ism / ˈizəm / noun
a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy, typically a political ideology or an artistic movement.
Edition No. 11 — Malibu
“It is easy to see why Malibu has always been a place of pilgrimage.”
— Joan Didion
California has always belonged to the seekers. Rebels, castaways, gold-rush dreamers chasing the next horizon. Malibu sits where the Santa Monica Mountains fall into the Pacific, stretched along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This isn’t a metropolis like LA or San Francisco, but it has long pulled in the wanderlust set all the same.
Its protected coastline hides some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, while nearby trails climb quickly into quiet, untamed terrain. Naturally wild, deeply storied, and anchored by one of California’s oldest surf communities, Malibu remains a place where land, ocean, and culture move in easy rhythm.
Called by the waves, the light, and a quiet confidence rooted in individuality, Malibu is a place of restoration. A stretch of coast where time slows, style feels effortless, and the Pacific sets the pace.
Today, we’re sharing our guide to this iconic American destination. Where to stay, the can’t-miss farm-to-table table, the best surf lesson, and everything in between. Consider your adventure plotted.
Malibu must be the place.
Vamos,
The TRAVELISM Crew ✈️
Malibu, CA: A state of mind. Sun-washed. Iconic. Untamed. Golden.
The vibe: Salty air, hazy sunsets, slow peeling waves. Malibu is sun-washed luxury where surf culture, creative freedom, and a unique confidence collide above the Pacific.
Where To Stay
The Surfrider Malibu began life in 1953 as the Malibu Shores Motel, perched above one of the most influential beaches in the history of surf culture. For decades, it welcomed travelers drawn by waves, light, and the promise of California.
In 2014, it was reimagined as The Surfrider Malibu. A fresh chapter. A modern take on a beloved classic. What emerged is effortlessly cool and thoughtfully designed, with interiors that mirror the surrounding landscape. Simple, sophisticated, and quietly inspiring. Much like Malibu itself.
Barefoot luxury done right: oceanfront calm, design-forward rooms, rooftop sunsets, and a quietly cool energy that feels stylish, without being too cool.
Why it’s cool: Trading flashy resort energy for intimate scale, thoughtful design, a locals-first vibe, and direct ocean access that feels lived-in, not staged.
Rooftop Restuarant + Bar at The Surfrider
Food & Drink: Everything revolves around the rooftop. Elevated literally and figuratively. The views stretch across Malibu, the mood stays unhurried, and the menu leans farm-to-table from morning through night.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all happen up top, with the bar acting as your daily command center. Coffee turns into cocktails. Plans get made. Plans get scrapped. Malibu decides.
What to Order
Breakfast: The Brekky Burrito is the move. Built for dawn patrol. Add avocado and bacon, then head straight for the waves.
Lunch: Seasonal fruit, fresh from nearby farms. Pair it with burrata, house sourdough, and prosciutto. Simple ingredients, zero notes.
Dinner: Hand-cut angel hair, heirloom tomatoes, house-made chili macha, Lisbon lemon, garlic, basil, and olive oil. Add shrimp. Don’t overthink it.
California King Bed Vibes in the Surfrider Suite
The Rooms
Surfrider Suite
If there’s a better way to do Malibu, we haven’t found it.
Perched on the second floor with panoramic views of the Malibu Pier, Surfrider Beach, and First Point, this 500-square-foot suite is designed for effortless coastal living. Inside, a custom four-poster California King anchors a serene space with a dedicated living area and an ensuite kitchen that makes settling in feel instinctive.
Outside is where the magic lingers. A double-sized terrace with loungers, a hammock, and an outdoor dining area sets the stage for long afternoons and legendary Malibu sunsets.
Finished with Bellino linens, Grown Alchemist bath amenities, and Parachute robes.
Oyster Bars
Malibu is known for it’s raw bars and Broad Street is the best casual version.
🦞Clark’s Oyster Bar
East Coast polish meets Pacific ease with martinis, pristine oysters, white tablecloth energy, sunset glow, and a crowd that knows exactly why it’s here tonight. 🌊🍸
What to order: Start with icy oysters and a classic martini, then order the lobster roll hot with butter, fries extra crisp, and finish with key lime pie.
