Surf’s Up: Here’s The Perfect Malibu Weekend Itinerary

Malibu has long been akin to heaven on earth in the American imagination — where celebrities and surf bums alike find refuge in the natural beauty of the California coast outside of Los Angeles. These 27 oceanside miles truly do make for a great weekend getaway or (if you’re lucky) for a fabulous second home.

Having lived in Malibu for a few years, here is my guide to the must-dos, must-sees, and must-eats for the ideal Malibu weekend trip.

Malibu Accommodation:

Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn to fall asleep to the calming sound of the surf just outside your window or the Surfrider Hotel for the drool-worthy interior design. And of course, there’s always a selection of beachside bungalows to choose from on Airbnb.

Friday night in Malibu:

For your first night, kick-off your Malibu stay in the bougiest way with dinner at Nobu. Besides being a known favorite of celebrities like the Kardashians, Nobu’s fine Japanese fare makes this restaurant a major hot spot so make a reservation in advance. Enjoy your miso-marinated black cod and yellowtail sashimi on the open air, oceanside patio, and get excited about the weekend ahead.

Saturday in Malibu:

It may be a bit touristy, but a visit to Malibu Farm at the end of the Malibu pier is worth it both for the views and the delicious breakfast. Afterward, pop across Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH, as it’s known) to Zuma Jay’s. This is Malibu’s oldest surf shop, a family-oriented operation, and you can buy some cool hoodies and even rent a surfboard and wetsuit if you want to spend your day out on the waves.

Head down the coast (windows down, of course) to Zuma Beach where you can enjoy a beach day or jump in the water and put your rental surfboard to use. For lunch, I’d recommend Malibu Seafood — a humble beach shack serving some of the freshest, most mouth-watering seafood you’ve ever tasted. 

Whether you spend your whole day at the beach or want to spend the afternoon shopping in the Malibu Country Mart is up to you, but make sure you get back to the Point Dume area by sunset. You’ll want to enjoy a chilled glass of chardonnay and crispy brussel sprouts at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant looking out at the Pacific as the sun sinks into it.

Then, it’s honestly so hard to decide where to choose for dinner. Ollo is my personal favorite, but some authentic Greek fare at Taverna Tony would be another good call. 

Sunday in Malibu:

Grab an acai bowl or smoothie at Sunlife in the Malibu Country Mart (and maybe do some window shopping if you didn’t get to that yesterday). Then, go on a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains before heading back to reality.

And there you have it folks — the perfect Malibu weekend.