Malibu Summer Activities
Spend your summer vacation in this world-famous Southern Californian oceanside paradise!
Stretching over 32 miles, Malibu is a beach town like no other. Driving along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from LA, Malibu feels part European Riviera, with homes perching on steep hillsides overlooking the blue sea, part Hollywood glam with its fancy cars and beautiful people, and part Hamptons with its sometimes quaint country feel. Even with all of that, the entire area is underpinned by an undeniably chill surf vibe, as Malibu is one of the historic homes of surfing outside of Hawaii, and the culture and ethos still run deep among the mansions, tony shops, and Bentleys that ply PCH and the winding roads that lead up to Cliffside palaces.
Malibu offers beautiful weather year-round. As soon as your car sees that Malibu sign on PCH, you will understand why Hollywood stars and athletes escape to this stunning oceanfront community. It’s just next door to zany LA but a world away.
And, while it may be difficult to leave your beautiful Malibu vacation villa, some of Exotic Estates’ LA locals have compiled a list of a few of their favorite places in Malibu for you to enjoy during your visit!
These are listed in the order encountered when driving up PCH from Santa Monica/LA.
The Getty Villa
While technically not in Malibu, we are including the Getty Villa as a must-do because of its proximity. It’s located on PCH just before you reach the Malibu line in Pacific Palisades, and it is certainly worth a visit. This is not to be confused with the Getty Center, a massive museum located further inland, which is also a worthwhile excursion.
This world-renowned educational center and museum is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. At the Getty Villa, you will be wowed by spectacular examples of art from these cultures, all meticulously displayed in an incredible Italianate villa gifted by the Getty family.
The Villa itself is a source of inspiration, with its grand scale and rich detail. The grounds include a theater and a stunning pool. The Villa offers over 1,200 works in over 23 galleries, with five additional galleries that feature changing exhibitions.
Entry can be limited on busy days, so be sure to reserve your visit in advance on the Getty Villa website.
Moonshadows
Up next is Moonshadows, a popular restaurant and watering hole located in a building that sits at the ocean’s edge. With stunning views, Moonshadows is a classic haunt of visitors and locals, and you may even see some celebs. Depending on who you talk to, it is either famous or infamous, as it was where Mel Gibson had his little meltdown and run-in with the police.
It can sometimes have a “bridge and tunnel” feel and be sceney, but it still offers a great outside bar overlooking the water. We love going here at the end of the afternoon to enjoy a cocktail as the sun starts to set.
Dukes – Surfing/Hawaiian Themed Eatery
Up PCH a little further is Dukes, a surfing/Hawaiian-themed restaurant. A sister to the restaurants in Hawaii located in Waikiki, Maui, and Kauai, you will enjoy all your island favorites here. Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the restaurant is another reminder of Malibu’s place in the pantheon of legendary surf towns.
Located oceansideoceanside, Dukes is a fun place to go for pupus (snacks) and mai-tais after a day in the sun and can be a fun, casual place to celebrate a birthday in a Hawaiian surf-themed setting.
It gets busy on weekends, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long. Try sitting on the outdoor patio behind the bar, and if you’re dining inside, be sure to get a window seat, as it’s not uncommon to see dolphins just outside!
Nobu Malibu
Nobu, the famed sushi chef, has an incredible outpost in Malibu.
Nobu Malibu is along the ocean, not far from the Malibu Pier. Like his other restaurants, Nobu Malibu is an in-demand reservation, so if you want to go out for a fabulous sushi dinner, plan ahead and make a reservation!
Also, Nobu is a less casual spot, so think Malibu beach chic when dressing for the night.
During your stay at your awesome Exotic Estates Malibu vacation villa, make reservations at Malibu Family Wines for one of the most distinctive wine tastings in Southern California.
Enjoy flights of wine at one of the large outdoor picnic tables, which can accommodate up to 10 people, or rent an entire school bus, which can accommodate up to 13 guests, for a unique tasting experience!
The gazebo is also available to rent and is perfect for small events fitting up to 30 people. Malibu Family Wines also offers a “wine safari” that tours the Semler Estate Vineyards, where you can feed exotic animals such as zebras, water buffaloes, and alpacas while you enjoy Semler and Saddlerock wines.
This wine safari is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
Malibu County Mart
Fill up your vacation rental with fresh, local California eats from Malibu County Mart.
This high-end market has a farm stand-like atmosphere but also includes your fashion favorites such as L’Occitane, Calypso St. Barth, and 7 for All Mankind. So you can stock up on organic food supplies and also pick up the perfect outfit for a night out at one of Malibu’s more tony restaurants.
You will also find boutiques and vintage shops, and world-class dining experiences.
Our favorite is Tra di Noi, a delicious Italian cuisine!
With so much to do in Malibu, you will be busy during your vacation! Enjoy the luxury of your private vacation home and pick from one of our gorgeous Malibu Villas!
