Malibu: The Beautiful Billionaire’s Beach
The stunning natural wonder of the Pacific coastline is obvious to see. Gaze in awe at the lush green mountains as they edge the deep blue sea. Locals call Malibu “the Bu”. It is a relaxed celebrity packed beach town that is famous for its incredible twenty miles of beaches, local wines, world-class restaurants and trendy couture boutiques.
And for being the setting for the famous TV series Baywatch, which was set next to Malibu Pier. And Malibu Film Festival in the spring is an esteemed celebrity event. The main pastimes here are surfing and shopping. So whether you want to head into the Pacific or into the Malibu Colony Plaza, where the stars shop, Malibu is the place for you. There is also a wealth of outdoor activities available in Malibu colony beach, with several national parks and green spaces ready to be explored.
Lush greenery meets golden sands in Malibu.
Start your vacation with startling coastal views by heading to Highlands Park. This park is on a cliff and has a few hiking trails. It is the perfect spot for jogging. Make it to the bench and viewing deck and you will be treated to an unrivalled view of Palos Verdes and the surfers and dolphins in the surf below. Surfers need to head out the point break in Malibu Lagoon, a popular regional classic.
Visit the easily recognizable Malibu Pier, walk out to the end and watch the surfers in the water and talk to the fishermen. This historic pier was constructed in 1905 as a loading dock and is now a the quintessential sightseeing destination in Malibu. For more history head to the relatively secret Adamson House, which most life long Angelenos don’t even know about.
This Spanish Colonial Revival mansion from the thirties features intricate ceramic tiles from the historic Malibu Potteries. The tile designs are beautiful enough to distract you from the incredible view of Surfrider Beach and Malibu Pier from the gardens.
A stunning Malibu villa perched right on the shoreline.
Next visit one of the most popular beaches in Southern California, Zuma Beach. This stretch of beach is three miles wide and usually packed with avid sun worshippers. All levels from beginner to expert come here for watersports like fishing, surfing, kitesurfing and swimming.
Learn to surf with Aqua Surf School Inc. There is a massive parking lot and seasonal food vendors to make your visit to Zuma Beach even more convenient. Zuma Beach leads to Westward Beach, where the waves are more hard core and there are less water sports. But it is still a beautiful beach worth checking out. Surfers should head to the aptly named Surfrider Beach for awesome swells and volleyball courts.
Other beaches to visit are Leo Carillo Beach and Escondido Beach, which allows dogs. For more beautiful nature, head to the Point Dume State Preserve, and walk along the cliffs to see the incredible views of the whole of Santa Monica Bay.
The natural rock formations on Malibu's beaches will take your breath away.
Malibu’s natural beauty also provides the perfect environment for vineyards and superb local wines. Rent a luxury or exotic car to fully enjoy the drive to Malibu Wines. You will weave through the scintillating roads of the Santa Monica Mountains before you arrive at your destination.
Tastings are held on the green lawn under an awning, and regulars request the horseshoe set from the counter for some entertainment, so that you can fully appreciate this beautiful setting. Another winery worth a visit is the Rosenthal Malibu Estate Vineyard, which has delectable wines that you can try in the beachside tasting room.
Bring a picnic to enjoy with your wine and then take advantage of the desert and crepe vendors. Malibu Family Wines is set in a stunning tasting room and has some of the best wines in the area, with live music at the weekends.
The rugged coastline of Malibu.
Stay in one of our luxury Malibu villas and the chances are you will be just walking distance from some fabulous shops and high-end retail areas. Malibu Country Mart has fantastic dining and shopping set in six acres of gardens and playgrounds. The architectural style of the best shopping center in Malibu is an appealing blend of Mediterranean rustic and modern styles.
Conveniently located in Malibu Country Mart is Ambience Skin & Body, an amazing day spa with the ambience of a charming beach cottage. Malibu Colony Plaza is an outdoor shopping center with landscaped gardens and a Mediterranean feel with the terracotta rooftops. This is where the residents of the upscale Malibu Colony shop for their luxury designer clothes.
Finally Malibu Lumber Yard, given its name because it is built on the site of an old lumber yard, is a unique place to shop. The hardwood floors might be expected but the largest freestanding aquarium in Los Angeles is a nice surprise when you are shopping. After all that shopping unwind at the CURE Salon and Spa, which is a medical spa where the services are all performed by a doctor. Relax with a glass of wine after your treatment and luxuriate in this refined space.
The sparkling lights of the Malibu Pier at night.
For food and refreshment Malibu has a lot to offer. Head to Geoffrey’s for an upscale dining experience with incredible ocean views from the outdoor terrace. Make sure that you drive there in something special though as the parking lot is always full of luxury exotic cars like Rolls Royces. Enjoy perusing the celebrity sketches on the wall.
For a truly unique dining experience go to Paradise Cove, which is on its own private beach. Which happens to also be the only beach in Southern California were alcohol is served. The ambience is second to none and the food is good. This is a spot that the locals love so make reservations.
As Malibu faces south it is sometimes difficult to find a good vantage point to view the sunset, which is why you must visit Sunset Restaurant, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Recline on a white leather bench and watch as the sky turns orange and pink, resembling a neoclassical painting. As the sun sets the night comes alive at the Malibu colony beach bars like Spruzzo’s Café and Moon Shadows setting the scene.
Malibu Pier at sunset.
Malibu is a beach paradise with huge helpings of activities to do. Whether you are sporty or prefer to sunbath and shop, there is something for everyone in this little stretch of beach on the Pacific Coast Highway. Rent a luxury villa here to be just steps away from the sands and complex for best shopping in Malibu.