photo by The Surfrider Malibu
Travel
The Ultimate Guide to 23 Group Getaway Ideas in Malibu, California
Beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, epic sunsets, plentiful wellness centers, and good surf make Malibu a quintessential California summer destination. We’ve combed the territory for the best food, wine, health centers, and...
photo by The Surfrider Malibu
Beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, epic sunsets, plentiful wellness centers, and good surf make Malibu a quintessential California summer destination. We’ve combed the territory for the best food, wine, health centers, and hotels around, and we’re here to share our top finds.
From where to spot celebs dining on Malibu’s fanciest sushi to places where you can grab a bottle of wine and picnic with friends, we’ve got your food and drinks planned. Not sure where to stay? We’ve got glamorous oceanfront villas and surfer-chic boutique hotels. We’re even throwing in a few fun activities while you’re hanging around the glitzy coastal town.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Hotel: The Surfrider
From where to spot celebs dining on Malibu’s fanciest sushi to places where you can grab a bottle of wine and picnic with friends, we’ve got your food and drinks planned. Not sure where to stay? We’ve got glamorous oceanfront villas and surfer-chic boutique hotels. We’re even throwing in a few fun activities while you’re hanging around the glitzy coastal town.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Hotel: The Surfrider
Where to Stay
Malibu, California
Laidback beach bungalows, traditional Japanese ryokans and luxury villas all call Malibu home. The common thread? Endless views of the Pacific. Know before you go: Malibu has beautiful weather year round so book in advance to ensure availability and room preference.
Malibu’s Surfrider opened in 2017 and has been lighting up Instagram radars ever since with its beautiful spaces and exquisitely curated art collections. The boutique hotel sits opposite Surfrider Beach and it's 20 rooms and guest-only roof deck boast views of Malibu Pier and First Point.
When access to Nobu the restaurant is on speed dial, you know your hotel is at the top of the luxury chain. Nobu Ryokan is a peaceful hideaway tucked along the edge of the ocean and designed to reflect a traditional Japanese Ryokan with teak soaking tubs and a minimalist aesthetic that perfectly frames the ocean.
Ooh la la! Living the life of luxury is easy to do at Malibu Beach Inn. Set right on the beachfront, the bright and sunny ocean-facing suites here will have you feeling like you’re one of the Malibu elite. You’ll also find a beautiful Mediterranean style restaurant on-site and a spa that’s great for facials, massages and more.
This stunning stone villa sits right on its own private three-acre beach in one of Malibu’s most exclusive areas. The house includes accommodations for up to eight guests and an incredible rooftop pool and patio. The property extends to include grassy lawns, beautiful beach and plenty of opportunities to gaze at the starry night sky.
This former roadside motel is now one of Malibu’s hottest mid-century modern boutique hotels right along PCH. With just 13 bungalow-style rooms, each has its own personality and unique art collection. Spend your days surfing and your afternoons lounging in the hammocks at this special spot.
A couple of airstreams and belle tents sit on this Pacific hilltop property overlooking the ocean. Zuma Sanctuary is an awesome getaway for the hippie in you, which isn’t always easy to find in luxurious Malibu. Head here for a weekend with your dearest friends and plan to spend a lot of time gazing at those magical Malibu sunsets.
Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
Malibu, California
Photo by Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
A classic California ranch tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains, Calamigos offers bungalows, luxury cottages and estate rooms in a setting that wows. The beach club here has paddle boards and surf boards for rent, if you’re up for tackling that famous Malibu right-hander.
Where to Eat + Drink
Malibu, California
California fare along this stretch of coast includes fresh sushi, healthy meals and plenty of wine. From grabbing a salad on the pier to wine tasting with a friendly giraffe, find adventure paired with your dining and drinking excursions while in Malibu.
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Set out at the end of a long pier in Malibu sits Malibu Farm Café and Malibu Farm Restaurant, each shining beacons of farm-fresh food served day and night. Looking for a full bar and sit-down dining experience? Opt for the restaurant. If you’re feeling a more casual vibe, head to the café.
