Malibu, California

Laidback Surf Town and Posh SoCal Enclave

Perched on the Pacific Ocean about 30 miles west of Los Angeles—only an hour’s drive from Hollywood—Malibu feels a world away. From its humble origins as a laid-back surfing community to its modern-day reputation as a glitzy hideaway for the Hollywood elite, Malibu entices SoCal travelers with a flavor all its own. Dine at casual seafood eateries, stroll the beach beneath a starry sky, or visit landmarks like the Malibu Pier and Getty Villa—a museum that’s a replica of a Roman seaside home, featuring Greek and Roman art. No visit to Malibu would be complete without sinking your toes in the world-famous sands of El Matador State Beach, marked by 300-foot-tall red clay rock formations that rise dramatically out of the Pacific Ocean.