Full of unique and soul-soothing spots, the resort town of Malibu is simply captivating. On your own, with that special someone, or with family or friends, it’s a great place to explore the Californian coast. For anyone looking for sandy escapades, seaside restaurants and some delicious downtime.
Cover photo: Jenna Day
8 a.m.: a sunny beach
Chilling on an obscure beach is almost mandatory in Malibu. Start your day off right by unfurling your towel at El Matador State Beach, a haven of peace where the Pacific Ocean meets dramatic coastline cliffs. To reach it, take the winding paths directly down to one of the most confidential beaches in California.
Photo: @exploreamericanwest
10 a.m.: a dose of culture
Architecture fans can’t miss the Getty Villa Museum, inspired by Greek and Roman temples. Surrounded by lush mountains, the location itself is an inspiration, an immersion in a historic and antique world.
Getty Villa Museum — 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Photo: @gettymuseum
12 p.m.: savoury seafood
At the mouth of the Malibu Lagoon, stop by the Broad Street Oyster Co. In this small festive restaurant, you can eat lobster without getting your hands dirty (we’re referring to their famous lobster rolls, of course). In fact, you can try all the flavours of the sea here. Another hotspot among locals: Reel Inn Malibu, known for its laidback vibe. Expect casual dining and great fish: tuna, trout, seabass … The only hard part is choosing what to order.
Broad Street Oyster Co. — 23359 Pacific Coast Hwy #3874A, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Reel Inn Malibu — 18661 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Photo: @broadstreetoysterco
2 p.m.: a pit stop for essentials
American Vintage recently inaugurated a Californian store, right at the heart of Malibu. So you can stock up on all your favourites, between two dips in the ocean.
American Vintage — Malibu Country Mart Space 33/ 3835 Cross Creek Road Malibu, CA 90265
Photo: American Vintage
4 p.m.: a sunset
End the day with a cocktail at Moonshadows Malibu as you gaze out at the ocean. If you’re feeling peckish, you can order a small seafood platter, which will tide you over until dinner.
Moonshadows — 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Photo: @moonshadows_malibu
7 p.m.: a gastronomic dinner
Absolutely iconic, Nobu Malibu is a Japanese restaurant where you go to see and be seen. But also to enjoy delicious bites of seafood crafted by the eponymous chef.
Nobu Malibu — 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Photo: @noburestaurants
10 p.m.: bedtime with an ocean soundtrack
Book a bungalow at Hotel June Malibu, a private, peaceful retreat for escaping it all. Ask at reception about must-visit spots nearby, the ones you can’t find in a travel guide (and so much the better).
Hotel June Malibu—28920 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265,USA
Photo: @hoteljunemalibu
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.