Things To Do
Malibu/LA Beaches
El Matador State Beach - 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265. Dramatic bluffs, sea caves, and massive rocks. Best for an exploratory beach day (don't expect lots of open sand). $8 parking. Zuma and Point Dume State Beaches - These neighboring beaches can be found at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway and 6800 Westward Beach Rd in Malibu. Zuma is larger with long, wide sands and excellent surf. Point Dume includes a trail with gorgeous, sweeping views. Parking ranges from $3-$8. Santa Monica Beach - We recommend heading towards the Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401) and parking in one of the many public lots along PCH that you will pass on your way there. The pier is fantastic for kids with many rides and games. The beach is popular but large with plenty of sand space to claim a spot. There are beachside cafes, a long walking/biking path with bike rentals aplenty, and beach volleyball courts.
Malibu/LA Bites
Reel Inn - 18661 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu. A casual fresh fish market and restaurant with great options and cute outdoor seating, right off of the PCH. Mastro's Ocean Club - 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu. Classic, upscale, old-school steakhouse with great ocean views. The Butter Cake is a must. Malibu Brewing Company - 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy R4, Malibu. In Trancas County Market (which has some other great stores). Cute, stylish taproom with excellent beer and bar food options. Hatchet Hall - 12517 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles. Venture towards our neighborhood of Culver City for a unique dining experience featuring southern cuisine with a Californian twist. Dinner here would be a great end to a day exploring the westside of LA. The vibes are great (sit outside) and the cornbread is a must. Make a reservation! Koi - 734 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles. A Strauss family favorite, Koi has some of the best sushi LA has to offer. Make a reservation!
Malibu/LA Hikes
The following are hike recommendations from least to most difficult. Many offer sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, and/or city of LA. Please click the corresponding links for all of the details. It is wise to download the free app All Trails and download the route to your phone in advance, as cell service can be spotty on trails. Point Dume Cove Trail - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/point-dume-cove-trail. Solstice Canyon - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/solstice-canyon-loop-trail. Los Leones - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/los-leones-trail--2. Westridge - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/west-ridge-trail--6. Backbone to Sandstone Peak Loop - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/backbone-trail-to-sandstone-peak-and-mishe-mokwa-trail-loop. Zuma Falls - https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/upper-zuma-falls-via-backbone-and-zuma-canyon-trail.
Malibu/LA Activities
Getty Villa - In the hills, showcasing ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture along with lovely gardens. Malibu Pier - Amazing coastline views while you stroll or dine after a beach day. Universal Studios - Heaven for the kids (and the cool adults). Griffith Park Observatory - Amazing views of LA and the Hollywood sign. Planetarium inside and lots of trails and grass space outside. Hollywood Sign/Walk of Fame - Film buffs heaven; hike to the sign for pics and/or stroll the Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Bowl - Amazing outdoor venue. Imagine Dragons are playing the days following our wedding, if you're staying in town through the weekend!
Orange County
OC is full of pretty beaches and beach towns, including Newport and Laguna (we got engaged in Newport, and we love visiting Laguna!). South Coast Plaza is a a large mall with options for everyone. And of course there is the Disneyland resort in Anaheim.
Palm Springs
The best way to spend time here is to lay out by a pool and look at the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. There are also lots of golf courses if that's your thing. You can also take the aerial tramway to the nearby mountains for hiking and views.
Joshua Tree
A stunning, rugged National Park that you can drive through in a few hours, but the real treat is stopping along the way to explore various hikes, and views.
Ojai
A very casual, artsy town. The Ojai Valley Inn is a really nice place to stay with lots of family activities but pricey and very popular so early reservations are a must. There's also a cute, small Main Street. There are lots of outdoor activities like bike riding and some decent hiking. There is also some good food - The Dutchess for Indian, Olivella for Italian, and a delicious lunch place called Hip Vegan. You can also enjoy a sound bath relaxation session, a pottery class, or an olive oil tasting on a farm.
Santa Barbara
Great for wine tasting and winery tours, the beach, bike riding, and more. Adorable Main Street for walking. Hotel options include The Simpson House Inn and Bacara.
Big Sur
Driving down Highway 1 is a bucket list item. The mountain and ocean views are breathtaking. There are all types of lodgings along the way. Pfeffer State beach is cute and there are great hiking trails aplenty.
San Francisco
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and seeing the whole city is a must. Stay at the Westin St. Francis for history and location. Great tourist activities here like going on the tour to Alcatraz, walking on Fisherman’s Wharf, and driving down Lombard street. Noe Valley is great for walking and shopping, and Mission Dolores park is a must see.
Napa Valley
Wine tasting is the biggest reason to go here but also if you enjoy seeing rolling hills and beautiful wineries. Top vineyards include Caymus (in Rutherford) and Rombauer (in St. Helena) but the choices are limitless and wonderful. A lot of them charge for tours and require a reservation.