KATHY MILLAR
Living Assistant
Devyn Forest/Staff photographer
Every once in a while it is important to take a break from studying, step out of the campus bubble and treat oneself to some gratifying shopping, dining and sightseeing. Students can easily plan their next weekend schedule of leisure by browsing this list of the best that Malibu has to offer.
A great benefit to attending Pepperdine is its proximity to some of the most famous beaches in California. Leo Carrillo State Beach is one that characterizes the very essence of Malibu’s natural beauty. Leo Carrillo is a small cove that is almost hidden from view from Pacific Coast Highway. It is common to see surfers catching the deep blue waves there, as sailboats drift by and sea lions lounge in the ocean rocks.
Sophomore Jeff Gerlach said he frequently enjoys surfing at Leo Carrillo.
“I like its location,” Gerlach said. “It’s really cool because it’s nestled between two hills. It’s good surfing, and the campgrounds are nice, too.”
Devyn Forest/Staff photographer
Many visitors enjoy going to Leo Carrillo at sunset to hike along the small hillside trails, climb along the rocks or start a beach bonfire.
Pepperdine students can also go to Zuma Beach, which is in the northern end of Malibu, accessible from Pacific Coast Highway. This beach provides acres of volleyball nets for active beachgoers.
“I have surf class there on Friday, and I love it because there are rocks,” said freshman Robin Van Deren. “We go down there and study and lay out and tan. It’s fun.”
Devyn Forest/Staff photographer
While they are out, Pepperdine students can grab lunch at popular local’s restaurant Malibu Seafood, at 25653 Pacific Coast Highway. Customers walk up to the ordering counter and choose from a variety of fresh fish on display, such as live crab or lobster, Ruby Red Trout, Pacific Red Snapper or King Salmon.
The Live Dungeness Crab is a mouth-watering finger food delicacy for $26. This nearly two pound sweet and tender crab dish is boiled and served with fresh sourdough bread and melted butter. The decorations of stringed lights, along with the glittering ocean view, set the mood and make this a great place to go for a date or celebration dinner with friends.
Tom Ahn/Staff photographer
Freshman Sarah Daugherty said she enjoys going out to eat at Malibu Seafood, as she said, “it’s got good fresh fish.”
One of the most memorable and unique restaurants in Malibu is the family-owned Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway. It is always open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hungry customers can enjoy Paradise Cove Cafe’s “Best Crab Cake Sandwich” with a side of crispy French fries for $15.95. This sandwich contains three large seasoned crab cakes with lettuce, tomatoes and onions piled high on a toasted hamburger bun. If one has room for dessert, try the Mile High Chocolate Cake for $7.95. This is an enormous slice of chocolate cake with layers of chocolate frosting that can be shared among friends or taken home to finish later.
Pepperdine senior Lauren Koep said she is a fan of Paradise Cove Cafe.
“I think it has a beautiful ambiance and it’s really nice how you can sit in there and look out at the ocean,” Koep said. “They have great burgers, and I always like to get the cobb salad. It’s called ‘Bob’s Cobb.’ It’s huge.”
Tom Ahn/Staff photographer
This restaurant exudes a classic Malibu surf atmosphere with its old photographs of surfers, fishermen and celebrities, which line the walls. It is wise to make reservations in advance to eat there because the wait for a table can easily be an hour without a reservation.
For a weekend of sightseeing in Malibu, Pepperdine students often seek fashionable attire and accessories. Becker Surf & Sport Shop at 23755 Malibu Road in Malibu Colony Plaza has been a student favorite for years. This surf shop endorses the eclectic Malibu beach lifestyle with its woodsy classic surf decor and display of modern mixed-media artwork. Becker Surf offers everything a surfer or skater could need, like trendy clothes, athletic attire and sports accessories.
For men, Becker Surf carries brands such as O’Neill, Quiksilver, Element and Volcom. The clothing that Becker Surf sells is affordable for students. For example, its men’s shirts and hats cost between $14 to $25.
Tom Ahn/Staff photographer
Becker Surf also offers the hottest in California-casual apparel for women, such as dresses, t-shirts, skirts, shorts and bikinis from the popular Roxy line. It sells an incredible variety of shoes, and many women enjoy browsing though the Reef Coconut sandals adorned with beads and sequins that cost about $20. Becker Surf also sells Rainbow leather sandals in colors ranging from tan to pink.
Zuma Jay’s Surf Shop, just down the road from Pepperdine at 22775 Pacific Coast Highway, is also a Malibu favorite. The shop is owned by Zuma Jay, a long-time local who is very familiar with the history of Malibu. Although this store is small, it is conveniently located in front of Surfrider Beach. Pepperdine students can rent a surfboard for $20 per day and a wetsuit for $10 per day.
Zuma Jay’s also sells adult and children’s surf and sport apparel and accessories, including Zuma Jay’s own line of t-shirts. Pepperdine students can even admire the surfboards on display that Zuma Jay made for the Teen Choice Awards.
10-05-2006