Remote Worker's Guide to Malibu

A small town feeling is preserved in the twenty seven mile long shoreline city of Malibu. It's comprised of one pretty place after the next, with beaches-galore, beautiful hiking trails, beach cliffs and natural arches. While its natural beauty is reason enough to visit, its the close knit community, laid back vibe, multitude of local businesses, and world renowned surf breaks that keeps people here.

Just a 25 minute commute from Los Angeles, and running along the Pacific Coast Highway, is the beachfront city of Malibu. Scenic in every direction, you'll see the beach on one side, and the Sant Monica mountains on the other. The city can be divided into three main areas, all stretching along the Pacific Coast Highway: Western, Central and Eastern. Here are a few noteable areas:

Zuma (Western)

With all of the ingredients for a perfect beach day (think: surf, volleyball nets, picnic tables, food stalls, and more), Zuma is the place to go to spend a day at the beach. It boasts almost two miles of sandy beach, and is the epitome of classic Malibu. The nieghborhood is tranquil and residential, with impressive mid century homes and ample access to hiking and horseback riding trails. It's close proximity to Zuma Beach, makes it especially appealing to surfers. Nearby Trancas Country Market features a collection of restaurants, boutique shops, and grocery stores.

Point Dume (Central)

Point Dume is seemingly overflowing with natural wonders. Its mostly residential, with homes sitting high atop a bluff, with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay. Its Westward Beach is great for relaxing day in the sun.

Carbon Beach (Eastern)

On the eastern side, close to Santa Monica and LA, is Carbon Beach. This exciting neighborhood is packed full of things to do. It's home to the famed Malibu Pier, and is a great place to rent stand up paddle boards, or catch some waves at the neighboring Surfrider Beach.
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Driving and Parking in Malibu

With its scenic routes, and rather large sprawl, driving is the preferred and easiest mode of transportation in Malibu.

Cycling in Malibu ‍‍

Second to driving, biking is a great way to get around Malibu. Trails wind through the mountains, canyons, and beaches, and the Pacific Coast Highway continues to be a popular route for bikers. Should you venture to Santa Monica, you'll likely see a few Uber Jump Bikes lying around. Similar to lime and bird scooters, these are electric biles that can be reserved in the Uber app.

Uber/Lyft in Malibu

‍Uber and Lyft are widely available in Malibu.

Public Transit in Malibu

The bus is another fairly easy and affordable way to get around with fares starting at $1.50. The Metro Express 534 bus connects Malibu to Los Angeles proper.at the Pepperdine Malibu Campus.

Mugu Peak Trail
It may be a shorter loop at 2.7 miles, but it packs a punch. It's steep, particularly on the way down, but well worth it with a 180 degree view over the Pacific Ocean waiting for you at the top. 

Solstice Canyon Loop
This is a popular hike, and for good reason. The entire hike is beautiful, but the peak offers exceptionally stunning views of the canyon and the Pacific. 

Point Dume Cove Trail
This quick and easy hike through the wildflowers offers perfect sunset views, and sometimes sea lion and whale sightings. 
 

Blue Bottle

A popular chain, Blue Bottle sources their coffee sustainably from farmers across the globe so you can feel good drinking their coffee. The space is bright with natural light, and there's plenty of outdoor seating if you want to work in the sun. You'll find it in Malibu Country Mart along with other cafes and restaurants.

Caffe Luxxe

This Italian cafe located in Carbon Beach serves signature hand crafted espressos and pastries. They've got plenty of seating indoors and out.‍

Café de la Plage

Serving what some might claim to be the best ice cream in all of Malibu, Café de la Plage is a popular spot with an eclectic selection of flavors. They also sell fresh bread and pastries. Their wifi is free and fast and their indoor space makes for a great space to set up your laptop.

The Mindry
A wellness studio with a strong focus on yoga and meditation, the Mindry also offers sound baths, yoga, and reiki classes. Located on the beach in the center of Malibu,

Malibu Fitness 
Located across from Zuma Beach, Malibu Fitness is one of the most popular gyms in the city. It features an open air weight room, large studio, outdoor patio. Classes are taught by world class trainers including Pilates, spin, yoga, dance, cross training, and more.

Farmers Markets

The Malibu Farmers Market is open on Sundays from 10-3, and features a curated collection of fresh local produce, hand-cut flowers, and snacks thoughtfully made by local businesses.

Grocery Stores

Pavilions, Vintage Grocers are a couple of the bigger grocery stores in Malibu. There's also a Whole Foods located in Country Mart.

Zuma

Its claims to fame include being the filming location of Baywatch, and its stellar swell. It's a bit more private than other breaks in the area, and is consistently good for those at a beginner or intermediate level. Once in a while though, the waves can reach up to 20feet.

Surfrider

Surfrider Beach is birthplace of the iconic Malibu surf culture of the 1950s. It continues to be a centerpiece of surf culture today.

County Line

Located in the north of Malibu, County Line is a great spot for beginners. Its beach break is gentle, while the point break at its northeasternmost top is more for experienced surfers, specifically during the winter months.

Topanga Beach

Quieter in comparison to other spots in Malibu, Topanga maintains very consistent surf throughout the year with winds coming from the north. It's especially popular among novice surfers.