What to do in Malibu

The ’Bu is known for A-list homes, healthy living havens and miles of immaculate coastline. No wonder the locals like to keep it to themselves. Kate Wills picks out the in-the-know spots in this low-key beach town with a high-glamour reputation
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Kate Wills12 July 2018

WHERE TO DRINK

The It-crowd watches the sunset from the deck of Soho House’s Little Beach House (your global membership won’t work here, FYI, so you’ll need to befriend a local). Rande Gerber’s CafÉ Habana does the best Margaritas in town and don’t miss a Malibu Wine Hike through the vineyards of Saddlerock Ranch followed by wine-tasting.

One vine day: Saddlerock Ranch

WHERE TO EAT

For sushi with added scenester points you can’t beat beachside Nobu, but for something more low-key, head to Malibu CafÉ. This gem tucked behind canyon roads has chandeliers hanging from the trees, paddleboards on the pond and bottomless mimosas. Walk down the pier to Malibu Farm, where the organic farm-to-table menu features some So-Cal classics such as traffic-light tacos.

Pier pressure: Malibu Farm

WHAT TO SEE

Make a reservation to tour the nearby Eames House, Charles and Ray’s immaculately preserved dream home of industrial steel and Mondrian colour blocks. Or get some bathroom inspo at Adamson House, aka ‘The Taj Mahal of Tile’, a 1930s shrine to Malibu Potteries, including a 60ft ‘rug’ made of hand-painted ceramic slates.

WHAT TO DO

Zuma Beach is one of Malibu’s finest and the surfer dudes from Malibu Makos Surf Club will teach you how to catch a wave like a pro. Rock N Rope Adventures has all the skills (and the safety gear) to help you scale cliff faces jutting out over the ocean. If that sounds like hard work, just watch the dolphins and seals from the bluff at El Matador beach.

WHERE TO SHOP

Boutique outdoor shopping centre Malibu Country Mart houses cult LA labels such as WildFox and artfully curated books and cards (pictured) from Burro. Everything But Water stocks the coolest cover-ups and envy-inducing bikinis.

WHERE TO STAY

Newly opened The surfRider (rooms from £260) is the place to catch a wave and some zzzs. This chic lodge (below) has retro boards for rent, hammocks on the balconies and lifeguards on reception to direct you to the best breaks. If you want to be even closer to the sand, Malibu Beach Inn is within touching distance of the sea and rooms (from £370) come with snuggly waffle robes and heated toilet seats. (thesurfridermalibu.com; malibubeachinn.com)

The surfrider

Getting there: Kate was a guest of The Surfrider and flew courtesy of Norwegian. Direct flights from London to LA from £169 one way (norwegian.com)

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