Malibu Magic
AS FEATURED IN ANGELENO MAGAZINE By Hannah George & Camryn Wilneff - June 18, 2024
Known for its stunning beaches, prime surfing and scenic stays, Malibu is where it’s at, especially during the summer months. Here’s our guide to the starry enclave.
Chill out seaside at Calamigos’ The Beach Club. PHOTO BY CATHERINE DZILENSKI
STAY
Immerse yourself in SoCal surf culture at The Surfrider, just steps away from Malibu Pier. Bright linens, rustic chic decor and natural light streaming through the windows creates the feeling of staying at an elegant beach house that you’ll never want to leave.
Check into The Surfrider for easy access to the waves. PHOTO BY TREVOR TONDRO
Nobu Hotels’ first and only ryokan—meaning Japanese inn—pairs minimalist style with a natural setting. With exclusive access to Carbon Beach, secluded gardens, in-room spa treatments and the members-only Malibu Racquet Club, this weekend escape is the perfect place to recenter.
Wake up to crashing waves at this beachfront hotel. After a light breakfast at the Carbon Beach Club, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at CURE Daily Spa, head out onto the water for an adventurous paddleboarding excursion and catch Jacquie Aiche’s jewelry pop-up every third Thursday through the end of August.
Malibu Beach Inn. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
CALAMIGOS GUEST RANCH & BEACH CLUB
Your luxurious bungalow awaits at this ranch-style retreat. Just 12 minutes away from the beach, this eco-safe resort supplies guests with yoga, Malibu Glow facials and exclusive access to The Beach Club for oceanside dining or spending the day in the sand.
Calamigos Guest Ranch offers the ultimate ranch-style getaway this summer. PHOTOS BY CATHERINE DZILENSKI
DINE & DRINK
Perched on the Pacific, this Malibu hot spot is the perfect place to sip a yuzu-infused cocktail and sample fresh sashimi. The intimate ambiance makes it a celeb go-to—and one of the most sought-after reservations in L.A.
The coastal interiors of Zinqué Malibu make it the perfect locale for brunch or dinner. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
For bonne cuisine by the beach, swing by Zinqué’s posh Malibu location from sun up til sundown. Fork into three-hour braised coq au vin and a summery beet salad while sipping on a cucumber “Offrez-vous” from Le Bar.
Tuna Tartine from Zinqué. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Drop by for lunch, brunch or dinner at this Malibu Country Mart favorite. On top of an impressive list of fine wines from Italy to Chile, the ritzy steakhouse offers a tasty sliced steak salad and decadent French onion soup.
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.
Right on the edge of Malibu Pier sits this idyllic farm-to-table bistro and cafe. With an emphasis on cooking with locally sourced produce, Malibu Farm is known for its pared-down, delicious California coastal cuisine like the famous zucchini crust pizza, beefy ‘bu nachos and fresh-squeezed strawberry lemonade.
Just like its namesake, this popular restaurant has an incredible view of the Malibu sunset over Zuma Beach. Decompress after a sun-soaked day with the Giant Sunset Mai Tai and a sizeable seafood tower.
Enter a tropical oasis at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. The welcoming spot specializes in handcrafted cocktails and feel-good food. Order a platter of coconut shrimp to pair with their twist on a mojito—served in a whole pineapple.
PLAY
This family-friendly beach is split into two parts: North and South Beach. Take your pup out for a morning run on North Beach and explore the Sequit Point dividing the coastline, a rocky barrier filled with tiny tide pools and caves.
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 make it a famed photoshoot locale, a gorgeous lookout and an enviable spot for a sunset picnic.
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.
Boasting stunning views of the coastline, powdery sand and a lineup of some of the most lust-worthy real estate, this quiet beach located just east of the Malibu Pier is perfect for whiling the day away with a great book or podcast.
Cast a line, rent a stand-up paddleboard or peruse the chic shops at one of the most well-known piers in all of the Golden State. See if you can spot the picturesque setting in Shark Week promos and dozens of Hollywood blockbusters.
SHOP
Browse through high-end shops like Oliver Peoples and John Varvatos at this 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.
The charming Malibu Lumber Yard is the perfect shopping center for some much-needed retail therapy. Pick up a new piece from the Maxfield outpost before spicy cucumber margaritas and chicken tinga tacos at Cafe Habana.
Known for its rustic and small-town feel, the Trancas Country Market in western Malibu is a wonderful spot to embrace the laid-back SoCal lifestyle. Grab some organic produce from Vintage Grocers, a classic brunch at Kristy’s or a beer flight from Malibu Brewing Company.
This one-stop-shop features a collection of local boutiques, wellness destinations and favorite eateries. Explore the latest finds from Fred Segal Malibu and Catch Surf or escape from it all with a meditation session at The Mindry.