Rancho Sea Air

If you're looking for a romantic getaway that's close to Los Angeles but feels entire worlds away, you won't find anything more fitting than the Calamigos Guest Ranch. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, the private bungalows and cottages, set within 200 oak-filled acres, offer guests a place to decompress and reconnect with nature. Built in 1947 and family operated ever since, this rustic gem features a vineyard and organic garden that grows strawberries and herbs. Beyond exploring their three pools and five restaurants, you can make a quick trip (twelve-minute shuttle to be exact) to their five-acre beach club for all manner of beach activities.

Hotel June Malibu has a collection of minimal, bungalow-style suites. It’s on Point Dume, just a couple minutes’ drive to the beach, and it’s dog-friendly, has a pool, and offers bikes and surfboards you can take out for the day. They don’t have a full restaurant, so it’s a good fit if you’re planning on going out more than staying in.

Occupying an especially picturesque stretch of Carbon Beach (directly on the shore, to be exact), the Inn was the first luxury hotel in Malibu. And while others have joined the club since, its recently revamped guestrooms (all soothing earth tones and perfectly placed references to the water), and ocean-facing balconies—every single room comes with one—are still a big hit with both out-of-towners and staycationing locals. The Carbon Beach Club restaurant, which blessedly welcomes non-guests as well, is a good way to get in on the action without booking an overnight stay—and enjoying a top notch seafood meal in the process.

While Malibu has long had a shortage of places to stay, that’s all changing now and a prime stretch of PCH is getting a modern update with the arrival of the Nobu Ryokan (a new hotel concept for the brand), just a few yards up the street from its namesake restaurant on Carbon Beach. Here, the intimate 16-room hotel is done up in a minimalist Ryokan-style. This translates to wraparound terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows meant to maximize ocean views, and teak, bronze and limestone detailing. The generously-sized rooms are a nod to both California and Japanese design with clean lines, tatami mats, and outdoor teak soaking tub. Guests naturally have priority booking at the restaurant next door, but there’s also a special in-room dining menu for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their kimono robe, either.

This 20-room hotel is luxurious, airy, and light-filled. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and beautifully appointed, each with its own ocean-facing balcony and hammocks, plus Grown Alchemist toiletries in the bathroom and Parachute waffle robes. (For a real treat, book the Surfrider Suite, which at 500 square feet feels like a serious home away from home thanks to a generously sized balcony, separate sitting area, and kitchenette.) There’s a guests-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which has uninterrupted views of Surfrider Beach across the street and a killer fire pit.

Broad Street Oyster Co. began as a seafood pop-up and became a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Now, with their permanent home tucked away in Malibu Village, you can order caviar and Santa Barbara uni within fifteen minutes of rolling off the beach. Come for the oysters, stay for the seafood tower, and come back next weekend for a loaded lobster roll.

While it may not look like much more than a roadside shack to the untrained eye, locals know that inside is where you’ll find the best Thai food this side of the 405. The interior is decidedly no frills—same goes for the backyard area—but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the lengthy menu of curries, noodles, and soups is delicious. Get the pineapple-fried rice and a few orders of “golden bags” for the table (funny name, seriously good) and wash it all down with some Thai coffee (some of the best in all of LA).

Sharing a driveway with another highly-trafficked Malibu spot, Nobu, Little Beach House Malibu caused quite a buzz when it first opened in May 2016. (A bit of backstory: Even those who were already a part of Soho House have to apply specifically to this location for access.) Much of the activity centers around the wrap-around terrace, which juts right up First Point Break and a stretch of sandy shoreline. (There are heat lamps and blankets, too.) The space itself—impeccably designed by Montalba Architects—is quintessential California, with a minimalist palette, teak wood, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large and impressive gallery wall featuring a mix of contemporary artwork. There’s often a DJ playing a set, or live music, and on the weekends, many gather for their weekend “Feast”—a prix-fixe brunch served from 10am-4:30pm that has everything from an omelet and carving stations to Belgian waffles and some pretty-hard-to-resist red velvet cake. (Littles are welcome, too.) An all-day menu utilizes local produce and includes standouts like the shareable cauliflower in a black garlic vinaigrette and the avocado dip, which is served with taro chips and crudité.

