Malibu's Most Wanted: Inside SoCal's Eden

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Updated: July 21, 2009

A coastal gem along PCH spanning 21 miles of sunshine and sand, Malibu has long drawn comparisons to Italy's Amalfi Coast. It's also known globally thanks to its A-list residents and the stalkarazzi who love them. Despite the significant buzz (good and bad) generated by the new Malibu Lumber Yard (more on that later), this posh community is still a quiet escape where you'll find upscale shops, hunky surfers and a lifestyle that is nearly picture-perfect.

On this page:Beyond Bikinis, 10 Beachy Eats, Down the Hatch, Location Scouting.

Beyond Bikinis

  1. 1 2 Star Rating: Below Average Madison Malibu
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Malibu link in the famous local chain features clothes, shoes and accessories from the most coveted designers in the world.

  2. 2 Canvas
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    23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Part art gallery, part boutique, this Cross Creek newbie is where to go for chic seaside style.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Crush Boutique
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste 19, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Unique designer styles and an exclusive stock of provocative sweaters from the Lucien Pellat-Finet collection have caused a celebrity craze at this Malibu boutique.

  4. 4 Ron Herman Sportswear
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    3900 Cross Creek Rd Ste 6, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Impeccable clothes, accessories, swimwear and service abound at the beachside satellite of Los Angeles' most famous boutique.

  5. 5 Anouk
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    3900 Cross Creek Rd Ste 9, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Malibu gets a dose of down-home flavor at this store, stocked with everything an urban cowgirl needs to look fierce.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Planet Blue Essentials
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste 13A, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Malibu shop caters to the needs of local fashionistas with luxurious basics, bright accessories and a smorgasbord of denim.

10 Beachy Eats

  1. 7 Crumbs Bakeshop Malibu
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    3939 Cross Creek Road, Suite 120, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Malibu, following in Beverly Hills' sweet footsteps, is a little more decadent thanks to the addition of this delicious oversized cupcake shop.

  2. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Nobu
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste 18A, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    If restaurants were superstars, this sushi mecca would be at the top of Hollywood's A-list. This is where Malibu's rich and tan go for a scrumptious raw deal.

  3. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Howdy's Taqueria Malibu
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste 3, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Who says Malibu is all fancy feasts and fat wallet affairs? This small Cross Creek shack offers fast Mexican food to the sandal-wearing crowd.

  4. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Terra Malibu
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    21337 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    This converted Malibu cottage might not offer ocean views, but this cheery spot makes up for with ambiance and tasty eclectic fare.

  5. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Beachcomber Cafe
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    23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    If you crave surf, sea, gimlets and a stunning ocean view, then this idyllic spot perched on the reopened Malibu pier is just for you.

  6. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Sunset
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    6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Nestled into a Zuma Beach cliff, this laidback, romantic dinner destination doubles as an easy stop for sandy sunbathers.

  7. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Moonshadows
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    20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Forget the infamous "drunk Mel" incident. This Malibu mainstay built its reputation with its Asian-tinged seafood and cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

  8. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cholada
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    18763 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    The blue wooden shack by Topanga Beach may look like nothing from the passing PCH cars, but inside is housed some of the freshest Thai food in Los Angeles.

  9. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Geoffrey's Malibu
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    27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Almost completely outdoors, this longstanding dining destination beckons from its hillside overlooking the California coastline.

  10. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Guido's
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    3874 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    When the moon hits your eye like a big-pizza pie, that's Guido's in Malibu. Stop by this vintage-style spot for all the Italian you can eat.

Down the Hatch

  1. 17 Barrel Malibu
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    23715 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    With a selection of almost 100 wines by the taste or glass (they've got an Enomatic wine system here), this bistro shop also features one of L.A.’s most extensive cheese and charcuterie selections from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, as well as lots of pates, rilettes, chocolates and desserts.

  2. 18 3.5 Star Rating: Average Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
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    28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Feeling nostalgic? Relive (even if you're too young to remember) iconic shows like "Gidget" and films like "Beach Blanket Bingo" at this family favorite where you can literally have a drink while digging your toes in the sand.

  3. 19 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Rosenthal - The Malibu Vineyard
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    26023 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Don't have the time to head out to Napa? No problem. Check out Rosenthal's beachside estate and vineyard that features a tasting room open to the public.

  4. 20 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Malibu Pier Club
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    23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Okay, so there's no real decor to speak of, but the fun pub grub, live piano player, patio chairs with blankets (just in case you get cold) and endless ocean view are more than enough.

Location Scouting

  1. 21 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Malibu Parks & Rec
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    24250 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Crawl your bluff: Zen-like serenity and beautiful ocean views make this Malibu spot a favorite for picnicking, frolicking and outdoor snuggling.

  2. 22 3 Star Rating: Average Malibu Creek State Park
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    Las Virgenes and Malibu Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Over the hills and through the woods, wildflowers, trails, ravines and more, tourists and locals flock to this state park.

  3. 23 4 Star Rating: Recommended Adamson House & Malibu Lagoon Museum
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    23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Who knew there was culture beyond the MTV Beach House, Britney sightings and various A-list DUI arrests? Check out this lovely manse built way before the paparazzi hunted 'Bu dwellers.

  4. 24 2 Star Rating: Below Average Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
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    3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste 12, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Yes, this PCH pit stop might be part of a chain, but for some of the best biker spottings in SoCal, you've got to pull over here to spy the badass hog-riding crew decompressing from the road.

  5. 25 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Leo Carillo State Beach
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    32100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Is the packed, sweaty beachfront not your thing? Traverse the caves along this secluded playa for a private setting tailor-made for a romantic interlude.