Malibu typically inspires images of surfers and celebrities. While both groups can...Read More
Malibu OVERVIEW
Pacific Ocean
Alamy
Malibu Surfers
Ty Milford, Aurora Creative / Getty Images
Manhattan Beach
Alamy
Malibu Sunset
Alamy
Malibu Homes
Getty Images
Malibu is how the other half lives when they’re kicking back in their beach houses in Juicy Couture and flip-flops. A playground for millionaires, movie stars, surfers and stoners, the Bu has a surprisingly laid-back, small-town vibe. While it’s virtually impossible to make it a day in Malibu without running into a celebrity—Cher in Ralph’s supermarket, Leo at Nobu—people here don’t tend to make much of it. The real star is the Pacific Ocean. Running counter-intuitively east to west, Malibu beaches host both sunrise and sunset, and good enough breaks to tempt any level of surfer. While the atmosphere may be accessible, the price tags aren’t. Lodging and eating out will put a dent in your wallet, and budget options are as rare a sight as a Ford Focus. Thankfully, the ocean breezes are free.