good but not at the level you would expect for the price. You pay for prime oceanfront property and the lack of other options in the area.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Lunch with rose on the deck at The Carbon Beach Club Restaurant at the hotel is a great way to get into vacation mode.
- Walking two blocks to dinner at Nobu Malibu is a must. Make reservations well in advance and ask for a table outside on the covered deck (but be warned you may not get it.)
- Walk in the other direction for brunch or lunch at Malibu Farm where the menu is made up of fresh organic ingredients…. Think everything from turmeric shots to great salads to skirt steak…. all served with a view of the water. (Pick up their cookbook while you are here and bring it home as a thank you gift to your babysitter.)
- A little further north at the Malibu Country Mart is Café Habana where we settled in for a very casual Cuban (though seemingly Mexican) meal with the best cucumber jalapeno margaritas we’ve ever had.
- For a dose of healthy any time of day, stop by Sunlife Organics in the Country Mart….acai bowls, smoothies, turmeric shots and everything to make your insides glow. We went twice in two days.
What to Do
- A long morning hike in Solstice Canyon makes a nap on the beach later on feel well deserved. There are endless trails (with views) nearby and luckily most receive cell reception in case you need to figure out where you are—like we did.
- Run on the beach, an ocean swim or the morning yoga offered through the hotel. All the exercise options make sleeping in really hard.
- Shop! The Country Mart is made up of many great upscale shops, allow a few hours if you plan to hit them all. The shops close early so don’t expect to shop after dinner. And be sure relax on the beach.
inside scoop
The hotel offers massages and facials through their “spa”. We had massages that were great but their spa is actually a converted hotel room leaving much to be desired as far as a spa experience is concerned. If we were to go back, I would look into other spa options– in LA there are sure to be a few around!
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For a local (yes local!) guide of Malibu check out another Courtney’s guide here!
Malibu, Los Angeles, California (Courtney Murphy)
Lounge on the beach, swim or hike to the top of Point Dume and look for whales!
- More about your oliver guide: Courtney Murphy
- Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: A WEEKEND OR EVEN BETTER -1 WEEK
to & from
SFO- Virgin. However, if you live in Marin flying To/From Oakland is rarely ever delayed!
Where to Stay
If I’m not staying at my mom’s, VRBO . or Malibu Beach Inn. Also our friend’s newly refurbished spot called The Native Hotel is close to Zuma Beach and Point Dume.
Where to Eat and Drink
- OLLO serving Laird Hamilton's favorite breakfast.
- Lily's Malibu at Point Dume: The breakfast Burrito
- Malibu Sunlife Organics: The Bliss Bowl.
- Paradise Cove: Belgian waffles
- John's Garden: Order the Princess Sandwich and the Carob shake!
- Tra Di Noi at the Malibu Country Mart: One of our favorite spots! Make sure to get a table outside and the kids can play on the playground while you enjoy a glass of wine.
- Cafe Habana: A regular spot for our family, Randy Gerber's spot at the Lumber Yard. Best margaritas chips and salsa.
- Malibu Farm: Dinner on the Malibu Pier!
What to Do
- Go whale watching perched at the top of Point Dume's picturesque lookout spot. Spot sea lions and watch for the whales to surface or spray.
- Surf lessons or Surf camp!
- Hike: La Jolla Canyon
- Beach: Westward or Zuma
inside scoop
Best beach day: head to Point Dume early and park in the Westward Beach Parking lot. From their you can lounge on the beach, swim or hike to the top of Point Dume and look for whales! In March and April the Mamas and babies are making their migration back from Mexico up to Alaska. Hike down the staircase and check out the tide pools at Big Dume. If you spend a week in the summer the best day camp is the Malibu Makos where the kids safely learn to surf at Zuma Beach. The Malibu Makos also offer private individual and family lessons.
skip it
Don’t go to Nobu on a Friday or Saturday. Yes the food is amazing but the tourist factor is high.
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Check out OG co-founder Courtney Leary’s Malibu couples getaway guide here!
Malibu, Los Angeles, California (Courtney Murphy) - Suggestions from the Oliver Community
- Linda Knauer Says
When are boys were younger, we always signed them up for Malibu Makos surf camp at Zuma Beach. My boys and one of their local Tiburon buddies still surf as 16 year olds after learning to surf there.
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