Sort of Legal

I’m just returning to Encinitas, California after a mini-road trip with my sister and brother (in law). We spent about a day in Malibu with a plan that we cobbled together as we went. We thought it worked out quite well so I used our experiences to pull together this one-day itinerary for exploring the Malibu, California area without breaking the bank.

Ideal for: The semi-budget solo, group, or family traveler that likes walking and doesn’t need to check off every tourist attraction in the area.

Note for Kids: There is a lot of walking and fair amount of driving so those with young kids might want to focus on one or two exploration stops.

BREAKFAST: On the road or in the hotel

Cost: $0 – $5 per person

Save a couple of dollars and pack a breakfast for the drive to the Malibu area. My personal favorite is a granola bar, peanut butter, and banana or apple. Or, follow our lead, and book a hotel with a free breakfast and load-up.

EXPLORATION STOP 1: Paramount Ranch, California

Address: 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Cost: $0

Paramount Ranch, just outside of Malibu, is worth a visit for movie-buffs and nature lovers alike. Paramount Ranch is a faux western-town nestled in a national park in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is the only active movie and tv set in the National Park Services’ repertoire.

The western town has been the backdrop for scenes from dozens upon dozens of movies and tv-shows including Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and the western scenes in HBO’s recent smash hit, West World. A film list can be found here.

 

Surrounding the Western Town are multi-use scenic trails open to pedestrians with leashed dogs, bikers, and equestrians who will encounter valley and coastal live oaks and if they’re lucky wildlife like deer and blue heron.

We visited the ranch on a Friday morning and there were only a handful of other visitors so as long as there is no active filming, you can expect easy parking and a tranquil visit.

EXPLORATION STOP 2: Pepperdine University

Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263

Cost: $0

Pepperdine University is a prestigious private university located right on California’s historic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101), about 15 minutes from Paramount Ranch by car. It is essentially an oceanfront college with views that will have you wondering how you can go to school there, regardless of whether you are 15 or 50. It’s that pretty.

To get on to campus, you pass through a gate manned by a university student. We worried that there was a fee but when we asked whether we could take a look at the school, the gate attendant responded “of course,” handed us a map, and let us in.

Upon entry you can park and walk around the campus if you like. We were content with a 15-minute drive-through. 

EXPLORATION STOP 3: Tuna Canyon Park

Address: Google Maps Navigation to “Tuna Canyon Trailhead”

Cost: $0 – $5 per person

After Pepperdine, you may become worried that the hike won’t be able to compete with the university’s scenic views. We had those same concerns. They are unwarranted.

Tuna Canyon is a 1,255-acre park offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding metropolises like Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Pepperdine due in large part to the windy, mountainous roads that lead to the park. The drive itself was part of the adventure.

 

There are a fair number of trails in the park so you can choose your own adventure based on what you want to see or how long you want to hike.  There are a few small inclines but overall the hiking is easy.

We explored for about 4 miles, taking numerous stretch and look-out breaks, starting at the Tuna Canyon Trailhead found on Google Maps.  From that trailhead, you take the fire road to narrower trails.  Download maps in advance if you want one.

The park was free but we brought a few granola bars, we recommend that you do the same. 

LATE LUNCH OR EARLY DINNER: Malibu Farm Restaurant or Malibu Café

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Price: $15 – $40 per person

Malibu Farm has two different restaurants located on the Malibu Pier.   Malibu Pier Café is a casual counter-service restaurant at the end of the pier. It closes at 4PM on weekdays and 8PM on weekends and does not accept reservations. Entrée prices are in the $15-25 range.

Malibu Pier Restaurant is located the beginning of the pier. It is a full-service restaurant with more expensive entrees ranging from $15 – 42 with most around the $25 mark. The atmosphere is much more casual than the prices.   You won’t feel out of place in jeans. Unlike the Café, Malibu Pier Restaurant does accept reservations. If it works for your schedule, make one for a table near a window table at sunset.

Neither Malibu Farm Pier Café nor Restaurant are cheap but the food is healthy and tasty and the views at sunset are worthy of an admission fee. The inexpensive activities the rest of the day help balance out the expenditure of a nice meal. My sister and I split our entree and appetizer but then each got a drink.

You can save more by getting a drink somewhere cheaper beforehand and/or dessert somewhere else after. Or if you really can’t stomach the prices, head to the Pier in the late afternoon and grab coffee, juice, a smoothie, or ice cream at the beginning of the pier on the left and walk out and enjoy the views.

OVERACHIEVERS BONUS: If you really want to see how much you can pack into a single day, head to Santa Monica or Venice Beach before or after dinner to check-out those historic and quirky California coastal towns.

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