A Day in Malibu

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Beach weather is right around the corner, and I figured why not do some advance scouting? So the family and I headed out to that classic Southern California beach town, Malibu. Here’s a taste of our day:

Strolling the Pier and Hitting the Beach

We kicked things off with a quick stroll in the fresh air, and what better spot than the legendary Malibu Pier, home of surfers and starlets since the ‘50s. In the summer it can be a little crowded but today we had it almost to ourselves. The Malibu Farm has two restaurants on the pier: a full-service location at the start of the pier and a cafe at the end. We strolled out to the end and got coffee and hot chocolate at the cafe while we watched the waves and fishermen. Whether you’re renting beach gear or just surveying the surf, the pier is a good place to get your bearings and start your day.

Heading north from the pier we explored the tide pools at the entrance to the Malibu Lagoon, just below the famous Adamson House. On big wave days this is a great spot for watching the surfers, but our morning was spent mucking around in the sand looking for shells and chasing the occasional sandpiper. A really nice spot for kids on a day without crowds.

Malibu Seafood and Hiking

For years, Malibu Seafood has been one of our favorite seafood spots. It’s right across from the beach along PCH, with both a seafood market and a restaurant. Everything is great, from the chowder to the swordfish burger, but the fried platters are our favorites. This time we went for lunch and got the fried seafood combo, with the kids loving the shrimp and scallops. (The scallops have just the right pop of juiciness after you crunch through the outside).

Next door to Malibu Seafood is a parking lot with a trailhead leading into Corral Canyon Park. If you’re going to take a real hike you should pay the parking fee, but we had about a ten minute wait for our food so we decided to take a quick walk to check it out. It’s an easy trail that climbs quickly to give you a nice view of the beach, and if you’re up for a bigger adventure you can follow the looping trail deep into the heart of the last undeveloped canyon in the area.

Malibu Country Mart

The Malibu Country Mart is a local institution that could only exist in Malibu. It’s a mix of high-end boutiques and cafes with a strong beach vibe and plenty of celebrity sightings. There’s also an amazing playground for the kids, a hitching post in case you prefer to do your shopping on horseback, and plenty of places to just relax and take in the unique atmosphere. We wandered through exploring the many nooks and crannies, and vowed to return another day with empty stomachs so we could sample it all.

Malibu Beach Inn

We stayed at the Malibu Beach Inn, nestled tightly between the PCH and the beach. All the rooms have balconies and beach views, and the location can’t be beat. The beach is literally right downstairs and the staff has beach chairs and towels ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aside from the view, what’s possibly the best part about the rooms? Toto toilets! If you’re not familiar with the cult of Toto, I’ll just say this: there are lots of buttons and features that are guaranteed to make your kids (or you) squeal and giggle the first time they sit down to try it. The Malibu Beach Inn is currently offering a “Stay Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free” promotion, so if you want to check it out for yourself now is a great time to do it.

For dinner we ate at the Malibu Beach Inn’s restaurant, the Carbon Beach Club. The terrace juts out over the beach, and when it’s chilly outside they’re quick with the blankets and heaters. In addition to their full dinner menu, they offer a private diner featuring filet mignon and lobster tails, and of course an amazing “picnic by the beach” option.

We were lucky enough to meet the hotel’s resident mixology master, Josh Curtis, who invented the Playa Access and other drinks that capture the feel of Malibu. Josh shared a couple of his favorite drinks, as well as the secret history of the Mai Tai try Josh’s recipe (recipe below). As the sun set and the cool air set in, we retreated to our room and wound down in front of the fireplace. It was a cozy end to a full day in Malibu.

Where to Stay on Your Trip to the Beach

If you’re interested in booking your own Malibu getaway, here are a few great hotel options. Many are currently offering promotions that can extend your stay or provide free amenities.

mai tai with an ocean view

mai tai with an ocean view

Enjoy a cocktail courtesy of Josh Curtis:
‘1944 Trader Vic style’ Mai Tai

1 oz Appleton 12 yr Jamaican rum
1 oz Clemente Martinique Rum
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz Liquid Alchemist Orgeat
.25 oz Curaçao (orange liqueur)
Crushed ice
Add crushed ice to the shaker and ‘roll’ shake. This tasty Tiki beverage requires a bit of dilution in the flavor profile. Garnish with a lime wheel & activated mint bouquet.

Josh Curtis offers virtual cocktail making classes. Tell him Woodlyn Travel sent you :)