This starry enclave is known for its stunning beaches, prime surfing, scenic hiking and celebrity estates. Here's our guide to Malibu.
A king room at Nobu Ryokan Malibu overlooking the ocean.
Where To Eat
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22706 E. Pacific Coast Highway, noburestaurants.com/malibu
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Perched on the Pacific, this swank Malibu hot spot is the perfect place to sip on a yuzu-infused cocktail and sample fresh sashimi. Nobu’s delicious Japanese fusion dishes and intimate ambience make it a celeb go-to—and one of the most sought-after reservations in all of L.A.
3835 Cross Creek Rd Suite #18, luckysmalibu.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Drop by for lunch, brunch or dinner to this Malibu Country Mart favorite. On top of an impressive list of fine wines from Italy all the way to Chile, the ritzy steakhouse offers a tasty sliced steak salad and rich French onion soup.
23359 E. Pacific Coast Highway #3874A, broadstreetoyster.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: After a day of surfing, Broad Street Oyster Co. is the best neighborhood spot for freshly-prepared seafood right off the coast. The cozy restaurant and raw bar serves up ceviche, lobster rolls and, of course, a daily selection of oysters.
327 Latigo Canyon Road, themalibucafe.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Need a break from the beach? Tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains is Calamigos Ranch, which is home to casual eatery Malibu Cafe. Diners can take out cheese and charcuterie for a tranquil picnic near the property’s lake or enjoy live music on the lawn while snacking on fig burrata toast and roasted shishito peppers.
23000 E Pacific Coast Highway, malibu-farm.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Right on the edge of the glistening ocean at Malibu Pier sits this idyllic farm-to-table bistro. With an emphasis on cooking with fresh, locally sourced produce, Malibu Farm is known for its simple yet delicious California coastal cuisine. Indulge in the famous cauliflower crust pizza or for a quick bite, walk to the end of the pier and grab a fried egg sandwich to go at the cafe.
Where To Stay
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23033 E. Pacific Coast Highway, thesurfridermalibu.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Immerse yourself in SoCal surf culture with a getaway at The Surfrider. Bright linens, rustic chic decor and natural light streaming through the windows create the feel of staying at an elegant beach house. The hotel is just steps away from Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach—an ideal spot to catch a wave.
22752 E Pacific Coast Highway, malibu.nobuhotels.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: At Nobu Hotels’ first and only ryokan—which is a traditional Japanese inn— guests can retreat into minimalist style and appreciate the nature that Malibu has to offer. With exclusive access to Carbon Beach and secluded gardens, a weekend escape at Nobu Ryokan is the perfect way to recenter. Amenities include in-room spa treatments, access to the members-only Malibu Racquet Club and first dibs on reservations at Nobu Malibu restaurant.
22878 E Pacific Coast Highway, malibubeachinn.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Wake up to crashing waves and an ocean breeze at this beachfront hotel. Malibu Beach Inn’s newly redesigned suites are warm and airy, each with a private balcony floating above the sand. After a light breakfast at Carbon Beach Club, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at CURE Daily Spa or head out onto the water for an adventurous paddleboarding excursion.
Where To Relax
35000 Pacific Coast Highway, californiabeaches.com/beach/leo-carrillo-state-park-north-beach/
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: This family-friendly beach is separated into two parts—North and South Beach. Take your pup out for a morning run across the shore at North Beach and explore the Sequit Point dividing the coastline, which is a rocky barrier filled with tiny tide pools and caves.
32200 Pacific Coast Highway, californiabeaches.com/beach/el-matador-state-beach/
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: As one of the pocket beaches in Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is a small but stunning strip of the coast. The breathtaking Malibu cliffs makes it a famed photoshoot locale and gorgeous lookout. Pack a picnic for evening and watch the striking sunset gleam over the Pacific.
Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Drive, californiabeaches.com/beach/zuma-county-beach
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Play a game of volleyball in the smooth, white sand or try out windsurfing on the crystal clear water at one of the most popular summer destinations in L.A. As one of the busier beaches in Malibu, Zuma is a great place to bring friends and family for a day of sunbathing and water sports. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a gray whale or dolphin splashing around during migration season.
Where To Shop
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3835 Cross Creek Road, malibucountrymart.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Browse through high-end shops like Oliver Peoples and John Varvatos at Malibu’s iconic outdoor mall. In addition to upscale retail stores, the outlet is home to several gourmet restaurants, including Greek-inspired Taverna Tony and Lucky’s Steakhouse. Stop by Alfred Coffee or grab a Sunlife smoothie for a pick-me-up while strolling around in the sun.
3939 Cross Creek Rd Ste D100, themalibulumberyard.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: The charming Malibu Lumber Yard is the perfect shopping center for some much needed retail therapy. With a sister store on Melrose in West Hollywood, the Maxfield outpost is a must for avant garde clothing. For beachwear, head to Intermix and peruse through a selection of stylish summer frocks. End the day with a bite of guacamole and a Cuban sandwich at Malibu’s renowned Cafe Habana.
30745 E Pacific Coast Highway, trancascountrymarket.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Known for its rustic and small-town feel, the Trancas Country Market in western Malibu is a wonderful spot to mellow out and embrace the laid-back SoCal lifestyle. Take a breathwork class at Malibu Meditations Journey, pick up some fresh and organic produce from Vintage Grocers and bring home an elegant bouquet of eco-friendly flowers from Sea Lily floral design boutique.
3836 Cross Creek Road, malibuvillage.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: This one-stop-shop features a collection of local boutiques, wellness destinations, services and favorite eateries. Explore the latest from home and apparel brands like Fred Segal Malibu, Catch Surf and Zadig & Voltaire; grab a bite at Broad Street Oyster Co. or Marmalade Cafe; or escape from it all with a meditation session at The Mindry.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
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6800 Westward Beach Road, thesunsetrestaurant.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Just like its namesake, this trendy restaurant has a remarkable view of the Malibu sunset over Zuma Beach. Decompress after a sun-soaked day at happy hour with a glass of the Famous Sunset Mai Thai or the refreshing, cucumber-based Westward.
28128 E. Pacific Coast Highway, paradisecovemalibu.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Enter a tropical oasis at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. The fun and friendly restaurant specializes in handcrafted, extravagant cocktails. Savor the berry-infused Malibu Starburst or the bright Pineapple Mojito served in a whole pineapple.
Where To Hit The Town
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23000 CA-1, malibupier.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Cast a line and try to catch a halibut or mackerel at one of the most well-known piers in all of the Golden State. After facing severe storm damage in the 1990s, Malibu Pier was rebuilt into an oceanfront destination for kayaking, surfing and shopping. See if you can spot the picturesque setting in Shark Week promos and dozens of Hollywood blockbusters.
Cultural Experiences
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1419 N Topanga Canyon Boulevard, theatricum.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Surrounded by lush greenery, the outdoor theater founded by The Waltons star Will Geer in 1973 is the premier center of arts and culture. Take in Shakespeare classics, improv performances and folk concerts year round that blend into a scenic garden backdrop.
Hidden Gem
californiabeaches.com/beach/carbon-beach-east-access
What used to be a completely unmarked stretch of pristine sand alongside dazzling homes of celebrities like David Geffen and Larry Ellison, Carbon Beach—or Billionaire’s Beach, as it’s more commonly known—now has an actual beach access sign marking where to enter along the PCH. Even so, it’s never very crowded. Boasting stunning views of the coastline, soft, powdery sand and a lineup of some of the most lustworthy real estate just steps away, the relaxed, quiet beach—located just east of the Malibu Pier—is perfect for whiling the day away with a great book or podcast. Note that there are no facilities and no dogs allowed.
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