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Malibu is my favorite beach city in all of California.  Probably because it’s not really a city.  It’s more of a beach town. Downtown Malibu is small and the pier is the focal point.  The Beaches are breathtaking. The restaurants are relaxing, intimate & most have glorious views.  The shops are quaint and are mostly locally owned businesses.  The Malibu Hotels are also quaint and intimate.  There aren’t any huge resorts here, they’re more like Inns, motels, Bed & Brakfasts and apartments.

The beaches in Malibu are amongst the nicest beaches in all of America. Truly, these beaches are special.  They consist of Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, Malibu Beach, Topanga Beach, Point Dume Beach, County Line and Dan Blocker Beach.  Zuma is my very favorite. I’ve blogged about my favorite Malibu beaches a few months ago.  You can find them in  the Favorite Beaches sections.

Malibu’s local parks are also amongst the best.  They are Malibu Bluffs Park, Las Flores Creek Park, Legacy Park and Trancas Canyon Park.  The Parks surrounding Malibu are just as nice and some are down right gorgeous, with lots of activities to do in these parks.

Some of the surrounding parks are Malibu Creek State Park, Leo Carrillo State Beach and Park, Point Mugu State Park.  Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is an amazing park to go hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing or just picnicking.  There are some great wineries in the area, as well. ( I’ll have a section for wineries in California, coming up..)

These are all great reasons why you should consider staying in Malibu, when visiting Southern California.  However, there aren’t a  whole lot of accomodations in Malibu. Also, traffic can be tough sometimes, so bring your patience, as well.

I have listed some expensive hotels and I’ve listed some more affordable accomodations.   All worth it, for experiencing magical Malibu.

 

Mid-Range to High-End

 

Malibu Beach Inn

This Inn is the most popular place to stay in Malibu.  The rooms all have ocean views with private balconies. The first floor rooms have decks and are practically on beautiful Carbon Beach. The guests have access to this private beach, which makes it a very quiet place to stay.  The pier is just a 2 minute walk away.  228278 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265

 

Malibu Country Inn

A quaint and humble Inn located above the highway, overlooking Westward Beach.  It’s walking distance to Zuma Beach.  That’s reason enough to stay here!  All rooms have a sun patio and some have wonderfu ocean views. Rooms have fireplaces and free WI-FI.  6506 Westward Beach Road, Malibu  90265

The Ranch at Live Oak/Malibu

This is an all-inclusive wellness and fitness spa retreat.   Located on a beautiful, remote ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, above Malibu.  You can do a one week wellness program, all the way to a long, five week program.   It’s an expensive and intensive program, but said to be well worth it.  One of the most famous spa retreats in the country.  12220 Cotharin Road, Malibu 90265

The Malibu Motel

Located just 5 minutes away from the beach.  This 18 room motel is small but comfortable.   Very close to Pacific Coast Highway, so it’s not a quiet spot.  But, its a good value due to being so close to the beach. There’s also an outdoor pool, that’s open all year. All rooms have flat screen TVs and small refrigerator.  Some rooms have ocean views.  22541 Pacific Coast HIghway, Malibu 90265

 

Topanga Canyon Inn Bed and Breakfast

This B&B is located in gorgeous Topanga Canyon.  You’ll get freshly prepared breakfasts and free WI-FI. Rooms provide homemade soaps in the bathrooms.  Over 10 miles of hiking, horse back riding and mountain biking are all located nearby.  There’s a communal seating area with cable TV, DVD player, Blu Ray player and a film library, all available for use. 20310 Callon Drive, Topanga

 

Budget

 

Malibu Riviera Motel

This humble 17 room motel is just a little more than a mile away from Zuma Beach and within six miles from El Matador State Beach.  All rooms are have free Wi-Fi, balconies, flat screen TVs and spa tubs.  28920 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265