Beautiful Malibu conjures up imagery of serene stretches of SoCal shoreline, celebrity spotting, and some of the best surfing in the country. Just 30 miles west of L.A., it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cit. Its slogan, “21 miles of scenic beauty,” aptly adorns the gateway signs that mark the city limits as you drive down the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re ready to soak up the sun in an upscale, laid-back destination that’s still less than an hour from the city, Malibu is the perfect spot for your next Inspirato vacation.
The beaches
Malibu’s iconic beaches are arguably the largest draw to the area. Each one is a little different, depending on how you’d like to spend your time.
El Matador State Beach, the most dramatically beautiful of the bunch with its stunning bluffs and arches, offers the best opportunity for photo ops. (It’s played host to many a swimsuit photoshoot.) Explore its caves at low tide, and catch a stellar sunset from between the rock formations.
If you’ve got the kids in tow, Zuma Beach is a great option—it consistently ranks among the healthiest and cleanest beaches in Los Angeles County, is calm enough for swimming or body boarding, offers a playground area, and has plenty of restaurant and food stand options at hand. (You’re likely to spot a playful pod of dolphins here, too.)
And if you’d like to do as the locals do, Surfrider Beach offers some of the best swells in California. Gaining rapid popularity in the 1950s and ’60s, it remains a staple in California surf culture, with plenty of schools and private instructors nearby to teach you how to ride the iconic righthand break.
The attractions
If you’d prefer to get your heart pumping, Malibu offers a wealth of hiking trails, parks, and nature reserves. Opt for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, with scenic trails like Solstice Canyon Loop that boast both mountain and ocean views.
Also tucked among the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains are world-class wineries, like Cielo Farms and Malibu Family Wines. Sip your way through varietals that thrive in Malibu’s rich soil and dry-but-foggy climate.
Built to mimic an opulent Roman estate, the Getty Villa is a museum and educational center dedicated to the study of ancient civilizations. Located on a serene property overlooking the ocean, the villa offers a unique glimpse into the art and culture of the ancient world, with collections from Ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan cultures.
The homes
Inspirato offers two incredible homes in Malibu, but each is a little different. Read on to discover which one is the right fit for you.
Oceanaire
If the beach is where you’ll be spending most of your time in Malibu, Oceanaire is the perfect fit. Nestled right along the Pacific, it’s a bright and airy two-bedroom beach home with stunning ocean views. With its two bedrooms, it’s ideal for a couple’s getaway or small group gathering—be sure to catch the sunset from either of its two balconies perched quite literally over the ocean.
Rosenthal
Tucked within the hills of Encinal Canyon, Rosenthal is a sprawling Mediterranean villa with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Though farther from the ocean—it’s about a 20-minute drive from the beach—it boasts its own private pool, hot tub, movie theater, and five bedrooms. It’s a better fit for larger groups and families with young kids, while still offering easy access to everything Malibu has to offer.
