For decades, Malibu has attracted wealthy, creative individuals and famous residents from both the motion picture and recording industries. The setting of many movie locations, Malibu symbolizes the essence of the "California Dream." Its beautiful beaches are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, picking shells and catching a glimpse of dolphins swimming offshore. Directly to the east across the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the rugged canyons of Malibu offer a dramatic mix of terrain suitable for horseback riding, hiking and even the setting of some of Malibu's own vineyards.

Malibu’s earliest history dates as far back to its Native American inhabitants and strong Spanish presence. In 1891, Frederick Hastings Rindge, a wealthy eastern transplant to California, acquired Rancho Malibu, and was the last owner of the Malibu Spanish Land Grant. Over the early 1900s, the Rindge family had a significant influence on the transformation of Malibu. Rindge's wife, May, founded Malibu Potteries in the 1920s, and the ceramic tile factory soon became world renowned for its Malibu Tile, an artistic influence of moorish and arts and crafts style. Today Malibu Tile is considered a much sought-after collectible. Daughter Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband, Merritt Adamson, built an architecturally significant Spanish Colonial style estate, on the gorgeous beach side location of Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider Beach. The Adamson House which was designed by architect Stiles O. Clement in 1930, is a magnificent showcase using Malibu Tiles throughout. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for guided tours. Truly, a must see. Another showcase of Malibu Tile is the site of the original Ringe 50 room mansion - Serra Retreat is situated high upon a coastal bluff overlooking Malibu Lagoon and has spectacular views of the Pacific. In the early 1940s, the Rindge family sold the property to the Franciscan Order and the estate is now open to visitor tours as well. Of interesting note, The Malibu Colony (a gated community and home to famous producers, writers and movie stars) was also once part of the original Rindge ranch site.

Though Malibu is considered primarily as a laid back beach destination, home to the stars, as well as Pepperdine University, Malibu also offers great restaurants, charming shops and close proximity to all that the greater Los Angeles area has to offer.

The Malibu Beach Inn is by far the place to stay. The property was acquired by Music Producer David Geffen, and underwent extensive renovations. Located directly on Carbon Beach, the Malibu Beach Inn exudes a casual luxury with an intimate beach cottage feel. Each of the large beachfront suites with private balconies offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby Malibu Pier (originally constructed as a dock for the Rindge family). Using glass and wood construction elements, the hotel's new look is sleek and contemporary, yet maintains a residential atmosphere reflective of the surrounding area. The interiors are clean with monochromatic hues throughout, and beautiful artwork on the walls compliment the overall contemporary theme. The new addition of The Carbon Beach Club as an on-site restaurant and dining room will feature California cuisine and wines from local Malibu vineyards.

Dining out in Malibu offers a diverse range of restaurant establishments, and as far as proper clothing attire, upscale casual is always a good rule of thumb. For evening dining, Beau Rivage is a culinary standout. The cuisine is a fusion of Italian/French and the service is impeccable. Located directly off the PCH, Beau Rivage is housed in a romantic Mediterranean-style mansion, and offers nightly piano music and spectacular ocean views of the Pacific. A little further up the PCH is another culinary favorite, Geoffrey’s, which specializes in California cuisine and is situated ocean side. Other good restaurants are Allegria, Moonshadows, Marmalade, Granita and the trendy Nobu. At the other end of the dining spectrum going to a very casual flip flops and bathing suit attire, Neptune’s Net is a great way to end a perfect day at the beach. Established in 1958, this roadside seafood shack off the PCH has it all: great location - directly across the beach on the north most end of Malibu near the Ventura County line; great food - live lobsters, crabs, clams, and shrimp and interesting clientele - locals, celebrities, surfers, bikers and tourists. A true Malibu classic… enjoy the amazing ocean views while sitting on wooden picnic tables and eating off of paper plates. At the southern end of Malibu, near Topanga State Beach, is another super casual seafood shack, the Reel Inn. For a relaxing Sunday brunch, Malibu Country Inn’s Hideaway Cafe, overlooking famed Zuma Beach is ideal and the Inn’s beautiful rose gardens adds to its appeal. Of last note is the very scenic Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, with its very dramatic beachfront location made famous by the filming of the show “Gidget.”

Outdoor shopping in Malibu is somewhat spread out, although the two main areas are in the Malibu Country Market and the Malibu Colony Plaza; both located in the center of town and one block apart. Each offers a variety of upscale, yet low key shops, espresso bars, outdoor cafés and potential celebrity sightings.

Two very worthwhile sightseeing excursions, only minutes from the heart of Malibu are the recently restored Getty Museum (formerly known as the Getty Villa) located in the southern end of Malibu and the Self-Realization's Lake Shrine, in nearby Pacific Palisades. The Lake Shrine is a wondrous 10 acre spiritual sanctuary with serene nature trails and gardens, alongside a picturesque lake. The spiritual philosophy behind the Lake Shrine’s opening in 1950 was to embrace Eastern and Western religions into one beautiful surrounding open to the public.

For further adventures, take Sunset Boulevard (after 10 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion) and wind your way through the immaculately manicured neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades, Brentwood/Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Great restaurants to choose from include La Scala, Mr. Chow, Maple Drive, Spago and The Ivy. Aside from legendary dining establishments and luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills also has several interesting sites to visit such as the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, Museum of Television & Radio, Greystone Estate and the Virginia Robinson Gardens.