Last week, Chris and I were able to sneak away for a trip together to California. We spent time in Malibu California, and explored parts of L.A. and fell in love with the area. It’s absolutely beautiful there!

Summertime in Malibu California is a perfect getaway, the weather was gorgeous and we had such a nice time exploring. Malibu is 21 miles of coastline, that is hugged by the Pacific Coast Highway.

All of the shops, restaurants and the Malibu pier area are mostly located on either side of the highway. It’s such a scenic drive! I highly recommend renting a car so that you can ride along the ocean on Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway. Malibu has mountains that meet the ocean, and the highway runs through the middle. You can see so much right from your car, and make stops along the way!

I love the laid back California vibe, there are ocean views from many of the restaurants, beautiful beaches, gorgeous malibu california homes, surfers crossing the road in wetsuits with surf boards overhead, lots of shops that have a bohemian and artsy feel, a more casual vibe than parts of L.A. it’s easy to see why people choose to vacation, relax, and let their hair down here!

I thought that it might be helpful to share some of our favorite spots, just in case you plan on making a trip there!

Our Malibu/ West of L.A. Favorites/ Malibu California things to do:

+ Malibu Farm +

This restaurant is DREAMY! It’s right on Malibu Pier and truly has the malibu california aesthetic. There is a full restaurant at the front of the pier, and then a cafe under the same ownership at the end of the pier. We loved this place so much! They have such beautiful and fresh food. The pier is also lovely to walk on with cute shops and the turquoise blue ocean on both sides! Malibu california photography would be perfect to grab from this Pier.

+ JG Waldorf Astoria +

This is a beautiful hotel in Beverly Hills. It has such a great view of the city, and is a perfect spot for lunch to take it all in!

+ Malibu Country Mart +

This is such a fun shopping center, there are specialty shops, restaurants, as well as well known favorites. Everything from Free People to Fred Siegel, to a beautiful custom hat shop by Teressa Foglia. There are all different types of restaurants — Broad Street Oyster Co. for incredible lobster rolls, juice and smoothies from Sunlife Organics, and many other sit down restaurants as well! There’s a playground in the middle with seating around, which makes it super family friendly here! Parts of this area have the malibu california aesthetic vintage! A sweet spot called Real Coconut is perfect for salads or smoothies and has the cutest malibu california aesthetic wallpaper.

+ Nobu Malibu +

This might be the most well known restaurant in the area, and arguably in California! It’s a gorgeous upscale sushi restaurant that blends traditional Japanese and Peruvian ingredients. It is located in the Carbon Beach area right on the water of a beautiful malibu california beach. This place can be very hard to get into, so plan ahead!

+ Ollo +

Another great spot for dinner, Ollo is tucked away in a strip mall. It has a farm-to-table menu with local California ingredients!

+ Sweet Rose Creamery +

Located in Santa Monica, this is such a sweet ice cream shop. They have shakes, cones, sundaes all made with organic homemade ice cream!

+ Mel’s Drive In +

Also located in Santa Monica, at the end of Route 66, this is the perfect diner spot for late night food or breakfast served all day long. The atmosphere here is so much fun!

+ Clementine +

Located in L.A. this is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a delicious coffee!

We so enjoyed our time in California, and can’t wait to plan a trip back to explore more of Malibu!