One spot in LA we can promise isn’t overrated is Malibu (even Miley Cyrus knows it!). Seriously, the beaches are more beautiful than they are in photos, the seafood is as fresh as it gets, and the shops are luxe and quaint. The only problem with the beautiful city of Malibu is that it’s almost impossible to cram all the activities and restaurants in one day. So, we decided to do the legwork for you and show how to do the best things in Malibu. Here is a beyond perfect itinerary on how to spend a day in Malibu!
A Morning Hike at Point Dume Preserve
Ladies, we love to sleep in, but we promise a sunrise hike at Point Dume Natural Preserve will be worth the wake. You seriously can’t compete with the photo op at the top of the cliff surrounded by flowers and gorgeous ocean views. Start your hike at the serene Westward Beach where you’ll likely be greeted by dolphins and sea lions. Make your way up the cliffside steps and path and reach a lookout point that spans Point Dume, Zuma Beach, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Once you’re at the top of the cliff, there are some stunning Malibu homes to admire. Once you get back down to the beach, you can surf, tan, and admire the gorgeous ocean view before making your way to the next stop.
Courtesy of California State Parks
After your hike, you’re going to need to refuel for your big day in the Bu! Luckily, while you’re already at Westward Beach, you can enjoy The Sunset restaurant on-site. Frequented by stars like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, The Sunset is a classic to Malibu locals and a hidden gem to the greater LA area. This restaurant and its ocean view are so gorgeous it hosts many weddings and parties at the beachside oasis. In addition to the amazing ambiance, the food is incredible. Our brunch favorites are the breakfast burrito, the vanilla pancakes with lemon butter, and the smoked salmon benedict.
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Afternoon Shopping Sesh
Malibu streets are made for strolling down, so you’ll have to check out the amazing shops at the Malibu Country Mart! If you’re looking for a chic summer bathing suit, Frankies Bikinis just opened! This is the cutest spot to find some of your favorites like Fred Segal, Chrome Hearts, and Vuori. You can also grab a quick pick-me-up at Alfred Coffee or Sunlife Organics.
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If you’re trying decide on a place for lunch, you might need to stop at this spot often frequented by the Kardashians – Taverna Tony. This is an LA cult classic with a wide variety of perfected authentic Greek dishes, Taverna Tony is perfect for seafood lovers, carnivores, and vegetarians! Our very favorite dish, the pita and caviar taramosolata dip is complimentary! It’s almost impossible to not fill up on this glorious creamy secret dip before the entreés come. They’ve also crafted a “Vegetarian Paradise” platter with hummus, tzatziki, melintzanosalata, tabouli, spanakopita, tiropita, feta cheese, grilled zucchini, and vegetarian dolmathes. Whatever you’re craving, we promise Taverna Tony will give you a meal you won’t forget.
Photo courtesy of Taverna Tony
If your group is set on seafood, Broad Street Oyster is our all-time favorite. We go to bed dreaming of their acclaimed lobster roll. Not kidding. The lobster roll is warm, buttery, and bursting with flavor, the caviar and chips are decadent and crispy, and the oysters are fresh and savory. Truly, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
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You can even grab a sandwich from John’s Garden Cafe and people-watch in the courtyard or head to the beach. Tiktok hasn’t found out about John’s Garden Cafe yet, but trust us, it’s a favorite among Malibu locals. Dare we say we found a smoothie we like just as much as Erewhon for half the price? The oatberry smoothie with raspberries, blueberries, orange juice, carob, oatmeal & vegan protein tastes like a mixed berry pie. They also have a juicy mushroom burger, a classic BLT, prosciutto caprese, or Malibu Tuna sandwich.
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Evening along PCH
It is taking every fiber of our being to not gatekeep this one. Little Shop in Malibu is our new favorite vintage shop in all of Los Angeles. The prices are reasonable and the pieces are so unique and versatile. They carry every designer brand you could think of such as larger names like Dior, Dolce and Gabanna, and Prada. Depop girls, they have all of the niche, impossible-to-find brands such as Morgan De Toi and Hysteric Glamour. The vibe and aesthetic of the quaint shop are so lovely with vintage editorial photos and magazines covering the interior. You are guaranteed to find your next favorite staple piece at Little Shop.
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For a casual dinner, you’ll go to the Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio for a night of wine tasting and entertainment! Sip on a myriad of delicious wines while doing a paint-and-sip class, watching a comedy show, or listening to live music. Check out their upcoming events calendar here! When you arrive at the restaurant off PCH, you’ll see a giant table and set of chairs curated for the perfect silly photo op. If you go over the weekend, there will be a few food trucks to choose from to accompany your wine from the renowned Rosenthal Vineyard. And finally, itit wouldn’t be a full day in Malibu without a sunset walk, so stroll down to our favorite LA beach, Malibu Blue Lagoon. You’ll access the beach through a path that has a wetland lagoon with majestic birds on one side and incredible beachside classic Malibu homes on the other.
If you need a place to stay while adventuring in Malibu check out our guide to the the most luxurious hotels.
