THE GUIDE FOR A QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EXPERIENCE

Let’s say you have just landed in Los Angeles in search of the quintessential Southern California experience… Here’s what you should do.

First step, drive all the way west out of the hustle and bustle of the loud, expansive city to LA’s backyard – the seaside escape, lovingly known as the ‘Bu. It’s the scenery you see in the movies, it’s the lifestyle that advertisements aim to recreate, and once you’ve been, it’s the feeling that you’ll always want to come back to. It’s the quintessential Southern California experience, and there’s nothing quite like it. Narrow and winding PCH cascades along the town, providing that moment for that windows rolled down, carefree car ride of every travelers dream. Coming from thousands of miles away (or even just from deep in LA), once you’re on PCH, you’re on vacation.

EAT

Listed in order from most decadent to casual, note that all of these spots are oceanside, just the way they should be in Malibu. We had to start with Nobu – but if sushi isn’t your thing, try Geoffrey‘s for a similar upscale experience. (Pro tip: Don’t dress too fancy. Even A-list celebrities wear sandals in Malibu. Casual is key to looking like you belong.) Carbon Beach Club Restaurant is stunning, and serves a seasonal land and sea menu using the finest, freshest, locally sourced ingredients. A must-try dining option for any meal, your only challenge will be picking inside or outside seating. 

Malibu Farm Restaurant is an amazing option – it’s located at the base of the pier, is farm to table style, and is decorated with beachy-chic touches everywhere you look. Head to Moonshadows, Gladstones or Dukes all for a more unbuttoned vibe. And lastly, you have to stop by Malibu Farm Cafe to grab a SoCal staple (a breakfast burrito) or to sip a sangria at the end of the pier. Be prepared to spot some dolphins and seals!

STAY

For a long time Malibu was solely a day trip due to lack of lodging options. Now, the most talked about place to stay is The Malibu Beach Inn and it’s truly special. From the moment you valet your car until the moment you’re checking out, the sound of crashing waves will follow you throughout your stay. It’s a boutique hotel, and it appoints each of its 47 guest rooms with private balconies to seemingly float above the sand and surf. The Malibu Beach Inn effortlessly indulges your Malibu daydream, all you have to do is slide open your balcony door. But no matter where you are in this hotel, the soft blue-gray hues, white oak and teak floors will remind you you’re in your Malibu hideaway.

The property also provides guests with the chance to enjoy its exclusive Carbon Beach, one of the most sought after beaches in all of Malibu. Nicknamed “Billionaire Beach” for a reason, the hotel provides private lounge chairs for the dreamiest beach situation you could imagine. The hotel also has a world class spa and offers daily beachside yoga.

PLAY

Playing, in Southern California, for the most part means going to the beach. Malibu is situated on 27 miles of pristine coastline, so it’s really about finding the beach that best suits your day. Dramatic and scenic El Matador is definitely a must-do. You won’t want to jump in the water here (it’s rocky) but you’re likely to see at least one photoshoot taking place – it’s that beautiful. We recommend taking an evening picnic here! Point Dume is fantastic for posting up for an entire day of tanning and playing in the waves. Directly adjacent to the pier is Malibu Surfrider Beach, where you guessed it, you should surf. (Rent gear at Malibu Surf Shack.)

Pirates Cove Beach is only accessible during low tide, so check the web, but is right out of a screensaver. But if you’re only going to go to one beach, go with the local favorite, Zuma. You can’t go wrong. Bring your volleyball and relax in the soft sand.

Malibu does have more than just beaches. People from all over come for the world class hiking as well. Some of TSR‘s favorites are: Solstice Canyon, Tuna Canyon Park, Escondido Canyon Park, Point Dume, and the Backbone Trail. Again, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a hike, so don’t stress.

A few last tips – check out the Getty Villa, Malibu Safari (home to that Insta-famous Giraffe!), and shop at the Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Lumber Yard. The Trancas Country Market is also worth checking out – it’s full of shops and restaurants (including the cutest candy shop you’ve ever seen), all of which celebrate Malibu’s unparalleled, laid-back style.