Take the Scenic Route Through Hidden Topanga Canyon to Malibu

Scenic drives to the beach (one of the best things to do in Topanga Canyon)

• Via Pacific Coast Highway from Point Dume to Point Mugu Rock

• Via Topanga Canyon Blvd (from The Valley i.e., Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, etc.) - If you take it the whole way it will drop you off at Topanga Beach near Pacific Palisades, just north of Santa Monica. Alternatively, you can turn left on Mulholland Highway for a back way to Malibu Creek State Park.

• Via Malibu Canyon Road - Just past Malibu Creek State Park, you can continue down Malibu Canyon. It will take you past the Malibu Hindu Temple and let out at Malibu Country Mart.

• For some tight hairpin turns through the canyons, you can take Decker Canyon Road from Mulholland Highway and back down toward the coast.

Beaches

• Point Dume - a little off-the-beaten-path with ample parking

• El Matador - best accessed at low tide, features a shallow beach with rock formations that are fun for the budding photographer or model

• Zuma Beach - catch all the rays at Zuma Beach

• Leo Carillo - explore caves and tidepools

• Point Mugu - most famous for Point Mugu Rock

Sites of Interest

• Top of Topanga Overlook - Full view of the San Fernando Valley

• Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum - Outdoor Shakesperean theatre

• Malibu Creek State Park - Great for leisurely walks, with a hidden swimming hole

• Malibu Hindu Temple

• Solstice Canyon - Hike through the canyons to a waterfall

• The Getty Villa

• Visit Pepperdine University - Their chapel has an AMAZING floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window

Shopping

• Topanga Village

• Malibu Country Mart

• Malibu Village

• Palisades Village

• Point Dume Village

• SunLife Organics - Start your day off right with a Blue Majik smoothie or a Dragon Bowl.

• Malibu Farm - First come, first served café at the end of the Malibu pier, overlooking the ocean boasting fresh, local fair.

• Geoffrey's Malibu - This oceanfront seafood hotspot is a great place to go for brunch or an early dinner as the sun dwindles.

• Café on 27 - Nestled within Topanga Village, an oasis of delicious eats with surrounding canyon views.

• Inn of the Seventh Ray - Upscale dining tucked away in the beautiful Topanga Canyon.

• John's Garden - Casual to-go eatery within Malibu Country Mart offering pressed juices and healthy sandwiches. Great to take with you to the beach!

• Nobu - Fabulous sushi and atmosphere.

• Tra di Noi - Delicious Italian food in a casual setting that overlooks the Malibu Village Playground. Great spot to end the day if you are traveling with children.

• The Sunset Restaurant - Hidden within Point Dume, this oceanfront restaurant is a great place for lunch or dinner.

• Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio at the Malibu Estate - The Malibu experience won't be complete without a visit to Malibu Wines. Their large selection is best enjoyed with a group of friends.