Why Malibu Remains the Ideal Weekend Escape |
Business Finance Media Technology Policy Wealth Insights Interviews
Art Art Fairs Art Market Art Reviews Auctions Galleries Museums Interviews
Lifestyle Nightlife & Dining Style Travel Interviews
Power Index Nightlife & Dining Art A.I. PR
About About Observer Advertise With Us Reprints
Why Malibu Remains the Ideal Weekend Escape
Malibu’s charm as a coastal escape endures, even after fire, loss and change.
One of L.A. County's greatest claims to fame, Malibu is a coastal haven that is just as magical as it is moneyed. This exclusive enclave is known for its tight-knit community of surfers, celebrities, ranchers and affluent beach bums. Despite being one of the most idyllic and picturesque parts of Los Angeles, Malibu has endured serious loss over the last decade; most notably, the Woolsey Fire of 2018 and 2025’s devastating Palisades Fire.
While local losses like Cholada Thai, Rosenthal Wine Bar and Reel Inn still sting, this resilient community continues to power through by supporting longtime businesses and exciting newcomers alike. The drive down PCH is storied with sadness amidst the city’s lagging rebuilding efforts, but large swaths of Malibu remain untouched by the damage and are ready to treat visitors to a weekend of beachside revelry.
As the local dining scene continues to evolve, seafood still reigns supreme. Casual spots like Neptune’s Net and Malibu Seafood are perfect for a sandy picnic with fried scallops and shrimp, but more upscale eateries like Geoffrey’s and Nobu turn on the charm with swanky settings and sweeping ocean views. Though you’ll be tempted to spend all of your time at the beach, the mountainous side of Malibu is also home to incredible hiking and wine tasting. Whether you’re an out-of-towner looking to live out your Baywatch dreams or an L.A. local in need of a restorative staycation, we’ve curated the perfect guide for a luxurious weekend in Malibu.
The Ultimate Malibu Guide
Calamigos Guest Ranch
Broad Street Oyster Company
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Aviator Nation Dreamland
Wine Taste at Cielo Farms
Visit the Getty Villa
Shop at the Malibu Country Mart
22752 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
With only 16 rooms across the entire property, Nobu Ryokan is Malibu’s most exclusive beachfront hotel. Though the Japanese-inspired garden rooms possess a quiet, zen energy, the ocean-view suites stop you in your tracks. The deep blue hues of the sea contrast beautifully with the room’s neutral tones, and if you’re lucky enough to reserve a room with a teak soaking tub on the balcony, there’s no better place to unwind with a bottle of sake in the evening. In addition to breakfast, the fully stocked mini fridge and snack bar are 100 percent complimentary, and you can always walk over to the next-door restaurant for sushi and wagyu tacos at lunch or dinner.
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Malibu Beach Inn is a timeless waterfront property located just a short walk away from........