How to Spend a Day in the Laid-Back Coastal City of Malibu

Spend a day outdoors in this laid-back coastal city with no shortage of sights, sun, and sea.

Take Flite

Malibu’s surf breaks are some of the best around, but for adrenaline junkies wanting to take it up a notch, Malibu Beach Inn (malibubeachinn.com) guests 18+ can take advantage of its exclusive experience by booking a private 60-minute Fliteboard lesson (packages start at $1,010). A high-tech version of surfing, Fliteboards are self-propelled, electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards that cater to a range of abilities—most people can get “flying” during their first lesson.

Waterfall Hike

For those looking to break a sweat, Malibu’s array of hiking trails offers a healthy dose of fresh air and breathtaking views at various difficulty levels. Escondido Falls (hikespeak.com), a popular trail just off Pacific Coast Highway, is the perfect path for the novice hiker with a 3.8-mile round-trip walk through forests and fields (some creek crossing may be required), leading to the lower tier of a 200-foot waterfall for a view well worth the trek.

Kayak and Surfboard Rental

Outfitting beachgoers since 1972, Malibu Surf Shack (malibusurfshack.com) has everything you need for a “swell” time, including surfboards, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for rent, starting at $30/hour. Not quite ready to hang ten on your own? The shack offers 90-minute surf lessons starting at $125, including board and wetsuit rental.

Point Dume Tide Pools

The 63-acre Point Dume State Beach has plenty of room to roam and lots to explore, including nearby tide pools (californiatidepools.com) teeming with marine life. For an up-close look at the aquatic habitats, take the stairs down to the beach, where sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, mussels, and crabs hide among the rocks. Pro tip: For the best viewing experience visit during low tide, which varies; check tideschart.com for daily updates.

Malibu Wine Safari and Hiking Tour

Owned by the Semler family, Malibu’s 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch (saddlerock-ranch.com) produces a variety of wines under their two labels, Semler and Saddlerock—think crisp Sauvignon Blanc, rich Merlot, and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon. For the oenophile seeking a truly unique experience, book a safari in one of the property’s custom-built open-air vehicles (“wild” animal sightings included) or sign up for the scenic hiking tour—a two-mile loop around the Saddlerock Ranch Estate, including its vineyards and organic gardens, followed by a tasting.

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