Day Trippin: Malibu
Ah, the beach. My happy place! While it brings me such joy, before becoming a mom, I was lucky to get there even once a year. Now that we live closer to the beach, a mere 35 min drive, so I try and get there once a month.
One of our favorites is Zuma Beach in Malibu.
We typically make a day of it. Morning arrival around 10am, when the beach is less crowded and there’s not much more to hear than the waves hitting and the seagulls calling.
Parking is a breeze if you’re willing to pay a bit for the county managed parking lot. Depending on the day, there is also street parking. The best place to park is around Towers 8-12, where there are bathrooms. Also, the further down you go, the gentler the surf for the kids to play.There are very large mounds of sand where you can set up and let the kids slide/roll down or bring a boogie board to use for sand sledding.
The Point Dume Shopping area, down the street from Zuma, is a food option where you can get some yummy ice cream at Le Cafe de la Plage or grab what is said to be the best breakfast burrito in Los Angeles at Lily’s.
If you’re looking for more food options, head to Malibu Country Mart. Favorites are Sunlife Organics where they will split an acai bowl into 3-4 servings for you, Broad Street Oyster Company (across the street), which has the best lobster rolls or grab some fries and a grilled cheese at Malibu Mutt’s Grill.
Once belly’s are full, its time to get out some energy at the Malibu Village playground. This playground is on sand, has lots of swings, a small play gym and monkey bars. There is also a separate sand box across from the playground. The best part, after a day in the sun, is finding a shady spot at the swings.
Further up Cross Creek Road is the super cute Malibu Park Playground, with rocking chairs overlooking the playground. There is a large play gym and rescue vehicles for pretend play.
On the way back to the canyon, we stop at the Malibu County Library to pick up books I’ve placed on hold. This library has a pretty good selection in the children’s section, and you can return them to any county library. If all of this wasn’t enough, there is a nature preserve with a walking path (stroller friendly) across from the library.
