For years, when I thought of Los Angeles, the first image in my mind would be the chaos of the crowds at Los Angeles International Airport. When traveling on business to Hawaii that would be a logical connection point, so I’ve spent a limited amount of time there on some overnight layovers. It wasn’t until I decided to claim Los Angeles as an actual destination, that I realized the beauty of the area.
The city itself is full of numerous tourist attractions, lots of downtown hotels and restaurants, the highways are huge and wide and almost always congested… you’ve heard all this before. But if you stay close to the coastal areas, it really is a wonderful place to vacation. Of course, when you make the reservation for your car rental (a necessity in that area) just be sure to confirm a convertible. There’s nothing like feeling the sunshine and sea air as you explore. First stop… Malibu. Let’s see what this place is all about. Driving on the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu may be a bit crowded, but it’s worth the traffic. Make sure you look up at the beautiful homes on the hillside (if you’re not the designated driver, that is) as well as the spectacular ocean views. Some of those ocean views will be blocked by the tightly packed beach houses, but be patient! When an undeveloped area appears, the view is worth the wait. There is a must-see detour through Malibu Canyon you can take from that road, which you won’t regret.
If you are heading north, you’ll see the Malibu Colony Plaza Shopping Center on your left as the PCH rises to meet Malibu Canyon Road. Turn right… after the turn, Pepperdine University will be on the left. When you get a glimpse of the college’s setting, you’ll wonder why you didn’t insist on studying there! Follow Malibu Canyon Road for about fifteen minutes through some magnificent scenery. The canyon is cut through the Santa Monica Mountains. If interested, you can visit Malibu Creek State Park on your left, just south of Mulholland Drive. As you head back toward the PCH, the contrast of the blue of the ocean with the mountain views, is particularly striking.
Need some refreshments? When you find yourself back at the Pacific Coast Highway, turn left. After about four miles, you’ll see Dukes Malibu oceanfront restaurant on your right. Great casual place for a burger and an outstanding view. Or, if you want to hang out with the locals, try the Paradise Cove Beach Café… it is on the PCH, about five miles north of the Canyon Road intersection. You can’t miss the sign on the left. The best feature here is that you can sit right on the beach, with your toes in the sand, while you enjoy your meal. That's what I call an oceanfront view!
As far as lodging goes, there are a limited number of hotels in Malibu but if you check out neighboring Santa Monica, the choices for resorts and luxury hotels are limitless. More on that next time…
The city itself is full of numerous tourist attractions, lots of downtown hotels and restaurants, the highways are huge and wide and almost always congested… you’ve heard all this before. But if you stay close to the coastal areas, it really is a wonderful place to vacation. Of course, when you make the reservation for your car rental (a necessity in that area) just be sure to confirm a convertible. There’s nothing like feeling the sunshine and sea air as you explore. First stop… Malibu. Let’s see what this place is all about. Driving on the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu may be a bit crowded, but it’s worth the traffic. Make sure you look up at the beautiful homes on the hillside (if you’re not the designated driver, that is) as well as the spectacular ocean views. Some of those ocean views will be blocked by the tightly packed beach houses, but be patient! When an undeveloped area appears, the view is worth the wait. There is a must-see detour through Malibu Canyon you can take from that road, which you won’t regret.
If you are heading north, you’ll see the Malibu Colony Plaza Shopping Center on your left as the PCH rises to meet Malibu Canyon Road. Turn right… after the turn, Pepperdine University will be on the left. When you get a glimpse of the college’s setting, you’ll wonder why you didn’t insist on studying there! Follow Malibu Canyon Road for about fifteen minutes through some magnificent scenery. The canyon is cut through the Santa Monica Mountains. If interested, you can visit Malibu Creek State Park on your left, just south of Mulholland Drive. As you head back toward the PCH, the contrast of the blue of the ocean with the mountain views, is particularly striking.
Need some refreshments? When you find yourself back at the Pacific Coast Highway, turn left. After about four miles, you’ll see Dukes Malibu oceanfront restaurant on your right. Great casual place for a burger and an outstanding view. Or, if you want to hang out with the locals, try the Paradise Cove Beach Café… it is on the PCH, about five miles north of the Canyon Road intersection. You can’t miss the sign on the left. The best feature here is that you can sit right on the beach, with your toes in the sand, while you enjoy your meal. That's what I call an oceanfront view!
As far as lodging goes, there are a limited number of hotels in Malibu but if you check out neighboring Santa Monica, the choices for resorts and luxury hotels are limitless. More on that next time…
