Vacation In Malibu
Vacation in Malibu, a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, is the most sought after vacation resort location in Southern California. From sun-drenched palm trees to beautiful sandy beaches, there are endless things to do and explore when you visit Malibu. The fun begins as soon as you arrive at the airport, where you can take advantage of everything from paragliding to tandem skydiving, who was voted the
The incredible beauty of a Malibu vacation can be found in it’s relaxing environment. The natural splendor and majestic surroundings, also allows for a chance to spend quality time with friends and family. There are several activities ranging from the beach to shopping and nearby attractions.
This beaming beach is located in the neighborhood of Malibu Beach, one of the most popular vacation destinations in California. The best time to visit this location is spring when a variety of flowers are in bloom. More than 250 species of birds visit this area to nest, feed and rest.
Balboa Park is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you’re a little kid. And even if you aren’t. It’s filled with lots of animals and places to go swimming and nice people who will tell you about animals and stuff.
Just because you can’t afford the yearly vacation to Europe doesn’t mean you have to stow your suitcase away and stay at home. There are plenty of destinations here in the US that can offer you a vacation paradise for less money than you think.
Vacation In Malibu
Malibu brings to mind celebrities living in beautiful beachfront homes with fancy sports cars parked in the driveway. But it turns out that this small town also offers an array of activities — mostly outdoor ones — that are accessible to everyone. Miles of canyon trails, long stretches of sandy beach, and plenty of dining opportunities make Malibu a great place to spend a day even if you aren’t rich or famous.
Here are eight reasons to consider a visit to Malibu.
1. You Can Relax On Beautiful Beaches
Malibu offers 27 miles of beachfront to explore, so whether you prefer to sun on the sand or get in the water, you’ll definitely enjoy spending time here.
If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of some of those impressive beach homes, head to Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire’s Beach. You’ll find parking along the Pacific Coast Highway or near the Malibu Pier.
Fans of The O.C. or Baywatch will want to check out Paradise Cove Beach. Several television shows and movies have been filmed on this small beach. With an on-site restaurant and beach rentals available, this is the place to go if you want to relax in comfort. Reserve a lounge chair, order a cocktail, and appreciate the ocean view. Parking is available for a fee.
Surfers — or anyone who enjoys watching them — should head to Topanga Beach. With over a mile of oceanfront, there’s plenty of space here to relax. In addition to surfing, this is a great spot for scuba diving and windsurfing. Paid parking is available in the nearby lot.
Malibu’s most famous stretch of sand is Zuma Beach, a popular spot for Angelenos to hang out on a sunny day. The shallow water and gently sloping sand make this beach ideal for wading, swimming, and bodysurfing. Free parking can be found on the street, but paid lots are also available.
2. You Can Learn To Surf Or Paddleboard
If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, there is no more beautiful location to do so than Malibu. And fortunately, there are plenty of experienced companies ready to help.
Malibu Surf Coach and Malibu Surf Shack both offer lessons for people of all ability levels and ages. Why not learn how to ride the waves in one of the world’s most famous surf spots?
If you like the idea of being on the water but don’t want to surf, other options include stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Malibu Surf Shack offers rentals and tours for both of these activities.
3. The Canyons Are Perfect For Hiking
Malibu is part of the 156,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a vast space perfect for hiking. In fact, nestled in these hills are some of the most popular hikes in Los Angeles County.
Malibu Creek State Park offers 15 miles of waterside hiking plus the opportunity to see the site where the television show MAS*H was filmed. The park also boasts historic sites from the 19th century, most notably the Sepulveda Adobe. It’s hard to believe that downtown Los Angeles is just 30 minutes away!
For a hike with an ocean view, head to the aptly named Ocean View Trail in Zuma Canyon. This trail has a 750-foot elevation gain, so it’s a good workout, but the views of Zuma Beach make it worth the effort.
If your goal is to see a waterfall, then head to the Escondido Falls Trail. This 3.7-mile round-trip hike will take you past two waterfalls and ultimately to the tallest falls in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Pro Tip: If hiking the trails through Malibu’s canyons isn’t for you, consider exploring them on horseback instead. You can take a ride through Zuma Canyon with Malibu Riders or Connemara Ranch and enjoy the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains along with ocean views. Schedule a ride in the spring, and you may also see the wildflowers in bloom.
4. The Getty Villa Is A Unique (And Free) Art Museum
The Getty Villa alone is worth the trip to Malibu. Built by J. Paul Getty, the structure is a replica of the Villa dei Papiri, which was rediscovered in the 1750s in Italy. Here the focus is on ancient art, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire. Even better? This world-class museum is free!
Surrounding the Getty Villa are four gardens: the Outer Peristyle, Inner Peristyle, Herb Garden, and East Garden. Be sure to take time to stroll these lovely gardens, which feature more than 300 varieties of plants and flowers.
Free docent-led tours of the gardens, the Getty Villa, and the special collections are available and will definitely enhance your visit.
5. The Malibu Pier Is Lots Of Fun
To get the absolute best view of Malibu, you’ll need to walk along the Malibu Pier. Look out over the vast Pacific Ocean, or appreciate the rising Santa Monica Mountains. Built in 1905, this pier has served as a shipping hub and a U.S. Coast Guard Lookout Station, and today it’s a fun destination for locals and visitors alike. There are a few small shops to explore as well as restaurants for when you get hungry.