LISTEN to the sound of the surf breaking on the rocks below as you lounge on a bed at Moonshadows on Malibu beach. A stunning brunette sips her drink as the salty breeze plays with her hair. A banker who has driven from Beverly Hills loosens his tie as he settles into an outdoor booth, staring out at the Pacific as he waits for his meal to arrive. Lounge music floats over the area. Feel your skin go goose-pimply as you contemplate the fact that there are thousands of miles between you and any other landmass. Allow the power of the Pacific to resonate through you. Understand that the world ends here. And then, in the distance as if to mock the pseudo-intellectual stream of consciousness swirling in your head, the snout of a dolphin appears from between the waves. There is an excited rush of patrons to the massive glass panels inside the restaurant, and to the balcony on the terrace, But the playful creature has gone, breaking through the ultra-cool vibe. Try the goat cheese encrusted in chopped pecans with mixed leaf salad to start, nibble at the fried calamari rings and then get yourself a meaty salmon steak.
Malibu has only 13,000 residents for 27 miles of gorgeous coastline, so it’s spread out and not exactly walkable. But the Pacific Coast Highway will take you to views that will leave you in awe of God’s dramatic landscaping. You will lose count of the amount of times “Subhaanallah” involuntarily escapes your lips. With the mountains to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, you are just a spectacular drive away from pristine beaches. Drive to El Matador, which tends to be a little less crowded because you have to descend a series of steps to get to the actual beach, unlike other bits of the coastline where the ocean rolls up almost to your car, apread a blanket and absorb the sun while the breeze keeps you cool. There is no trendy buzz on this beach, making it a great place to reflect on the serenity that surrounds you. Then snag a spot at one of Malibu’s many restaurants and settle in to watch the sea swallow the sun as day turns into night.
Most Enchanting Sunset Spots
(listed in the order you will encounter them on the Pacific Coast Highway):
Dukes: On a weekday, the clientele comprises serious surfers, coming in from a day of trying to harness the waves, and the valley girls who follow them around. On weekends, however, families take over this popular spot, enjoying the view from their perch on the ocean’s edge. ($)
21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Moonshadows: It has tables by the window if you want to shelter from the elements that make this place so spectacular. Aside from the outdoor terrace with heat lamps, there is a sweet little bar that hangs literally over the rocks, which makes for a lovely experience, even on a cloudy day. ($$)
20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Geoffery’s: Try it if you are feeling like turning up the glam quotient. If Moondshadows is for the hip and happening, Geoffery’s is the preserve of older, more elegant Malibu natives. One look at the line up of latest model coupes and convertibles should tell you what their clientele’s income bracket is. ($$$)
27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe: The restaurant is family-friendly; the pier has incredible views, and there are comfortable chairs from which to watch ocean swallow the sun. This is the beach your kids will be happiest at in Malibu. ($)
28128 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
