Romantic Couples Getaway to Malibu

Beaches

El Pescador and El Matador for cliffside rustic beaches you see in many photos shoots and films. (Pro tip: Go during the week with less crowds!)

Zuma Beach for sunset.

Carbon Beach aka Billionaire Beach for natural beauty and/or to walk your dog.

Surfrider Beach (next to the Malibu Pier) to watch the surfers or ride a wave yourself.

Hiking

Solstice Canyon: Overall best hike that can be extended for an hourlong loop with dramatic views to the ocean, often with wildflowers during the right time of year. Pass a stone cottage and remnants of Tropical Terrace, a former ranch home built in 1952 by renowned African-American architect Paul Revere Williams. Today, the foundation beside a stream and small waterfall grotto is surrounded by flourishing palms and non-native plants. 

Rising Sun Trail: Ascend to the top of the mountain to loop back down to the parking lot. From above, the reward includes mesmerizing views of the surrounding canyons, stacked boulders and the ocean in the distance. (Pro tip: Visit mid-week for easy parking in the lot.) 

Malibu Creek State Park: Otherworldly trails with remnants from the TV show MASH.

Point Dume Natural Preserve: Park at Pt Dume and hike up the cliffside to dramatic coastal views. You can often spot whales and dolphins from this point and see Giant Coreopsis that blooms in springtime. The trail also winds you down back to a private beach (Little Dume). 

Escondido Canyon Falls: Hike on flat ground to a massive waterfall during the right time of year. It is so lush at the right time of year that you might think you are in Hawaii.

Other fabulous hikes include Charmless Wilderness, Los Liones, The Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak, Corral Canyon loop, etc.

Museums

Getty Villa: Admire antiquities, sculpture and the building itself as you walk around gardens and an Italian villa-style pool that stretches to the ocean. Book free tickets in advance.  

Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art and 9/11 Memorial Heroes Garden atop the ocean commemorating Thomas Burnett, Jr and other lives cut short that tragic day.

Adamson House: Right on Surfrider Beach, this California historical landmark is one of the oldest homes in Malibu which remains from the Rindge family who built it for their daughter. Admire the locally created tile that dons the home.

Malibu Wine Hikes: Hike and sip 2.5 miles around Saddlerock Ranch.  

Best places to spot a celeb

Shop at Cross Creek Plaza/Malibu Country Mart/Malibu Village (all connected) for luxurious goods or a bite to eat all while most likely spotting a celebrity living their day-to-day life. Nobu Malibu is also another place. The paparazzi hang outside on many nights trying to catch celebs getting in and out of their cars at the valet. 

Day trips

Westlake Village, Calabasas, Oxnard, Santa Monica, LA

Casual Lunch/Brunch

Lilly's Malibu: Come here for the ultimate stuffed breakfast burrito.

Howdy's: Sushi burritos, lobster burritos and sushi bowls. A sushi bar is coming soon.

Broad Street Oyster Company: Come here for their famed lobster rolls. Add uni or caviar to your lobster roll.

Malibu Seafood: Local seafood shack serving the best fish and chips in town!

Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch: Gorgeous space for lunch and dreamy setting for dinner. Many weddings are held here too. Kid-friendly during the day.

Moonshadows: Dine over the ocean with casual fare.

Neptune's Net: At the deep end of Malibu (from LA) find locals, bikers and tourists ordering the fresh catch of the day or other fried seafood to eat picnic style.

Lunch/Dinner

Malibu Farm: Located on Malibu Pier, this is the spot for ultimate views and farm-fresh dishes. The location at the very end of the pier is great for breakfast as you can order and take your food to a picnic-style table to watch the surfers at Surfrider up close.

Carbon Beach Club (at Malibu Beach Inn): Come here for above the ocean/beach dining with the view of the Malibu Pier. Most people don't know about this gorgeous patio hanging over the ocean with fresh salads, lobster rolls, salmon, and more. Come early or mid-week for no wait. 

Nobu Malibu: High-end sushi and a big scene beachside. Eat your raw fish with the waves crashing. Book a month in advance to get a table or come early or right before dinner opens to see if you can slide in at one of the sushi bars. Noby Ryokan hotel guests are guaranteed a reservation. Consider coming for brunch too.

Little Beach House Malibu: SoHo House Malibu (if you are a member or know someone who can bring you) right next door to Nobu offers the same dreamy views and more privacy and space while you dine.

Bui Sushi: Locals' favorite sushi spot inside and outdoor seating. Try the Sunset Roll with mango and salmon.

Mastro's Ocean Club: Gorgeous views with your steak and lobster.

Geoffrey's Malibu: Old-school favorite in a dreamy oceanside setting.

Taverna Tony's: Local favorite for Greek food and fun. Belly dancers arrive at night.