Photos by Zach Le
Students frequent Malibu Country Mart, the beach and even Santa Monica; but do many students actually spend much time past Zuma? Most Pepperdine students are familiar with the area close to campus — Bu-yo, Chipotle and SunLife are Waves staples. What really is beyond Zuma beach, though? Is it a magical Malibu land? Narnia? Something else? Actually, Malibu has a lot to offer north of Zuma Beach! Here are a few things you may not have tried yet:
Restaurants:
Neptune’s Net: 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Neptune’s Net is a casual seafood restaurant that has been in Malibu for more than 50 years. It serves traditional seafood in an informal environment, with moderate prices (considering the price increase that comes along with eating in Malibu). The scenic drive up PCH definitely exemplifies the Malibu vibe. With the amazing view and regular celebrity sightings, this is a great weekend destination.
Malibu Cafe: 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
This trendy restaurant includes games along with its cuisine. The menu features traditional homestyle foods with a modern twist, which has been dubbed “Nouveau Barbecue.” Lawn games, pool tables and paddleboats add to the fun atmosphere, where chandeliers hang from trees, and blankets are provided if the night gets too chilly.
Vintage Grocers: 30745 Pacific Coast Highway #24, Malibu, CA 90265
Vintage Grocers is a beachy and eclectic grocery store that sells organic and local foods. With an extensive and tasty section of prepared foods, it’s good both for your weekly shopping and for picking up lunch. There is even a coffee shop attached to the store, which provides delicious beverages and a departure from Starbucks, if you’re looking for something new.
Recreation:
El Matador State Beach: 32350 El Matador Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
This beach is perfect for all of your Malibu Instagram photo shoots. Surrounded by beautiful waves and rock formations, it is a far cry from Zuma. It’s a beautiful destination for a walk on the beach or lunch at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water.
Point Mugu: 9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Point Mugu is another beach destination that offers something different from Zuma. Complete with bonfire pits, this picturesque beach is a great nighttime destination for making s’mores. In light of the fact that bonfires are illegal on most beaches, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Backbone Trailhead: Santa Monica Mountains
Malibu is all about the outdoors. There’s no better way to take advantage of such a beautiful landscape than hiking in the beautiful Malibu hills. The most popular route in the Santa Monica Mountains is about a seven-mile hike in the scenic slopes.
Make sure to check out some of these northern Malibu destinations, and go out to discover some of your own!
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