Imagine sipping champagne on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with views of the Manhattan skyline. Even if your wallet doesn’t have the luxury of a full-on luxury vacation, sprinkling a little luxury into your trip can turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable adventure. That idea inspired our new series, Flights of Fancy. In this series, we take you on a journey to luxury experiences in the cities we love.
I turned off my phone, put it in my weekend bag, and typed 28920 Pacific Coast Highway into my car’s GPS. Next stop is a weekend of relaxing and creative getaways at Hotel June Malibu’s historic bungalows.
Since the 1940s, Hotel June (formerly known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel) has been a popular destination for artists, musicians, and writers to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and simply create. Bob Dylan famously stayed at this hotel in 1974 to record his album Blood Tracks in Bungalow 13. The art-loving owners, a couple named Wayne and Helen Wilcox, lived in rooms 1, 2, and her room 13. 3 We even built a photography darkroom on the premises.
Years after its restoration, Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to relax and enjoy Malibu’s vibrant local community. As a typical millennial who is glued to a digital device 24/7, I couldn’t be more excited to have an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the moment in the beautiful hills of Malibu. there is no.
Planning a similar trip? Here’s everything you need to know before heading to Hotel June Malibu and things to do during your stay.
Check in to Hotel June Malibu
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
Located 1 mile from Zuma Beach, Hotel June Malibu features 13 rooms that reflect the tranquility of its surroundings. The renovated mid-century bungalow features a king-sized Casper bed, Aesop bath products, custom dead-stock vintage robes, and a well-curated minibar stocked with Health Ade Kombucha, La Colombe Cold Brew, Olipops, and more. Wi-Fi available. Air-conditioned, walk-in shower and private patio with garden views.
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
Thoughtful touches such as vintage fixtures, designer lighting, and fine linens bring a five-star experience to your environment.
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
Other Hotel June Malibu perks include a dog-friendly policy, so you can bring your fur baby along to enjoy your stay. Dogs under 45 pounds will have a one-time pet fee, but 10 percent of the pet fee will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society to help pets in need.
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
The exterior of Hotel June Malibu’s bungalows is filled with cacti and shrubs and is spread over four acres of land. Although located right off a busy highway, once inside there was minimal street noise. The hotel’s secluded location makes it an ideal spot for stargazing at night, with the sounds of loons and crickets nearby. Talk about off the beaten path!
Hotel June Malibu: Amenities
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
Once you’ve settled into your spacious room, be sure to check out the other features this private Malibu retreat has to offer, including a luxurious heated pool and deck.
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
There’s also open space with hammocks, surfboards, Linus bikes, and ample seating to stretch your legs, relax, and recharge.
Hotel June Malibu: Meal
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
The hotel has partnered with Gjusta, a local artisan deli and bakery, to offer light refreshments on-site from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Menu highlights include gluten-free banana bread, baklava he croissants, a variety of salads, and you can even build your own charcuterie board.
Photo: Hotel June Malibu
There is plenty of outdoor seating around the property where you can enjoy take-out meals and have friendly chats with other guests.
things to do in malibu
Photo: Alison Ives
If it’s adventure you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. My top recommendation when in Malibu is to enjoy the views from the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. There are many alleyways where you can park your car on the side of the road and take in the expansive bougainvillea-dotted coastal views. The scenery changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight, so plan a stop around sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Best beaches in Malibu
Photo: Alison Ives
Malibu’s beaches are famous for attracting surfers and leisure seekers. Get to these beaches early to find the perfect spot to relax in the sun.
Zuma BeachEl Matador State BeachSurfrider BeachLeo Carrillo State Beach (one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area)
oceanside hike
Photo: Alison Ives
If you want to soak up the natural scenery outside the beach, you can enjoy the seaside trails. The Zuma Canyon Trailhead is a dog-friendly 3.4-mile loop that takes approximately 1 hour. I was lucky enough to experience this special hike after a rainy winter, so the hillside was covered in lush yellow wildflowers and lush greenery, a rarity in Malibu. Due to recent rains, parts of the trail passed through swollen streams, so be careful to wear your hiking boots.
Nearby hiking spots include Solstice Canyon, Point Dume, and Malibu Creek State Park.
Best place to eat in Malibu: Taverna Tony
Photo: Taverna Tony
Malibu Village and Malibu Country Mart are adjacent shopping centers with a wide range of delicious food options. For a more atmospheric meal, such as Greek cuisine, head to Taverna Tony, which serves top-notch Mediterranean cuisine. I enjoyed the complimentary creamy taramosalata dip and warm bread that comes with each table. And when the server noticed my dog under the table, she brought me the rest of the meatballs as a treat. Moussaka, grilled squid and saganaki flamed cheese were also highlights of the menu.
Best place to eat in Malibu: Broad Street Oyster Co.
Photo: Broad Street Oyster Company
Broad Street Oyster Company, located in the same shopping center as Taverna Tony, is a must-see when in Malibu. He offers two styles of his famous lobster roll: hot with butter and cold with mayonnaise. Both are the perfect snack after a day soaking up the California sun.
Photo: Alison Ives
The lobster roll moment pictured above. The lively restaurant by Christopher Tompkins has been a Malibu mainstay since 2019.
Where to eat: Malibu Farm at Malibu Pier
Photo: Alison Ives
There’s a good reason Malibu Pier is one of Malibu’s most popular tourist attractions. This California state park is also home to Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Café, offering convenient oceanside dining and drinks. Sit by the water and feel the stress melt away as you feel the sea breeze blowing through you.
Photo: Jenna Day on Unsplash
Of course, this preliminary list of what to do, see, and eat in Malibu is just the tip of the iceberg. We hope this inspires you to plan your own unplugged retreat within Malibu’s 34 miles of unbroken coastline. But a stern warning: After a few days mellowing out in the sun, slathering on SPF, and filling your bellies with salty seafood, ocean breezes, and endless sunsets on the horizon, you’ll probably wonder why your daily routine is like this. You’ll start to wonder if that’s not the case. It feels so good. Soak it all up while you can and get in line for the Malibu Zillow search for the long journey home. A girl can dream, no, she can make it come true, right?
Main photo: Hotel June Malibu
Our Flights of Fancy Series and Jetset Journey Series have you covered for all your summer travel needs.
