Malibu

Every area of Malibu is lovely, and each has its subtle nuances. When in the area, these seven locations are worth checking out:

Broad Beach

The epitome of laid-back, luxury beach living, Broad Beach has a casual Cape Cod vibe. Its attractiveness comes from its sloping shores, great surf, soft sand, and northern tide pools. The area also offers some of the best ocean views in California. Imagine waking up each morning to one of those spectacular views. It's undoubtedly attainable at Villa Filomena. This incredible three-story villa (complete with elevator) has everything a luxury traveler could want, including a lighted tennis court.

La Costa Beach

The first neighborhood to be developed in Malibu was La Costa Beach back in the 1920s. Today, La Costa is peaceful and secluded. As with all beaches in California, the public has access; however, the beach is difficult for non-residents to get to. So, the uncrowded shores and majestic ocean views make La Costa an excellent place to call home, and many do. It's also a great place for luxury travelers to call home while visiting Malibu. Villa Jocelyn, with its calm Mediterranean-like energy, is just steps from the ocean. Three bedrooms and four bathrooms can easily accommodate six guests.

La Tunas Beach

Malibu's southernmost beach is much easier to access than its surrounding neighbors. Las Tunas is a real hit with fishermen and scuba divers. Some areas are suitable for swimming, surf fishing, and surfing. Sitting on the shores of this beach is the ultra-modern Villa Arianna. Not only does it provide four bedrooms, but it's also close to shopping, fine dining, and the nightlife scene. It's one of the select stylish Malibu beach villas LVH has to offer its luxury travel guests.

Malibu Colony

This area of Malibu was once a modest getaway place for some of old Hollywood's finest talent. Today, it's an area rife with artists, filmmakers, actors, and high-powered movers and shakers in the film industry and in business. It's close to shopping, dining, and movie theaters. Malibu Colony is also near the Malibu Lagoon, the famed Malibu Pier, and Surfrider Beach. For a truly spectacular view, visitors to Malibu should consider making Villa Lolita their beachside retreat. This elegant home can accommodate 12 guests.

Malibu Park

Malibu Park is a much sought-after area with its gorgeous ocean and mountain views. The neighborhood backs up to some incredible hiking trails. The area was ravaged by the Woolsey fire in 2018 and had one of the highest percentages of homes lost in Malibu, but the community rallied behind the residents who continue to rebuild and restore the neighborhood.

Malibu Road Beach

Malibu Road is one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in Malibu and exactly where the grandiose Villa Antoinette is located. The beautifully appointed, modern villa-style property offers the most amazing ocean views and is privy to more than 128 feet of beach frontage. Its proximity to the Malibu Colony Plaza shopping district makes Malibu Road Beach a very enticing area for a vacationer's temporary home while in California.

Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach is likely the most famous beach in Malibu. The two-mile stretch of shore with its light brown sand, is a favorite for surfers. The vast beach has lifeguard stations spaced out along the coast. Zuma Beach is terrific for volleyball, walking in the surf, picnics, or just relaxing. The beach has several various food stands. It's all sand, surf, and fun at Zuma.

There's a lot to discover when it comes to the dining situation in Malibu. Eating poorly is not an option when there are some fine dining establishments in the area. These six get exceptionally high marks:

Geoffrey's

Off the Pacific Coast Highway, Geoffrey's has specialized in fresh-caught seafood since 1948, when it was a favorite spot of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. The breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline are kicked up by waterfalls and tropical plants, which create the decidedly romantic atmosphere at Geoffrey's. Exceptional dishes include seafood paella and tuna tartare. Californian cuisine can be enjoyed while dolphins and whales showcase their fantastic water displays.

Lucky's Malibu

Lucky's, the upscale Malibu steakhouse, has been a hit ever since it opened its doors. Crisp, white tablecloths adorn the sun-drenched tables. Wraparound views of the ocean make dining at Lucky's an even more stellar experience. Lucky's is sticking to a traditional steakhouse menu with options like shrimp cocktail, fried calamari alongside ample steaks and chop, roast chicken, and others.

Moonshadows

Dining at Moonshadows feels like dining on a luxury yacht surrounded by massive windows for an exemplary panoramic ocean view. The mouthwatering dishes have Asian fusion, Italian and American influences. Appetizers include choices such as duck and shiitake mushroom spring rolls and octopus carpaccio, while main courses feature dishes like miso-glazed black cod and almond-crusted albacore tuna steak.

Nobu Malibu

Nobu is probably the most famous restaurant in Malibu. It has locations all over the globe. It's a highly trendy place to dine, and the Asian-inspired cuisine is top-notch. Chef Matsuhisa's sushi is among the best in the area. Try the lobster tempura truffle amazu or the roasted king crab with uni or shiso serrano.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Saddle Peak Lodge is an authentic destination restaurant. It's located in the Santa Monica Hills above Malibu, close to lovely hiking trails. Its 100-year-old history is colorful and varied. It once was a place where Hollywood's elite could eat dinner in peace. Besides having traditional staples like Caesar salad, pork loin, and asparagus, the menu also features rarer meats such as emu, ostrich, venison, and elk.

The Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar

The Sunset is a bit off the beaten path, but the fare is worth it. The eateries sit pretty much right on the sand on Zuma Beach, so the ocean views are tremendous. The décor is simple, and the ambiance is upbeat. The risotto, asparagus and shrimp or the pumpkin tortellini are favorites.

California is full of creative types. Here are five artsy venues showcasing the talents of local and international artists that vacationers might want to take in a while stepping out from their Malibu luxury house for a time:

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) connects people and their ideas. The museum aims to enrich and inspire exceptional visual arts experiences through exhibitions. For instance, one exhibit, Car Culture, by Jonathan Michael Castillo, was the first solo museum exhibition of the artist's work and features his arresting, candid photographs that capture Los Angeles's unique driving culture.