Nobu
Malibu, California
Photo by Daniel Izquierdo
Dine by the oceanfront at this famous sushi spot in Malibu that’s known to be a big celeb-spotting venue. The menu is chockfull of heavy-hitters, with something to please every palette. And the space, with its open-air feel and minimalist design, makes Nobu a perfect date spot when a major celebration is in order.
Wine, giraffes, views, zebras, vineyards, camels. All that and more is on deck at Malibu Wine Safaris, where you can hop in an open-air Safari tour to taste various Santa Monica Mountain wines while hanging with a gang of animals.
Part of Malibu’s Soho House, Little Beach House is a private club right on the oceanfront at Billionaire’s Beach. The sunny terrace stretches along the shore and the interiors perfectly frame the sea with huge windows and a bright, airy vibe. Stop in for drinks, a bite or simply to enjoy the stellar view.
No California summer’s day is complete without a trip to a really good winery with a fabulous picnic space. Head to Malibu Wines on a weekend and you’re sure to find a crowd sprawled out on the lawns, soaking up the sunshine and sipping some of the best wines in town.
When you’re looking to get your caffeine fix, beeline it straight to Café Luxxe for artisanal coffees served in a lively, modern setting. These guys roast their own coffee in small batches, so there’s always something new and buzzy to look forward to.
Salty air and summer sun set the scene for this casual beachfront hang. Cholada Thai Cuisine is known for its traditional curries, noodle dishes and flavorful salads. It's kind of the perfect beach food.
Approachable, delicious, farm-to-table dining makes this California cuisine shine like a star. Ollo is in a lovely, cozy space right on PCH and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mr. Chow
Malibu, California
Photo by Alen Lin
Beverly Hills staple, Mr. Chow, also has an outpost at the Malibu Country Mart. The classic upscale Chinese fare is served in a bright, glossy all-white setting.
If and when you’re looking for a good, juicy burger to scarf down near the beach, these guys have you covered. Head to Malibu Burger Co. for the cool, casual atmosphere and variety of options for beef eaters and veg heads alike.
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The Sunset is a hoppin’ little joint right on the beach that offers brunch, a seafood bar, lunch, dinner, and a really good happy hour (seriously, it lasts till 9pm every weekday!). Head over on a Sunday for sunset and you’re likely to find a DJ playing sweet tunes and adding to the chill vibe.
What to Experience
Malibu, California
This beach town is all about wellness. Open ocean meditations, detox programs, massages and luxury retreats are all here to help you reset, recharge and find your best version of yourself. Think of it as a vacation within your vacation.
When you’re looking for a spiritual journey out on the open ocean, Jobi Manson’s Water + Spirit paddleboard session is rad. The two and a half hour session of guided meditation, journaling and astrological birth chart reading makes accessing the subconscious seem easy.
A weeklong program at Aja focuses on spiritual centering, plant-based detoxing and chakra alignment in the hills of Malibu. The property is absolutely beautiful, with no detail overlooked, making an epic setting for a getaway that’s all about finding your center.
A wellness retreat with 16 standalone cottages perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Ranch focuses on whole-body rejuvenation. A weeklong stay at the stunning property includes daily massages, hikes, fitness classes, meditation, yoga and a nutrition program designed to fit your wellness goals.
Where to Shop
Malibu, California
Inspired by the design of your hotel? Find some of the local pieces from your hotel while shopping in Malibu for the best souvenir ever. Bonus: Most of the items found in Malibu are one-of-a-kind, locally produced or hand made so you know you're getting a forever piece.
This sweet little Malibu beach shop sits right on the beach and is open daily for all your beachy, breezy gift and décor needs. Pop in to comb through great books, beach totes, baskets, throw pillows and beach accessories.
Part surf shop, skate shop, gift shop and beach go-to, Ranch at the Pier is a darling eclectic retail spot right on the Malibu pier. You can also grab fishing permits and stock up on bait, tackle and rental rods.
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