5 Days Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Calabasas, California

  • Day 1: Explore the Malibu Creek State Park and hike to the MASH site. The MASH site is where the TV show MASH was filmed in the late 1970s. Enjoy the scenic terrain and take a dip in the Rock pool.
  • Day 2: Visit Old Town Calabasas and take a walk down history lane. Visit the Leonis Adobe Museum, an old-style ranch that dates back to the 1800s. Wander around the farmer's market, have a picnic in the park or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.
  • Day 3: Take a trip to the Malibu Pier for a day at the beach. You can swim, surf or even go paddleboarding. Malibu Farm is the perfect spot for a cheap meal while enjoying the ocean view.
  • Day 4: Explore the Malibu Lagoon Museum and Adamson House. The museum features interactive exhibits on the history of Malibu, and the Adamson House is a historic Spanish-style mansion with gardens overlooking the ocean.
  • Day 5: Indulge in the culture of Calabasas and visit the King Gillette Ranch for a picnic or walk. The ranch, once owned by King C. Gillette, offers a museum with informative exhibits on local wildlife and history.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Malibu Creek State Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Leonis Adobe Museum (1-2 hours, $10/person)
  • Malibu Pier (3-4 hours, $5 parking fee)
  • Malibu Lagoon Museum and Adamson House (2-3 hours, $11/person)
  • King Gillette Ranch (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $26-$31 per person

Transportation

To get around Calabasas, renting a car is ideal for transportation. Uber/Lyft is a viable option, but be aware of pricing surges during peak times. Public transportation is present but not recommended. You can rent a car for approximately $35 per day. With a rental car, all of the points in the itinerary are within a 10-mile radius.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, try exploring the various beaches along Pacific Coast Highway. Pepperdine University and Serra Retreat are the nearby attractions you can add to the itinerary. Additionally, if you have a bigger budget, try visiting the Getty Villa.

Airports

The nearest airport to Calabasas is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) which is around 30 miles away. Another close option to consider is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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