Where to
Stay
Malibu - Beaches & More
People who live in Malibu are constantly at
the mercy of their precarious existence in this beautiful
and dangerous stretch of the coast. Beach houses are
dashed with ocean surf. Homes perch precariously on the
Santa Monica Mountain slopes -- subject to occasional
firestorms, and frequent mudslides, yet the incredible
beauty of Malibu keeps them here, and visitors flock to
the town to enjoy the beaches. Because of the narrow
nature of the town -- crushed between the ocean and the
mountains&emdash;most stores and restaurants are adjacent
to the highway, including several inexpensive and casual
seafood cafes.
What to See and Do
There's more to do here than beachcombing.
Just above the Pacific Coast Highway is the J. Paul Getty
Museum, the richest museum in the world, and the
repository of a stupendous art and antique collection.
The new Getty Center is being constructed on the West
Side, but this location will continue to house the
extensive Greek and Roman antiquities collection. The
museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Parking reservations are required, call (310) 458-2003.
Just north of the museum entrance is Old
Topanga Canyon Boulevard, providing one of the most
scenic drives in the Los Angeles area. For a short and
exciting loop drive, take this road from Highway 1.
Santa Monica Mountains
National Recreation Area
Malibu is a short drive from the this wild,
natural area, set in the coastal mountains above the
coast, providing hiking and riding trails, fishing and
wonderful views. Drive along Highway 1 and follow the
signs. The area is open from sunrise to sunset. For
information, call (818) 597-9192.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Just south of Malibu, toward Santa Monica
in Pacific Palisades, is the late humorist's former ranch
property, with original ranchhouse furnishings, and
Rogers' memorabilia intact for viewing. The park contains
trails and picnic areas.
Malibu State Beach
Where to go for the ultimate L.A. beach
experience! The beach at Malibu provides some of the best
surfing conditions on the Pacific Coast. There are other
smaller public beaches just off Highway 1.
