Exploring Calabasas, California in 5 Days

• Day 1: Head to the Mountains - Start your morning with a scenic drive to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where you can hike some of the most beautiful trails in California. Visit the King Gillette Ranch, a Spanish colonial revival-style house updated with modern guest amenities, set in stunning grounds with beautiful gardens, and enjoy lunch at The Cafe. Spend the afternoon horseback riding at Malibu Riders.
• Day 2: Cultural Exploration - Start with the Leonis Adobe Museum, with a guided tour through the historic 1880s-era ranch compound featuring a two-story stone-and-brick hacienda, a museum of local history, a blacksmith shop, and a sprawling barnyard of farm animals. Drive to the Getty Villa, which features a collection of ancient Greek and Roman art housed in a stunning recreated Roman villa, and then head towards the charming coastal town of Malibu for a seafood dinner at the Nobu Malibu.
• Day 3: Shop and Stroll - Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, a charming all-day café with freshly baked bread and pastries. Then head to the Malibu Country Mart, a upscale outdoor shopping center featuring both local and international boutiques. Enjoy lunch at the delicious Malibu Farm restaurant, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Spend your afternoon sunbathing at Carbon Beach.
• Day 4: Oceanside Fun - Spend the day at the beautiful and highly popular Zuma Beach - go for a swim or just relax under the California sunshine. Enjoy lunch at Paradise Cove Beach Café. In the afternoon, opt for a sunset paddleboard excursion with Malibu Surf Shack.
• Day 5: Hollywood Hills - Start the day by hiking the Runyon Canyon – one of Hollywood's most popular hiking spots – with stunning 360-degree views of the city. After the hike, head towards the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame to explore and snap photos with your favorite celebrity's star. Round out your trip with a fancy dinner at the iconic Chateau Marmont.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (3-4 hours, free)
• King Gillette Ranch (1-2 hours, free)
• The Cafe (1 hour, $$$$)
• Malibu Riders (2 hours, $$$)
• Leonis Adobe Museum (1-2 hours, $$$)
• Getty Villa (2-3 hours, free)
• Nobu Malibu (2 hours, $$$$)
• Le Pain Quotidien (1 hour, $$)
• Malibu Country Mart (3-4 hours, $$-$$$)
• Malibu Farm (1 hour, $$$)
• Carbon Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Zuma Beach (4-5 hours, free)
• Paradise Cove Beach Café (1 hour, $$$)
• Malibu Surf Shack (2 hours, $$$)
• Runyon Canyon (2-3 hours, free)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame (1-2 hours, free)
• Chateau Marmont (2 hours, $$$$)
• Total Estimated Costs: $$$$$

Transportation

While in Calabasas, renting a car is highly suggested to save time and money. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are readily available but can add up quickly. However, once in town, walking and biking can be great ways to explore many of the attractions. Average travel times range between 10-30 minutes depending on distance and traffic.

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, consider taking a day to explore Simi Valley, where you’ll find the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, or Santa Barbara, known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous architecture. For a less busy trip, consider spending less time at the beach and focusing more on hiking the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, tasting California Olive Oil at the Amphora Gallery or participating in Family Nature Walks at Malibu Lagoon State Park.