🦪Broad Street Oyster Company
Casual, surf-adjacent seafood energy with salty air, counter-order ease, fresh catches, and a locals-in-the-know crowd fueling beach days properly.
What to order: Order a cup of the chowder, shuck a dozen oysters, add uni when available, and don’t skip a cold local beer.
Dinner Time
Vibe-y bar scene at Nobu with world class sushi
🍸Little Beach House Malibu
Dinner at Little Beach House Malibu feels intimate and unhurried, with coastal California plates, candlelit tables, ocean breezes, and a members-only ease that lingers late.
What to Order
Order the yellowtail crudo, wood-fired branzino, seasonal vegetables, and finish with olive oil cake and a crisp coastal martini tonight.
🍣 Nobu Malibu
Dinner at Nobu Malibu is cinematic and indulgent, with waves crashing below, pristine sushi, polished service, and a see-and-be-seen energy at sunset on the coast.
What to Order
You must try the yellowtail jalapeño, miso black cod, crispy rice with spicy tuna, rock shrimp tempura, and finish with mochi ice cream.
🥩Lucky’s Malibu
Dinner at Lucky’s Malibu is old-school steakhouse glamour with candlelight, martinis, prime cuts, ocean air nearby, and a timeless, celebratory energy that lingers late.
What to Order
Order the dry-aged ribeye, classic wedge salad, creamed spinach, pommes frites, and a dirty martini or bold California cabernet.
Brunch
🥞Ollo Malibu
Brunch at Ollo Malibu is lively and sunlit, blending coastal ease with polished plates, craft cocktails, weekend buzz, and a locals-meets-visitors crowd easing into the day along the Pacific Coast.
What to Order
Make sure you order the ricotta pancakes for the table! Then move on to the avocado toast, seasonal eggs, house potatoes, and a spicy Bloody Mary or citrus-forward mimosa.
Wine All The Time
The Barn is great for vino + the sunset
🍾 The Barn at Cielo Farms
Sipping wine here feels pastoral and unrushed, with vineyard views, mountain air, golden light, and a rustic elegance that makes time stretch comfortably.
What to Order
Order a tasting flight to sample estate reds, then settle into a glass of Syrah or Cabernet while grazing on artisanal cheese and bread. 🧀 🥖
Malibu Experiences
🌊 Surf Lessons: Book a session with local legend Pete and let Malibu set the pace. Private, couples, or small-group lessons welcome all levels and come fully equipped with boards, wetsuits, and pure good energy. Ninety minutes. Zero pressure. Just you, the Pacific, and First Point doing its thing.
🥾 Hiking: Malibu’s best trails live just minutes from The Surfrider Malibu, cutting through canyons, cliffs, and coastal overlooks that feel worlds away. Our favorites: Tuna Canyon, Solstice Canyon, and the Point Dume headland. Pro move: pack a Surfrider picnic and turn your hike into a slow, scenic feast.
🔔 Sound Bath: Drop into deep restoration inside the Five Sense Collective geodesic dome perched above the Pacific in Big Rock Canyon. This immersive experience blends sound healing, intention setting, Ayurvedic head massage, and grounding conversation. Equal parts spiritual reset and coastal calm.
🐴 Horseback Riding: See Malibu the cinematic way. Wrangler-guided rides w/ High Horse Ranch wind through the Santa Monica Mountains, past wildflowers and canyon trails, opening up to sweeping Pacific views. Sunrise and sunset rides available. Small groups only. All levels welcome. Just you, your horse, and a horizon that refuses to rush.
Golden Hour
Malibu is built for sunsets, but golden hour at Point Dume raises the bar. A short coastal hike delivers an outsized reward: dramatic bluffs, salt air, and one of California’s most unforgettable sunset perches. Bring a light layer. Stay longer than planned.
Pro tip: Pack some snacks and a bottle of vino.
Bottom Line
Malibu delivers sun-washed luxury, iconic surf culture, farm-to-table dining, and restorative landscapes where mountains meet ocean, inviting travelers to slow down, reconnect, and experience California at its most confident coast. 🌊✈️