“I don’t know… what do you want to do Friday?” seems to be a typical line in Pepperdine students’ conversations. Throw in a sigh of exasperation an eye roll and “Well we could do (fill in the blank) again.”
Yes that’s the ‘Bu way… or is it? Malibu is the host to many hang-out spots some more well-known than others. Marmalade Coogies and Starbucks have become staples to our excursion plans and some of us can recite the respective menus to the waiters. What some students fail to recognize are the vast opportunities for a good time all around (or at least very near) Malibu. There are museums shops and even different coffee places that give those of us who need it more variety.
***
Point Dume
While Point Dume isn’t technically Malibu it’s a mere 15-minute drive from campus north on Pacific Coast Highway. This spot doesn’t just host Lily’s Cafe and Pastries home of the breakfast burritos well-known to most Pepperdine students— there is also a secluded beach and a pizza restaurant. If you’re laying out at Zuma Beach and decide it’s just a little too crowded never fear; a more secluded beach is only minutes away. Drive to the end of Point Dume’s beach and hike up into the mountain to access a lesser-known stretch of beach perfect for a date or just to escape the regular rigamarole of life at Zuma. It’s a little difficult to get to but worth the trek. Not up for a day at the beach? Point Dume Village is also worth looking into.
If you’re feeling hungry for a classic look up Point Pizza. Point Pizza is located in the same area as Lily’s and Vons and is now even open Sundays. The restaurant offers cheap but quality pizza and is the perfect start to a relaxing day on the beach or end to a long day of surfing.
Beyond Point Dume there are several spots even closer to home that guarantee an adventurous SoCal day.
The Pier
Malibu Pier is the hot spot for pictures with your formal date your family and your suite mates as well as a prime location for a day of shopping or fishing. At the end of the pier is a Malibu retail shop and Ruby’s Diner. The retailer shop has high-end high-quality clothing for young adults. Their soft sweaters and graphic tees are a bit pricey but still cute enough to warrant taking a look. And after shopping who isn’t a little hungry? Ruby’s is a chain that has burgers fries shakes and an old-time diner feel. Sitting on the edge of the pier it gives patrons a spectacular view of the ocean Surfrider Beach and the horizon— the perfect spot for a date or to take family when they come into town.
Ruby’s is not the only restaurant on the pier though.
If you’re feeling up for something a bit nicer The Beachcomber Cafe is another restaurant positioned romantically on the pier. The view from the dining room overlooks Surfrider Beach— a prime location to view the spectacular colors of Malibu sunsets. The lunch menu offers typical fare with a few special touches that put a new spin on classic food. Examples include their organic baked tomato soup with a puff pastry top or their green goddess calamari served with homemade sauces. The dinner menu though more expensive offers fresh seafood chicken and vegetable dishes that will wow any palette. Up for more of a night on the town? The Malibu Pier Club has a full bar with stools and tables where patrons can sip their drinks and enjoy the view while listening to classic rock music. The wait staff dresses in formal uniforms consisting of white button-up shirts ties and slacks giving the Club an elegant touch. If you’re hungry for a light snack the Malibu Pier Club offers exquisite bar food that will satisfy almost any craving.
The Malibu Pier is a fun location perfect for entertaining family or friends.
The Lumberyard and Malibu Country Market
Of all the hidden gems in Malibu the Lumberyard and the Malibu Country Market are probably the most well-known; yet few fully take advantage of everything the areas have to offer. The Lumberyard houses multiple hideouts to which Pepperdine students can escape when life gets too stressful. A coffee house chocolate shop and a quaint playground (complete with swings!) sit in the middle of Malibu but hidden from the road enough that it’s like a getaway without the pesky traveling. Tucked away in the heart of Malibu the Country Market offers places just minutes away from campus to shop hang out and eat.
Next to Planet Blue Nobu Sushi and an Italian cafe The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offers a peaceful getaway with comfortable chairs and delicious drinks. If you’ve managed to navigate college life without gaining an addiction to coffee shopping near Malibu Country Market also offers other designer options including Seven for all Mankind MAC makeup JCREW and even a Fred Siegel store.
Within walking distance Taverna Tony’s serves pricey but delicious Greek food and is perfect for a dinner out. And who doesn’t love some dessert? Crumbs Bakery has the best cupcakes anywhere in Malibu. Perfect to satiate any sugar craving the bakery offers so many different types the hardest part of your trip will be having to choose one. If you don’t like cupcakes the shop also offers homemade baked goods such as cookies and candy bars.
As another option to satisfy your sweet tooth two doors down is the ChocolateBox Cafe. All the gelato is imported from Rome and the chocolates from Belgium. Orders of coffee and hot chocolate can be mixed with different flavors such as raspberry and orange for an exciting treat. For gourmet snacks the Lumberyard is the perfect place. But if you don’t have much time to spare a small kiosk called Quesadilla Rapida sits on the outskirts and sells delicious Mexican food for reasonable prices. Whether you want a day of shopping a nice dinner or just a snack between meals the Lumberyard and the Malibu Country Market are both a quick drive and guarantee a good time.
Malibu Creek State Park
If you’re the outdoors-y type within Malibu Creek State Park off Malibu Canyon Road there’s a lava rock pool that’s worth the hour hike to reach. After traipsing through expansive meadows and a forest area you come to find cliffs surrounding a clear-water pool. Almost 12 feet deep in some areas the cliffs provide the perfect adrenaline rush as you jump into the water. Though sometimes cold it’s perfect for a hike in summer weather or anytime during these frequent Santa Ana’s.
If you’re looking for adventure but don’t want to drive the 45 minutes into Los Angeles look no further than our own little quaint community. Malibu though small contains many locations no matter what your taste. Museums restaurants getaways and hangouts all exist within our slice of paradise. The only thing left to do is go out and experience it. For those loyal to old faithfuls never fear. We’ll still frequent our favorites when the time calls for it.