Malibu Farm is our go-to restaurant for impressing out-of-towners, thanks to its sweeping views of the ocean in both directions (and even of Catalina Island on a clear day). Enjoying a zucchini pizza and white sangria on the porch while you watch surfers and stand-up paddleboarders on iconic Surfrider Beach? That's as California as it gets.

Every item on the modest menu at this beloved local spot is a sure thing, whether it’s the chowder (both Manhattan or New England are available), steamed mussels, tuna burger, or fish-and-chips (the fish is gently battered, never heavy). You place your order at the counter then carry your tray up to the semi-open-air patio to take in the views of the Pacific right across the PCH. Best part: BYOB. The teeny fish market is always well stocked with the best local catch with extra attention paid to freshness, which makes sense since the owner was a commercial fisherman for years. For working off a big meal, the entrance to the Corral Canyon hiking path—quick, relatively easy, and really beautiful—is right at the adjoining parking lot, just keep in mind that the rangers are not shy about writing tickets if you park and don’t pay the fee.

This roadside spot has remained a Malibu classic since the 1950’s, offering the best grilled seafood and beer-battered fish-and-chips, chowder, and all the expected sides (cole slaw, fries, onion rings) in a setting that’s more biker bar than restaurant: If you don't recognize the sign from its many film cameos, just look for the line of gleaming motorcycles out front. It’s downright blasphemous not to stop in for a quick meal on your way up the PCH—leathers not required.

There are now 32 outposts of Nobu—and they draw a devoted touristy crowd—but the Malibu location, positioned on a bluff overlooking the ocean, is worth braving the hordes. The backdrop offers sweeping views that deliver the drama people love for big, festive moments like a rehearsal dinner, plus the food is reliably good.

The chefs here cook with ingredients from local farms (One Gun Ranch, for one), resulting in a menu that covers all the bases (expertly prepped proteins, veggie-driven plates, and more). The space is open with natural light flooding in from every direction—trees covered in string lights rise directly out of the floor in the middle of the indoor dining area, and there's a lush outdoor patio surrounded by vines and greenery. Make sure to order a pizza.

Tucked into a particularly idyllic nook off the PCH, Paradise Cove lives up to its name. While it bills itself as a café—and it’s definitely worth making the drive for a lunch of live Maine lobster or their famous fish tacos—it’s really more of a beach club. Everything from beach beds to umbrellas to full-on beach terraces is available for rent, meaning you can post up for the day. Expect a fun, lively vibe—perfect for kids. (Note that the beach can get packed during the summer months.)

Another PCH standby, the beauty of The Reel Inn lies not only in its massive seafood offering—everything from fresh lobster, mahi mahi, ahi tuna, and shrimp tacos, grilled or fried at your request and arranged into refreshingly generous portions—but also in its brilliant layout: The restaurant is split into two sprawling seating areas, one indoor, one outdoor, with rows upon rows of booths and picnic tables, meaning that finding a spot for the whole crew is doable even during peak season. There’s no waiter service, just a walk-up window with an easy-to-navigate chalkboard menu.

Disclaimer: The big-game meat-centric menu at this historic Malibu Canyon hunting-lodge-turned-restaurant (the drive up is really pretty at sunset) is not for the faint of heart. And with its scattered mounted deer busts and other such hunting regalia, neither is the décor. All that said, dining at this institution is a deeply LA-experience and not near as kitschy as it may sound—the outside tables in particular are perfect for romantic evenings. It’s not just for carnivores either—fish options, salads, and veggie sides are readily available. There’s also a $145 tasting menu for the adventurous.

