Top 10 Ways to Find your ‘Malibu Mindset’

Dramatic change is not what Malibu is about. That is exactly why the stars dwell there, despite the fires and floods that go in tandem with the area’s abundance of wild natural beauty. Still, big changes or not, new things are happening and others just keep getting better with each visit. Here are ten ways to see the hidden charms of Malibu revered by billionaires and stars.

1. Snuggling on the sand

If you don’t own a weekend getaway on “Billionaire’s Beach,” then borrow one for a few nights at the next best thing—multi-billionaire and entertainment guru David Geffen- created Malibu Beach Inn. Geffen opened his enviable hotel in 2005 near his own residence, but recently sold the property.  Nestled directly on Carbon Beach with “cruise-ship” views of the Pacific from nearly every window, the hotel shares the sand with residences along this desirable span of elite Malibu. Only one other hotel sits on the sand in Malibu, the six-decade-old Casa Malibu—just a stone ’s throws away down the beach with an intimate 21 guest rooms.

One of the best attributes of the 47-guest room Malibu Beach Inn has to be its private Carbon Beach Club, which translates to deluxe teak lounges and fluffy towels, accompanied by lounge-side food and beverage service right below the hotel on the resort’s private part of “Billionaire Beach.”

The hotel is a five-minute walk from the Adamson House and the Malibu Fishing Pier and about two blocks from the Malibu Country Mart shops and adjacent Cross Creek Plaza. Across the street from the Malibu Beach Inn is the entrance to the Serra Retreat, the unfinished dream home of May Rindge, now a Franciscan retreat. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and enjoy the serenity of the property.

2. Sleuthing celebrity beaches

You may not be staying at one of the beachfront hotels, but still want a day on the legendary sand.  We all know the canyons and beachfronts are home to the famous, from Streisand to Goldie. But, surprisingly, the beaches that front the exclusive beach dwellings are all public below the mean high tide line. The dilemma is finding access to the more exclusive, non-public supported beaches between the sand-hugging dwellings without a hefty hike. Public staircases do exist along the beach highway, but the best and largest access beaches have names you know: Surfriders, Zuma and Leo Carillo beaches. Carbon or “Billionaire’s” Beach is accessible near the recently renovated Malibu Fishing Pier.

3. Hidden dining

Off-the-beaten path dining is part of the Malibu allure. Of course, the designer restaurants exist—from Nobu to Geoffrey’s, but if you are in the mood for the best carrot cake waffle imaginable served with early Malibu history all around, then head to Paradise Cove Cafe.  A dipping road off PCH takes you past wild canyon territory until the ocean finally emerges through the trees ahead.  Set directly on the sand, the 1950’s-built café is plastered in vintage black-and-white signed photos of celebrities, early surfers and fishing scenes going back to 1940’s Malibu. The dining room, open to the beach and playing dolphins, serves all three meals or head to the patio on the sand. And, if you take to the location, stay for the day and enjoy the beach on an outfitted terrace.

4. Malibu’s history

Get a good glimpse of Malibu history with a visit to the Adamson House, a National Historic Site located in Malibu Lagoon Park and situated along the coast near the Malibu Pier. Not well known as a tourist attraction, the Spanish-Moor Revival estate with original Malibu Potteries tile was the 1929-built home of Rhoda Adamson. Docents lead guests through both the historic home and the Malibu Lagoon Museum that traces Malibu’s history from the Chumash straight to the surfboard-riding “Gidget” and “Moondoggie” days.

5. Visit the Vines

While Malibu is best known for its surfing and celebrities, one of its hidden charms lies in the Malibu Hills that embrace the community. Possessing a microclimate that mimics the Mediterranean coastal area, the rolling hills have become a fertile growing region for varietals.  Boutique wineries and vineyards have gradually popped up in the area over the last 20 years, and wine-lovers are beginning to discover its allure. Tour on your own or take an organized tour the first time out. Malibu Discovery tours offers a couple of fun wine tours that take you to a handful of the 50-plus vineyards and wine tasting rooms of the region.

6. Sail & Sip Malibu

This summer, Malibu Wines will pair their estate wines with sea breezes and ocean views to create Malibu Wine Sailing. Guests set sail on a 60-foot yacht from Marina Del Rey for a leisurely cruise enjoying SoCal’s coastal scenery while savoring a selection of their most popular wines accompanied by delicious, locally sourced small bites. Visit their website for the latest updates and offerings.

7. Malibu Wine Safari

This wine adventure centers on a 1,000-acre vineyard and ranch in Malibu. In addition to some prime wine tastings and pairings, guests can get up close with a number of unusual ranch animals—from zebras and camels to alpacas and a giraffe (where the “safari” part comes in). The ranch supplies the carrots and bananas for feeding the “wild” creatures.  All wines are sourced from local Malibu vineyards. (Photo courtesy Malibu Family Wines)

8. Malibu Lumber Yard

The Malibu Lumber Yard Mall is home to more than a dozen retail and food establishments with big label names. The two-level outdoor mall is framed by 70-year-old Kentia King Palm trees, and a 100-year-old aloe tree stands sentinel in one corner. This prestigious mall is a can’t-miss Malibu attraction for serious shoppers.

9. Malibu Country Market

An institution, The Malibu Country Mart is a favorite retail and dining center of activity. The Market features more than 65 unique and upscale boutiques and restaurants.  Enjoy the beautiful grounds with outdoor playground and sculpture collection while you shop, play and dine.set in an astoundingly beautiful atmosphere.

10. Malibu Pier

The historic landmark is located in the heart of California’s surf culture. Surfers from around the world come to Surfrider Beach adjacent to Malibu Pier, known for its three-point break that offers rides of 300 yards or more. The festive seaside atmosphere of good food and fun has nicely returned to the famous pier after its restoration.  Restaurants offer classic seaside dishes that go well with watching the surfers. Malibu Beach Supply Co., the new gift shop at the ocean end of Malibu Pier, is stocked with Malibu branded merchandise, sundries and souvenirs. Malibu Outfitters is your spot for fishing equipment and reservations for sport fishing and whale watching excursions.