Explore Malibu – do like the locals, skip the tourist traps & take the 15-mile scenic drive from Westlake Village via Kanan Road – through tunnels, breathtaking mountains and valleys, to LA’s most stunning destination.
**Bonus** celeb sightings are actually probable here.
Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm Restaurant & Cafe
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Looking for an authentic LA style dining experience? Think fresh farm-to-table, local, and organic ingredients served in a delightfully beachy atmosphere on the water. Stroll down this historic pier and take in the scenery. People watching often proves quite rewarding here as well.
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe
25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A no-frills cafe for fish'n’chips, the freshest market-priced seafood, and more. We love Malibu Seafood because not only is the food exceptional, you can expect to eat your lunch or sunset dinner at picnic table seating with ocean views. This is a local favorite – the best place to stop after exploring Pacific Coast Highway’s beaches and when you haven’t yet washed the salt off of your skin. Expect to wait in line (it moves fast) and order in the little beach shack. They’ll give you a pager to come and grab your food.
Nobu Malibu
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Want to have a real high-profile celebrity experience? We recommend Nobu Malibu, Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's namesake restaurant offering Japanese delicacies and California fare in a modern beachfront space. Make sure to secure a reservation well in advance for this ultra exclusive experience and be prepared for a price tag to match.
Paradise Cove & Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Paradise Cove & Beach Cafe is by far one of the best ways to enjoy a day just outside of Los Angeles. This private beach has parking right by the sand, much warmer waters for swimming in a stunning cove, and surprisingly, since this is a private beach, you can actually enjoy an adult beverage while lounging in the sand - illegal on all other California Beaches. With clean bathrooms and gorgeous views, you can even rent a Beach Terrace, Double Beach Bed, or Chaise Lounge!
Get here early and park by the Cafe. Expect to pay $8-$10 for up to 4 hours of parking with validation from the restaurant ($30 minimum purchase required). We recommend the Calamari and Fries and be prepared, portions are huge.
El Matador State Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A collection of 3 small cliff-foot beaches with blufftop parking, El Matador State Beach is what California dreams are made of. A popular spot for photos, you’ll be nestled in beneath the cliffs looking out over stunning rock formations in the water. Rock explorations are best at low-tide as you’ll be able to go under and through a few. Be prepared to climb the steep hillside walk and stairs from your car down. Seagulls are also far more intelligent than dogs here so watch out or you’ll be left hungry, your unopened bag of chips will be stolen if left in site.
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Modeled after a 1st-century Italian villa with Greek & Roman artifacts, the Getty Villa was originally built as the residence for infamous billionaire and oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. Today it serves as a beautiful and tranquil garden and museum on the easterly side of Malibu. Explore the gardens and visit ancient Greece & Rome through the Getty Villa’s collections. Admission is free but you must reserve tickets in advance. Parking is $10.
MALIBU COUNTRY MART
3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
In the heart of the Malibu Civic Center, nestled against the majestic mountains and just a stone's throw from the beach lies the Malibu Country Mart, a premier location for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Removed from the stress and cookie-cutter selection of your typical shopping experience, the Malibu Country Mart features unique and upscale boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, that are quintessentially Malibu. Do not miss Intermix for the best fashion finds out there. For a great sandwich, turn to Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet. You might have a Miley Cyrus sighting at this Starbucks.
Malibu Wine Safari
32111 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Explore the 1,000 acre Saddlerock Ranch and vineyard in Malibu with a trusty guide and driver team that will lead the adventure on custom-built open-air Safari vehicles. You'll make stops along the way to take in the scenery, taste local wines, and get up close and personal with animals you never knew were Angelinos too: zebras, camels, alpacas, bison, and even Stanley the Giraffe. This is an epic experience. Make sure to book your reservation well in advance!
Malibu Creek State Park
1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Talk about picturesque – so many trails for you to explore, some even leading to waterfalls & grottos (which may be a little dry given September’s dry climate in Southern California). Nevertheless this incredible park, once home to the sets of Tarzan and Planet of the Apes amongst many more, is ideal for hiking and exploring and absolutely stunning year round.
In-n-out Burger in the Shoppes at Westlake Village
30780 Russell Ranch Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
A California staple since first opening its doors in 1948 in Baldwin Park (South Los Angeles), In-n-Out epitomizes the classic California burger. Marked by crossed Palm trees at each location and classic 50’s diner decor, you’ll want to order a Double-Double Cheeseburger, hand-cut Fries (either “Animal Style” or “Well Done,” regular won’t do), and a thick Chocolate/Strawberry Shake, you won’t regret it.
The Moody Rooster
2891 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Stay Inland – you don’t have to venture far from Westlake Village for awesome eats and authentic experiences.
Sugarfish by sushi nozawa & Calabasas Commons
4799 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302
Hands down, our favorite Sushi spot. This is the freshest fish, at the fairest price and well worth the wait. There isn’t any customizing so be prepared to order straight off the menu. Our favorites: salmon, bay scallops, lobster cut roll, albacore belly and hirami. For newbies, we recommend ordering the “Trust Me” – you’ll definitely be full and get to try tons of sushi, and trust us, you won’t regret it. Make sure you arrive early, put your name on the list and shop while you wait for your turn to dine at this awesome LA must-eat.
This particular Sugarfish location happens to be in the Calabasas Commons, an awesome outdoor shopping mall in the heart of LA’s new celebrity haven – home to the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, The Weeknd, and Britney, Calabasas has a long history of lavish properties and gated communities.
Camarillo Premium OUtlets
740 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010
With a Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barney’s New York outlet, you really couldn’t ask for better premium outlet shopping – Camarillo Premium Outlets is a short drive down the 101 Fwy from Westlake Village. Wear your walking shoes, this outdoor mall is massive and make sure not to miss LA favorites – Vince and Zadig & Voltaire. Oh, and there’s nothing like a pair of Adidas you got at half off, just sayin.’
Lure Fish House
30970 Russell Ranch Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362