Malibu
The city’s very name evokes images of cache and coastal, casual chic, and maybe, just maybe, visitors might get a glimpse of one of the prestigious local influencers from “The Industry.” They tend to blend in and join in on the local fun! 27 miles of glorious beaches await you in Malibu, an iconic surf haven affectionately called “The Bu” by locals. First, to rent surf and beach equipment, go to Zuma Jay’s Surfshop, at 22775 Pacific Coast Highway. Malibu’s second-oldest business, the iconic shop, is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.
Call: (310) 456-8044 to reserve stand-up paddles, boogies, kayaks, and surfboards. Try to catch Zuma Jay himself – a former Malibu mayor, a stuntman and . . . . once upon a time . . . The Marlboro Man is one of Malibu’s iconic figures. No matter what brings you to Malibu, there’s plenty to choose from in terms of beaches, dining, and shopping! Here are our favorites.
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!
From Topanga, a beach with more than a mile of ocean footage and 21.5 acres – famous for its excellent surfing – all the way to County Line beach – where you can enjoy watching the kite surfers, each of Malibu’s fifteen gorgeous beaches offer something unique.
Zuma Beach‘s wide, broad, 1.8 mile-long beach provides expansive Pacific views, and its eight parking lots are user-friendly. Zuma’s two-mile-long walkway is great for pedestrians, is wheelchair-accessible, and family- and pet-friendly. Those who are interested in environmental challenges faced along the California coastline might be interested in peeking behind Zuma’s parking entrance, where scientists have cleared invasive plants from three acres of the sandy beach and dune habitat. Interpretive signage explains the project. Step carefully to
avoid harming the small plants that one day will help to re-develop the foredune habitat.
Info:
Malibu Living Shoreline Project – The Bay Foundation (santamonicabay.org).
Westward Beach, southeast of Zuma Beach, has ample parking. If you are hungry and want to treat yourself, try The Sunset Restaurant, known for its seafood and specialty cocktails. Right on the water, The Sunset is the perfect place to end a spectacular Malibu day enjoying fine cuisine and libations. Valet parking is available.
For more information: The Sunset Restaurant. Malibu is a hiker’s heaven. The Santa Monica Mountains offer trails for all ability levels. Explore here.
If one wants to venture beyond the beautiful beaches and trails to enjoy unique experiences, shopping, and dining, there are several
exclusive hidden gems. Start with a crystal immersion experience with some of the world’s largest crystals. Your experience at The Malibu Gives Sanctuary is one-of-a-kind. Enjoy interactive healing with large crystals – sit, stand, and lay life-size crystals! Crystal cleanses, and private wellness and reiki sessions are available.
For an exclusive, private appointment, call: (310) 387-8373. Location: 23838 Pacific Coast Hwy.
To see more crystals, stop by Sorenity Rocks Malibu‘s two locations – at the corner of Heathercliff and PCH and at The Park, 23401 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 3C, next to Howdy’s Restaurant. @SorenityRocksMalibu.
Howdy’s, a popular restaurant with the locals, offers breakfast all day, including vegan, vegetarian, and keto selections, as well as gourmet burritos, ensaladas, and wraps. Open from 9 am to 8 pm, Howdy’s is a great bet for beachgoers. Order online, walk-in, or call.
Howdyscafe.com and (310) 579-7549.
If you’re staying in Malibu and want to eat in for breakfast, check out Zene Flinn’s bagels and delicious baked items @MalibuBakingProject. Text or call: (509) 398-3000.
Shopping, Shopping & More shopping!
From one end of The Bu to another, there are a plethora of options. Ranch at The Pier – Located at the end of the iconic Malibu Pier is quintessentially Malibu and celebrates everything Land, Air, and Sea. Offering an eclectic array of intriguing, organic apparel, unique local ceramics, and jewelry, The Ranch is an ideal spot to breathe in the ocean air while picking up souvenirs. Purchase items
from Surf Skate Culture and supplies for boating, picnicking, camping, and motor-biking – everything one needs to enjoy a beautiful
seaside day! Open from 8 am to 8 pm every day at the Pier’s end, The Ranch offers something for everyone. T: (310) 456-8031 and theranchatthepier.com.
While on the Pier, visitors can eat at one of two restaurants. Malibu Farm Restaurant, a full-service restaurant with a complete bar and specialty cocktails, is at the start of the Pier. One can enjoy al fresco dining on the waterfront there and at Malibu Farm Cafe, located right across from The Ranch.
Across from The Pier are two intriguing shops that are easy to miss but well worth a stop. For one-of-a-kind gift items, stop by the well-curated boutique at Traveler Surf Club and Coastal Outpost, which offers surf culture souvenirs and books and offers surfers a place to store their boards and a fresh shower.
J-Home Malibu, located in The Chabad of Malibu, is adjacent to The Surf Club. The venue offers coastal household and gift items. Shopping is by appointment only. Email: limorpinz@ymail.com. T: (310) 456-6588. Address: 22943 Pacific Coast Highway,
Clothing & Accoutrements
Teressa Foglia Hats, 3824 Cross Creek Rd. in Malibu Village, offers adorable custom-made hats that Malibu-ize customers. Perfect for going out to dinner or beach walking, the hats are upscale and delightful. Malibu Village. To book an experience: Teressa Foglia.
For custom orders: hello@teressafogliacom.
Res Ipsa, @resipsausa, an eclectic, beautiful boutique, just expanded from Nantucket, Aspen, and Marrakech into Malibu Village. Known for its gorgeous fabrics, Kilim loafers, slippers, and Cowichan sweaters, Res Ipsa has delighted locals and tourists alike. Stop in any day from 10 am to 6 pm, and the owners, who originally were attorneys, will share their beautiful wares and the intriguing stories behind them. F.Y.I. “Res Ipsa” means “The thing speaks for itself,” and the gorgeous inventory at Res Ipsa speaks for itself – it is beautiful and unique.
Art, Art, & More Art!
The Malibu Art Garden, artist Ann Krasner’s gorgeous touring space, is open for visitors to enjoy and savor.
Krasner’s art garden debuts amid mixed media performance | Malibu Surfside News.
Email: ann@annkrasner.com.
Enjoy Malibu Art Gallery Walks every first Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Four galleries participate in the gallery crawl. In Malibu Village, check out @REDLADDERGALLERY, where Malibu artist, producer, and director Eamon Harrington, @eamonh, shares his viewpoints in bold and “right-on” original pieces.
Jac and Arlington Forbes’ @CANVAS.MALIBU at Malibu Country Mart features a beautifully curated Gallery offering global pieces that invite the sophisticated eye to lean in, ponder, and enjoy. Upstairs, Tracy Park Gallery exhibits local artists on the cutting edge. @THE.REAL.TRACY.PARK. @MALIBUCONTEMPORARYART – curated by Lori Mills, graces The Malibu Lumber Yard with creative and alluring works. Finally, for a one-of-a-kind experience, check out @SONG_WORD_ART, which curates and produces unique art exhibits inspired by legendary songwriters. From one end of The Bu to another, there’s always something new and exciting . . . and you can count on Glamifornia Style Lounge to always let you know what the buzz is.