Malibu – 27 Miles of Scenic Beauty

As one of California’s most iconic locations, Malibu has a reputation for being one of the best places to relax in the warm California sun. It neighbors Santa Monica, and is only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. With the Santa Monica Mountains and several national parks surrounding its borders, the town of Malibu holds just as much appeal for nature enthusiasts as it does for those who love the high life.

Whether you choose to rent one of the many breathtaking vacation homes or bed at a resort instead, you’ll have no trouble finding comfortable accommodations. When you’re ready to hit the town, there are a wide variety of places to go. Malibu has a wonderful balance between casual and fine dining, with over 80 restaurants in the area. Coogie’s Beach Cafe is the local hotspot for a Californian breakfast, and beachgoers flock to Malibu Seafood for lunch that features the catch of the day. Most of the gourmet dinner spots, like Nobu and Duke’s, overlook the water, allowing you to enjoy remarkable views and even some dolphin-spotting while you eat. Much of the city’s shopping can be found along Cross Creek Road, which intersects with Highway 1. Here there is a great mix of upscale and mid-range shops.

Venture to the shore and you’ll be met with multiple beaches well-known for their beauty. El Matador State Beach is home to some of the most interesting rock formations on the West Coast, making it a favorite location of photographers and climbers. El Matador is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach which comprises three separate stunning coves. Zuma Beach, on the other hand, is the quintessential California beach, with a two-mile stretch of sand and no shortage of surfers and beach volleyball players. Paradise Cove is a public beach in front of a private facility which has been a location in many Hollywood movies over the years. This is a great place to start a beach walk to quiet beautiful places along the Malibu shoreline.

Related: Hidden Beaches of Malibu

Come to Malibu if you’re looking for the picture-perfect SoCal experience. You won’t be disappointed!