What’s great about Taverna is that while it’s definitely one of the more scene-y restaurants in town, it’s also one of the best food-wise. The menu has all the traditional Greek specialties covered (dolmathes, spanakopita, and more) with an emphasis on fresh seafood—get the bass, it’s grilled and served whole with just the right amount of seasoning—and vegetarian dishes which range from elaborate savory pastries to basic grilled veggie plates. The restaurant is deceptively large, with an outdoor patio, indoor balcony, and massive main dining room, which on weekends also hosts live music and belly dancers. For a car snack, get some humus and pita to-go—trust us.

This traditional Italian food spot is situated right in the center of the Malibu Country Mart, making one of the outside tables prime people watching real estate. The fact that the menu of house-made pastas, risottos, and fish dishes is undoubtedly the best in town is icing on the cake. Pro tip: if you can’t get a table, order pizza and salad (try the Tuscan kale) at the little take-out window and stake out a shaded benches or patch of grass for an impromptu picnic.

You would think that Malibu would be overflowing with ice cream. But quality scoops are few and far between once Santa Monica is in your rearview mirror. Enter Le Café de la Plage. The owners swapped the perfumed fields of Provence for the Point Dume bluffs and their dairy (and nondairy) scoops are out of this world. Lychee, rose, fresh fig, pineapple and basil...you name it. Creamy delights aside, if you stop in for breakfast (they’re open from 7 a.m.) the bread and pastries are fresh out of the Gjusta oven—all the tastiness minus the insane line.

Childhood friends Mark Wain and Gary Chau wanted to bring a Northern Italian coffee shop sensibility to LA, and created a spot where you could hang for hours and people watch. (They currently have two other locations—in Santa Monica and in Brentwood at the Country Mart.) The newest location, right by Carbon beach, serves up their signature hand-crafted espresso coffee and pastries making it easy to get your caffeine fix as you zip up the PCH.

As a restaurant, this waterfront staple is more about location than cuisine (Taco Tuesday is the day to visit if you’re looking to hunker down for a meal, though); it’s the tiki-themed Barefoot Bar that’s the biggest hit. The drinks are fun—Mai Tai, mojitos, margaritas—especially during pau hana (that’s happy hour in Hawaiian) as is the food: sliders, wings, and naturally, fish in every shape and form. On Friday nights, much to the delight of its littlest patrons, they have hula dancers and music.

John's Garden has occupied the same spot in the Malibu Country Mart since long before it was known as the Malibu Country Mart. It's changed a few hands in its 40 years of business, but the sandwich menu has kept to the same standards of freshness and goodness the whole time. Every regular has their favorite, and ours is the Surfer Princess—a perfect turkey-on-wheat piled high with sprouts, avocado salad, and Vegenaise. It pairs well with the coconut-macadamia-chocolate-chip cookie. You can grab a seat by the swings so the kids can play through lunch.

The Malibu Farmers Market is a low-key operation—so low-key, that it hasn’t yet made it on the radar of LA’s Sunday farmers market crowd. Actually, its compact size is what makes the experience so enjoyable. Set up in the local library parking lot, within walking distance of the Country Mart, this is where you’ll find the freshest seasonal produce, driven in from local organic farmers that morning, pastry and snacks by small family owned businesses, and the prettiest just-picked flowers. Best of all, there’s usually plenty of parking.

One look at the menu—chicken tenders, chili cheese fries, hot dogs, burgers—and it’s clear Mutt’s really knows its customer: The little take-out stand is located just steps from the Malibu Country Mart’s adorable playground. It’s kid food at its best, and for mom and dad there are veggie burgers and a solid falafel wrap (also comes in salad form). There’s no designated seating area, so grab your order and find a shady bench or picnic table; there are plenty throughout the mart.

This location used to be home a different steakhouse, called the Chart House, before Mastro’s fairly seamlessly replaced it a few years back. After all, the real draw here isn’t the food, but the view: Perched on the beach, with very little distance between you and the water, expansive glass windows showcase a truly magnificent panorama of the Pacific. Warm, luxe interiors and great seafood round out the experience; angle to come here for a drink (and an appetizer) around sunset.

