Head to Malibu! Neptune’s Net—Fast & Furious Filming‑Location Restaurant

How to Make the Most of Malibu’s Ultra-Chic Beach Scene

How many spots pop into your head when you picture beaches in the United States—especially in California?

Even around Los Angeles alone, you’ve got no shortage of famous, crowd-pleasing stretches of sand, from Santa Monica and Venice to Malibu.

For our second beach spotlight—following Santa Monica Beach—we’re turning the lens on the ever-popular Malibu Beach!

1. About Malibu

It’s about a 40-minute drive north of LAX.
Take the ocean-hugging Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and you’ll roll right into Malibu.

Because it sits a bit farther from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu usually escapes the worst crowds—another point in its favor.

2. History

Malibu originally belonged to the Chumash people, Native Americans of this region.

They called the area “Humaliwo,” meaning “the surf sounds loudly.”

In 1891, Frederick Hastings Rindge, an entrepreneur from New England,
bought the land to build a dream home like those on the coasts of France and Italy.

Back then Malibu had no public roads; people traveled at low tide by horse-drawn carriage.

After Frederick’s death in 1905, his wife, May Knight Rindge, fought for two decades to keep public roads off the family’s property.

The county and state eventually won rights-of-way, and today’s Pacific Coast Highway opened in 1926.

The Rindge family home—known as the “Adamson House” and located near Malibu Pier—was built by their daughter Rhoda in 1929.

3. Must-See: Malibu Pier

The top pick in Malibu is, without question, Malibu Pier!

With restaurants, cafés, and chic shops you won’t find on other piers, it’s the perfect place to unwind in style!

Below, we’ll break down all the highlights!

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4. Fresh Seafood Restaurant

There’s a restaurant right by the shoreline as soon as you step onto Malibu Pier.

Here you can dig into delicious, seafood-forward dishes.

Everything is made with locally sourced, often organic ingredients!

Because they’re picky about every element, even the vegetables were surprisingly tasty.
Many plates come out in vibrant colors, making the meal as fun to look at as it is to eat.
If you’re into flavorful yet healthy cuisine, this place is right up your alley!

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5. Chic Café

Venture toward the far end of the pier and you’ll find a stylish café.

Run by the same company as the restaurant, it offers terrace seating surrounded by the sea—perfect for savoring great coffee and more.

This time I tried the ice cream and a hot latte.

Both were wonderfully rich with just the right touch of sweetness—absolutely fantastic!

Heads-up: the café closes early—around 3 or 4 p.m. on weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly!

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6. Gift-Worthy Boutique

Directly across from the café you’ll find a stylish little shop.

Inside you’ll discover plenty of ocean-themed trinkets and other cute, design-forward goodies.

Take your time and pick out the perfect souvenir!

Tip: a staircase outside the shop leads to a terrace with a panoramic view of the entire pier—don’t miss it!

7. Other Recommended Beaches

Malibu has plenty of additional must-see spots.

Many of its pristine beaches double as filming locations for movies and TV shows.

Unlike Malibu Pier, you’ll be trekking over rocks and steep paths, so wear sturdy walking shoes!

For example, El Matador State Beach was used as a location in the 2004 movie The Notebook.

It’s easy to picture young Noah and Allie sharing those blissful moments here.

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Another gem for sunset lovers is Point Dume, which served as the climactic beach in the 1968 film Planet of the Apes.

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8. In Closing

Malibu overflows with attractions!

Enjoy a coastal cruise along the PCH and make time for breathtaking viewpoints and chilled-out cafés.

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