Depart Foundation Art Gallery

Contemporary artists departing from what they've done in the past are given the support of the Depart Foundation Art Gallery through exhibitions, discussions, and the production of art. For instance, the gallery has featured the paintings of LA-based artist Joey Wolf, a small tsunami, a video featuring artist and architect Theo Triantafyllidis, and an exhibition featuring 44 artists whose works lie at the intersection of art and surfing.

Frederick R. Weisman Museum

The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University was founded in 1992. It showcases historical and contemporary art by nationally recognized artists, focusing on California's art. Past exhibitions have included Andy Warhol: Life and Legends, Rodin: Muses, Sirens, Lovers, and Wayne Thiebaud: Works on Paper.

The Getty Villa

Step into the Getty Villa to view Greek and Roman antiquities in a re-created Roman country home. This is a unique experience offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, and ocean breezes. The Getty Villa strives to inspire human understanding through visual art and cultural heritage. This outing is perfect for children as well.

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery features works exclusively by 14 established Southern California-based artists. These creatives exhibit internationally and are in museum collections. The gallery gives a percentage of its art sales to local non-profit organizations serving Malibu as a city and a community. Art lovers primed to purchase a piece by a California artist should check out the Contemporary Art Gallery.

In this laid-back community, the nightlife is also chill. These three venues make for a lovely night out:

Mastro's Ocean Club

The magnificent panorama of the ocean takes front and center stage at Mastro's. Warm, luscious interiors meld well with the incredible seafood dishes. Many patrons plan their visits around Sunset to enjoy a cocktail and get started with some appetizers. It's a lovely, relaxing way to spend an evening.

Ollo

Ollo Restaurant and Bar is a top-notch venue with both indoor and patio seating. The drinks are always tasty. The whiskey, ginger sour, and the Blackberry Lemon Drop cocktail are favorites among many patrons. Those who frequent Ollo say the ambiance is very calm yet upscale. Truly a Malibu staple.

Spruzzo Restaurant and Bar

Spruzzo is known in Malibu for its delicious pizza. It is the only Italian restaurant in the area featuring a fabulous ocean view and an outdoor, heated patio with a fire pit. It's a laid-back place to gather in the evenings for a pizza and drinks with friends. Try the Thai chicken pizza: Peanut ginger sauce topped with marinated chicken, green onions, carrots, cilantro, and mozzarella. Pair that with a coconut martini or a glass of California Pinot Grigio.

Malibu is a hot spot for hosting some exciting events. You might wish to check out the four listed here:

Calabasas Malibu Food & Wine Festival

Everyone who loves good food, wine, beer, and spirits must attend the Malibu Food & Wine Festival. All proceeds from the festival are earmarked to benefit the arts and education programs at local schools. There are more than 35 chefs from notable California restaurants on hand and about 75 representatives from various wineries, breweries, and distilleries. This adults-only event is one of the most-awaited festivals in Malibu and the LA area.

Malibu Canyon Music Festival

The Malibu Malibu Canyon Music Festival takes place at the beautiful King Gillette Ranch. Some of the greatest legends of the music world call Malibu home. Malibu creator and music industry veteran Paul Beahan began the weekend event to embrace everything wonderful about the Malibu Canyon area. The festival was created for dreamers and culture lovers across the globe.

Malibu Film Festival

Established in 1997 by filmmaker David Katz, the Malibu Film Festival showcases the US and international independent films. The festival premieres high-quality new films from emerging filmmakers. It provides audience members, filmmakers, festival programmers, and industry professionals an opportunity to network and discover the next generation of creative talent. The festival also supports filmmakers by providing production services, grants and by showcasing their films in competition at the annual festival.

Malibu Fine Arts Festival

The Malibu Chamber of Commerce has been hosting an annual arts festival for more than 45 years. This two-day event is considered one of the most beautiful outdoor art festivals in the nation. It features more than 200 local award-winning painters, sculptors, fine artists, photographers, and others.

Malibu has an easy, relaxed vibe. There are things to do in the area that fit in with that vibe very well. Consider these four:

Hike the Mishe Mokwa Trail

The Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak is something rare trail hikers can repeatedly do and never tire of. This trail will highlight new and different aspects of a route that has a little something for everyone. Getting to the peak is a challenge but doable. When you get to the top after trekking more than six miles, it will be worth it. Miles and miles of southern California mountains and coastline will unfurl before your eyes.

Horseback riding through Zuma Canyon

Imagine taking a horseback ride through one of the most beautiful areas in the Malibu area: Zuma Canyon. Ride into the lovely Santa Monica mountains revealing awe-inspiring ocean views. On a clear day, you may spot some Southern California islands such as Catalina, Santa Barbara, and San Clemente. Follow the trail through a magical forest-like canopy and take in all the native wildflowers in the spring and summer. A truly relaxing way to spend some time and to get some epic photos!

Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier is a great draw. Whether a sunny day or chilly, dark evening, the pier has so much to offer in the way of views, sounds, food, and fun. Whether watching locals fish, staring at the twinkling lights in the mountains at night, feasting on delicious food at the eateries or viewing the memorabilia (Gidget!) in the gift shop, time at the pier is well spent.

Wine Safari

Wine connoisseurs might indulge themselves by going on a wine safari. You will get to explore the 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch and vineyards in Malibu. Tour the lush orchards in an open-air safari vehicle. Stops will be made so you can take in the perfect scenery, taste some local wines and get up close and personal with some of the animals living on the ranch: Zebra, water buffalo, alpaca, bison, and Stanley, the film star giraffe who had a role in Hangover 3. In fact, most of the animals on the ranch are retired from years of being in films.