Time to soak up some of that famous California sun! Below are a few of our favorite beaches around. Please keep in mind that September is still a very busy time, so our recommendation would be to head to all of these early in the morning to try to snag the best spot on the sand.

ESCONDIDO

This one is the most work to get to but provides the most privacy. Located in Malibu off the PCH, and down numerous steep stairs is a long, peaceful, sandy stretch of beach.

Parking: This one is tough – you have to park along the PCH, and often the only spots available are parallel parking. What this means is that you also might have to run across traffic to get to the steps. This trip is more for an early morning when (hopefully) there are less people awake.

To type into Google maps (yes, we’re team Google over Apple): Escondido Beach Access, Malibu, CA 90265

EL MATADOR

This one is a looker. El Matador has interesting rock formations and it’s not uncommon to see photoshoots using them as a back drop.

Parking: There is a small parking lot that you’ll find if you follow directions to the address below. This can fill up quickly, and if so, you may find yourself looking for a spot on the PCH instead.

To type into Google maps: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, 90265

SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH

This is a bit further down the road, and with that, you get more of a fun, action-packed vibe that comes along with the pier. There are a ton of shops and places to eat or grab a drink, so if you venture to Santa Monica we suggest making this a whole day excursion.

This beach is 3.5 miles along, so really pull over and park anywhere you’re lucky enough to find a spot. Travis and Andrea spent many mornings running along the boardwalk here, so if you want to sneak in some exercise we highly recommend this run!

Parking: More options! You can park in any of the inland residential or business areas inland and walk, or there are paid lots along the sand. When you see a spot, take the spot!

To type into Google maps: Santa Monica State Beach

Outside of the beach, there is a ton to do in LA! Below are some things you might not think of when you first visit. Please keep in mind that LA has special COVID restrictions which may still be in place during September, so we recommend double-checking before you head out to any of these!

MALIBU WINE SAFARI

Full disclosure – we’ve never done the safari, but we have gone to Malibu Wines for some drinks and a picnic. It’s pretty fun to go wine tasting in the middle of the Santa Monica mountains, and on the safari, they even have fun animals to meet like Stanley the Giraffe. We’d normally recommend bringing a blanket and some snacks and making a picnic day out of your trip, but the ability to lunch on the grounds without a reservation may have changed with COVID.

GETTY CENTER AND VILLA

Both of these places are gorgeous and good to go if you’re looking for some history. You can check out their websites to see what exhibits or special events they have going on during your stay. Please note these are two separate locations. Both of these are free, but the Villa requires a timed-entry ticket.

Honestly, YELP gives pretty good tips since everyone in LA thinks they’re a foodie. Since Travis lived in LA for years, we have a pretty good idea of what we like to eat in all the places you can think of. If you want a recommendation for an area not on this list, let us know!

MALIBU

Malibu Seafood

This is our favorite. It’s a great little place right on the PCH where you order in a little cafe, and then grab any spot you can find out in their picnic seating. The menu is a ton of fresh fish you can get prepared how you like, and then some extras like clam chowder. It’s BYOB, which is awesome, so we recommend picking up a bottle of wine before your visit (in CA you can buy wine anywhere, so even go to the nearby gas station). It’s the type of place you can go to right after the beach – which we have done many times! Please note that parking here is really tough – their lot is small, and you’ll most likely end up on the PCH.

Our Order:

Andrea – Ceviche and Ahi Tuna Fresh Grilled Seafood Dinner. Bottle of J Pinot Gris.

Travis – Clam chowder. Then literally anything else + Andrea’s wine.

ADDRESS: 25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

Duke’s

This place is ALL about the view!! Duke’s is where you should go if you’re looking for somewhere a little nicer than Malibu Seafood, but still want a beach vide. The ocean views from this place are incredible and are worth making the trip alone. You can go straight from the beach here, but we might recommend making sure you put on your shoes and shirt before entering. It’s another one on the PCH, but should have valet if you don’t want to street park.

Our Order

Share – Poke tacos and calamari.

Andrea – Ahi Steak (sense a pattern)? 1 spicy cucumber marg before switching to wine.

Travis – Depending on mood, maybe the filet. Old fashioned. End with the hula pie.

ADDRESS: 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

Malibu Cafe

This is such a neat little place, and is actually part of the larger Calamigos Ranch. If you’re looking to spend some more time in the Santa Monica Mountains, we highly recommend heading over here. It’s an outdoor cafe nestled in the mountains with tons of seating and gorgeous garden features (i.e. take some photos). They even have outdoor games like a giant chess set. We normally come here for drinks, but they have some great looking food too.

Our Order

Andrea – Cheese and Charcuterie shared plate. Glass (or bottle) of the Belle Glos Pinot Noir.

Travis – some of Andrea’s cheese. Steak sandwich. Old fashioned. Maybe the same wine.

ADDRESS: 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu

SANTA MONICA

Dogtown Coffee

This is an oldddd favorite. We have been going here since we started dating. This place is super cool and you feel like you’re in Lords of Dogtown with the old school CA vibes – except with really expensive tea. It’s more of a grab and go type place on your way to the beach, but they do have some indoor and outdoor seating if you have time to kill. We can’t recommend this enough if you want some awesome coffee and breakfast food.

Our Order

Andrea – Munchies breakfast burrito with bacon. Salty dog iced coffee.

Travis – Munchies breakfast burrito with bacon. House brew. They also make these really good sea salt cookies that we normally get and eat while we wait for our burritos.

ADDRESS: 2003 Main St., Santa Monica

Hotel Shangri-La Rooftop – Onyx

This place is so fantastic, we’ve actually waited in line before it’s opened to grab a prime table. It has amazing views of Santa Monica beach and the pier. If you get there early enough (check with COVID, but it used to open at 4 so we’ve lined up around 3:45), you can even snag a table and comfy chair to soak in the view. If you don’t get a seat, you probably will end up spending much of the night standing. This place is much more of a bar than it is a restaurant, but we have had some good finger foods here over a bottle of wine. This place tends to lean on the trendier side so if you want to get dressed up, this would be the time to do it!

Our Order

Andrea – Skinny marg with jalapenos. Then probably a bottle of white.

Travis – Thinks he wants a speciality drink but ends up with an old fashioned. Split the fish tacos.

ADDRESS: 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

Mishe Mokwa to Tri-Peaks and Sandstone Peak

This is a long hike with lots of elevation gain, but the ocean views are worth it! Found in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu this loop has plenty to take in.

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Malibu Lake Trail

Another Santa Monica Mountains staple, this out-and-back hike is similar in length to Sandstone Peak, but with significantly less elevation gain. There are water features along the route and several set pieces from M*A*S*H are still here.

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Los Leones Canyon

A shorter, steeper out-and-back hike that rewards you with sweeping views of the Santa Monica bay. This hike is close to Santa Monica and offers an easy chance to get some exercise before enjoy the amenities in Santa Monica.