Whether you live on the West Side or simply feel like a fun day outing or mini-staycation, Malibu is a great place to go and relax, check out some Southern California history, experience outdoor beauty, and grab a bite or a drink. Stretches of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway are a dreamy reminder of what "California Dreamin'" is all about. What follows are some ideas for a day exploration of Malibu. There is of course so much more to discover, if you’ve got a tank full of gas and a love of the oceanside and open road.
Spiritual Malibu: Yoga Lifestyle, Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship
If you take Sunset down to the PCH and into Malibu, you’ll pass the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine grounds on your left hand side. California and LA in particular have a reputation as centers of spiritual discovery. Many Angelinos (and visitors) that are involved in yoga culture have made a pit stop at this enchanted 10-acre piece of land.
Abundant with gardens and a natural spring-fed lake, the SRF is a calming, lovely spiritual center in the middle of a major metropolis. Built in 1950, in honor of Paramahansa Yogananda (who wrote the famous spiritual book Autobiography of a Yogi), it is open to the public for lectures, special events, meditations and general exploration. There is a gift shop and museum on the grounds, as well as a chapel, visitors’ center, temple and of course the gardens and lake. The grounds are closed on Mondays, holidays and on rainy days.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
17190 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA
310-454-4114
Healthy Eating in Malibu at the Inn of the Seventh Ray
Keep the soothing, nature-inspired rhythms coursing through your veins with a nice outdoor lunch or dinner at The Inn of the Seventh Ray. Tucked away in Topanga Canyon, this little piece of Malibu/Southern California history is popular with the wedding set. Its romantic rustic grounds include a creek, and a tree-filled outdoor eating area (as well as an indoor eating area). Food is gourmet organic but not limited to vegetarian dishes--yet quite friendly to vegetarians. There is even a cute little spiritual bookstore on the grounds.
The Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd.
Topanga, CA
310-455-1311
Take in Some Art With the Fresh Air at the Getty
Even if you have surf and sand on your mind, that hilltop cultural Mecca of the Getty Villa seems to have a way of beckoning. Where else in LA can you experience Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities in a simulated period setting? General admission to the museum is free but be warned that you will have to make ticket and parking reservations in advance of your visit.
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California
310-440-7300
Malibu Beaches--Perfect for a Picnic and Surf-Watching
If you’re a true beach bunny or barney at heart, consider grabbing some sandwiches from the market and heading out to one of Malibu’s awesome beaches for a picnic and some surf-watching. There are so many to choose from: Will Rogers, Topanga Canyon, Surfrider, Las Tunas, Corral Canyon and Zuma, to start.
Hiking in Malibu
Malibu is home to some great nature trails. If you want to go a little further afield, there is a shuttle bus provided by the City of Malibu, that leaves from Point Dume beach parking lot and goes to the Point Dume Headlands nature preserve on Cliffside Drive. Near the Malibu Pier, there is a beach and nature trail starts at Malibu Lagoon and winds through the Malibu Creek State Park.
The Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum
Before or after your hike, take in some local history at the nearby Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum, located adjacent to the lagoon. The classic Malibu house was built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge Adamson. It’s a decorator’s favorite with its famous Malibu tile detailing. The views are, of course, breathtaking as well. The home was designed by well known architect Stiles Clements in 1929. Guided tours take place Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Malibu Lagoon Museum
23200 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
310-456-8432
Motorcycles in Malibu
If you cruise out to Malibu on a weekend morning, be sure to grab breakfast at Neptune’s Net. The classic laid back seafood cafe is a favorite with the “Born to be Wild” biker crowd. They ride on the PCH on the weekends and always end up stopping for a hang at the Net. Since 1958, this reliable spot has been serving up traditional seaside fare like New England clam chowder to hungry beach lovers, bikers, locals and visitors.
Neptune's Net
42505 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
310-457-3095
Horseback Riding in Malibu
If you’d sooner mount a horse than a motorcycle, Malibu can oblige. You and your family or friends can get back on the horse, so to speak, at places like Malibu Training Stables or Park Place Stable where ocean views and mountain trails beckon beginning and advanced riders. Malibu Riders provides horseback riding lessons and rentals in national and state parks in Malibu.
The Vineyards of Malibu: A Wine Tasting Experience
Wind down from your active Malibu day with a glass of wine. Many locals don’t know that Northern and Central California aren’t the only places that boast good vineyards. Malibu too is home to wine-growers like Rosenthal and Malibu Family Wines. Rosenthal even has a small but convenient little tasting room right on the PCH. Check the Internet before you order your flight though. There are often great limited time coupons floating around cyberspace for this tasting room.
Rosenthal - The Malibu Vineyard Tasting Room
26023 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
310-456-1392
Malibu Cocktails
If you like Pina Coladas, as the classic tune goes, make your last Malibu day trip stop at Paradise Cove. Some famous TV shows and movies were shot at the cove like Gidget, The O.C., Baywatch and Beach Blanket Bingo. So sit back and sip from your 'Whole Coconut CocoLada' or your 'Paradise Paralysis' (one of their drinks’ names, believe it or not) and wait for your close-up.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA
310-457-2503
