After our fun post on things to do in Venice, we figured we would move inland and plan a day away from the coast. But this Indian summer keeps giving us hot days that just won’t quit, so we travelled North instead of East. Here is a fantastic day full of all the hidden gems that Malibu has to offer. Much like Venice, it is far more than a beach town. Malibu has cultural destinations rich with art and history, and some delicious food as well!
Munch on breakfast under a beautiful, blue sky at Coogie’s Beach Cafe.
Start your day off with a visit to Coogie’s Beach Cafe. This delicious stop is right off of the PCH, so it’s accessible no matter where you’re coming from. With an extensive menu full of breakfast choices, including a great Kid’s Menu, Coogie’s will fill you up before you hit up your next destination. P.S. – The Family Savvy loves Coogie’s take on French Toast!
One of the many pieces on display in the Weisman Museum’s Pop Art exhibit.
Next, hit up the Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University. The Weisman Museum has a particularly engaging exhibit on pop art, which might be fun for your kids if they’re used to the more austere pieces at places like the Getty. We should mention that Pepperdine is the epitome of a hidden L.A. treasure, tucked away in the breathtaking hills of Malibu. The university hosts some truly incredible performers and music events this fall, which are reason enough alone to trek north and make a visit. After exploring the galleries, look around the campus itself; the views of the ocean and the incredible landscaping are sure to entice your kids to play and run wild.
After all of that sightseeing and art gazing, your stomach is sure to be rumbling once more. Get in your car and continue your ride north, up to Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe. The combination Market and Cafe offers views of the ocean, along with freshly caught fish, crab, and other sea critters. They aren’t even open in the mornings, because Malibu Seafood’s staff is out catching the specials for lunch!
The outdoor patio at Malibu Seafood, offering a picturesque view and peak-of-freshness fish.
As your last stop on the beautiful Malibu coast, why not go back in time? The Adamson House Loggia is a palatial home built in the 1930s, with a house and gardens that typify old California style. Stroll the grounds and take a tour of the sprawling manor, teaching your children about the customs and luxurious lifestyle of the upper class in early 20th century Malibu.
On your drive back home, you might be a looking for a bite of dinner or a sweet treat. Check out Cafe Habana, where locals love to dine on fresh Cuban cuisine. Too full from lunch but still got room for dessert? ChocolateBox Cafe is right by the Adamson House, and it offers gourmet chocolate, gelato, and crepes. The decor is sleek and modern, allowing young teens or tweens to feel mature while they put themselves into a sugar coma.
A few alternate Malibu adventures include some high-end shopping at the sleek, new Malibu Lumberyard where James Pearse, Tory Burch, Kitson, Alice and Olivia and INTERMIX show off their wares. For the opposite adventure, consider a hike up into the hills. A few hours cruising around Solstice Canyon is good for all ages (and for the soul!).
