City Experiences: A Week-Long Itinerary in Calabasas, California

  • Day 1: Explore Local History - Start your trip by visiting the Leonis Adobe Museum, a historic site featuring adobe buildings built in the 1880s. Walk through the museum and learn about the history of Calabasas. Then, head to the Malibu Creek State Park to see the famous "M*A*S*H" TV series set. End the day by dining at the Old Place Restaurant, a rustic eatery with hearty meals and a saloon vibe.
  • Day 2: Shopping and Spa - Begin with retail therapy at The Commons at Calabasas, an outdoor shopping center known for its high-end stores and restaurants. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Four Seasons Westlake Village Spa, which offers a variety of luxury treatments. End the day with dinner at the Mastro's Steakhouse, a popular restaurant with an elegant atmosphere.
  • Day 3: Art and Architecture - Visit the Getty Villa, a museum featuring ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the exhibits or explore on your own. In the afternoon, go to The American Jewish University, open to visitors for a tour of its lovely gardens, its museum, and its extensive library. Finish your day at The Six Restaurant, a trendy eatery serving California cuisine.
  • Day 4: Beach Day - Spend the day at Zuma Beach, a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas or try surfing or paddleboarding. After a long day in the sun, stop by Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine on the way back, a Thai restaurant that provides good food and beach sunset views.
  • Day 5: Hollywood Glamour - Head to Hollywood for the day, about an hour's drive from Calabasas. Start with a tour of the famous Warner Bros. Studio, where you can see behind-the-scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows. Continue the glamour theme for lunch, by going to the Ivy in the Shore, a chic restaurant. Then, do some shopping on Rodeo Drive with designer boutiques, finishing the day at the Chateau Marmont Restaurant and Bar, a celebrity haunt with views of Los Angeles
  • Day 6: Wine and Dine - Head to the nearby Malibu Wine Safaris for a tour of the vineyard, complete with tastings and animal encounters. For dinner, head to Grissini Ristorante Italiano for homemade Italian food and an extensive wine list.
  • Day 7: Explore the Great Outdoors - Drive out to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to explore the hiking trails and see California's natural beauty. Take a picnic break at the stunning Paramount Ranch, a movie set turned picnic area. End the day by going to King's Fish House, a seafood restaurant in Calabasas with a brick and oak interior.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Leonis Adobe Museum (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Malibu Creek State Park (2-3 hours, $12 parking fee)
  • Old Place Restaurant ($$-$$$)
  • The Commons at Calabasas (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Four Seasons Westlake Village Spa (2-3 hours, treatments range from $150-$450)
  • Mastro's Steakhouse ($$$-$$$$)
  • Getty Villa (2-3 hours, free admission but parking is $20)
  • The American Jewish University (1-2 hours, free admission but donations are appreciated)
  • The Six Restaurant ($$-$$$)
  • Zuma Beach (4-5 hours, $15 parking fee)
  • Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine ($$-$$$)
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour (2-3 hours, $69-$79)
  • The Ivy in the Shore ($$$-$$$$)
  • Chateau Marmont Restaurant and Bar ($$$-$$$$)
  • Grissini Ristorante Italiano ($$-$$$)
  • Malibu Wine Safaris (2-3 hours, wine tasting tour starts at $65)
  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (3-4 hours, free admission)
  • Paramount Ranch (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • King's Fish House ($$-$$$)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $480-$1140

Transportation

Travelers will need a car to tour the attractions around Calabasas, which is a suburb in Los Angeles. Renting a car is possible at the airport, which needs to be reserved beforehand, and prices vary depending on the rental company and period of the year. Uber and Lyft are available as an alternative to driving, but can be expensive compared to car rental, especially if travelling long distances.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, it is recommended to add a trip to Malibu Pier or visit more museums in Los Angeles. For those who have less time, it is suggested to skip trips to Hollywood and the Warner Bros. Studio, and instead visit other beaches in the Malibu area.

Airports

The nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is around 30 miles away from Calabasas. The drive takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and it is suggested to avoid travel during rush hour due to traffic. Another option is the Bob Hope Airport (BUR), which is 27 miles from Calabasas and is also accessible by public transportation.

0