A relaxed tasting room on the east side of the PCH (marked by giant blue beach chairs that you won't miss), Rosenthal has a small interior that opens onto a mountainside, hidden backyard space outfitted with picnic tables, umbrellas, and patio lounge furniture. They serve two labels: The Malibu Estate wines (mostly reds) are made from the twenty-acre Malibu vineyard that's four miles in and up from the ocean, and their Surfrider label (more variety) sources grapes from around California. Rosenthal offers tasting flights but the move is to post up with a bottle of wine and some friends on the back patio—if you can, plan to bring snacks/a picnic spread and games with you, although you can buy a cheese spread there, and there's a food truck, plus live music on the weekends. (Rosenthal is also next door to Reel Inn, which is always an option if you're in the mood for seafood. And it's directly across from beach access, at Topanga, if you want to squeeze in some time by the water, too.)

Much more than just a juice bar, owner Khalil Rafati opened SunLife Organics in Malibu in 2011 to share what he’d learned through his own journey to wellness—which unsurprisingly involves lots of fruits, veggies, and some superfoods—in a community-oriented space. Amazing cold-pressed juices and acai bowls abound; their “Billion Dollar Smoothie” ingredient list includes reishi, cordyceps, hemp milk, and chlorophyll, just to name a few. If that’s not your thing, there are also sandwiches (think: grilled cheese, pesto panini) and sundaes made with their organic frozen yogurt. Along with several other Southern California outposts, they have a second Malibu location, too.

This famed whitewashed bungalow has gone through many incarnations over the years, but the unobstructed views of Zuma Beach and good OG-Malibu vibes have stayed consistent. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are epic, so it makes sense that weeknight happy hour stretches till 9pm. Food-wise we suggest sticking to the bar menu in the lounge (ceviche, fish tacos, ribs, and three types of fries) rather than committing to a sit-down in the main dining room. Keep in mind that parking can be a pain on weekends.

The giant rocks coming up from the sand (not to mention the exquisite sunset views) at El Matador make it a favorite for photographers, and many people stage engagement or family photoshoots here. That said, it's usually not too crowded, in part because those same rocks make it difficult to swim and surf—it's really best for picnicking, reading, and enjoying the view. Be sure to pack a blanket and wear tennis shoes, as the parking lot is on a bluff far above the beach, and the walk down can get a bit hairy.

This semi-hidden beach sprawls over the stretch of coastline where PCH meets Escondido Road. Not quite as crowded as the more spacious beaches in the area, Escondido is the perfect size and vibe for mellow sunbathing or strolling with the family. Parking can get tricky, so its best to park along PCH, and access the beach through a public stairway west of Geoffrey’s. Keep in mind, no dogs allowed.

Starting at the end of Los Leones Drive in the Palisades, the best version of this hike ends at the Parker Mesa Overlook in Malibu, which is the perfect perch to have a snack or a meal after a roughly three-mile ascent. (About a mile in, make sure you take a hard left at the Paseo Miramar Trail junction.) There’s not a lot of shade—and because of the unsurprisingly gorgeous view of the Santa Monica Bay and surrounding area at the top, it’s fairly well-traveled—so it’s best to go in the early morning. You’ll see “Los Leones” and “Los Liones” used interchangeably; don’t worry, they’re the same thing. There are a couple small parking lots at the bottom, and ample (free) street parking. Note: No dogs allowed.

Rockier than other local beaches and fortified by picturesque cliffs, Point Dume is ideal for exploring, not just laying out. There’s a hiking trail for taking in the scenery, plus it goes up the bluffs to an overlook spot at the very top of Point Dume for panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay and a good chunk of the Malibu coast. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the migrating grey whales in winter. There's also plenty of swimming, scuba diving, and surfing here if watersports are your thing.

Anyone who's done a lot of hiking in the LA area will tell you that Sandstone Peak is one of, if not the, most beautiful hikes within driving distance of the city. It's a bit of a schlep to get there, as it's on the very edge of Malibu—the turnoff is the just after Neptune's Net, and you'll drive 15 minutes up Yerba Buena Road until you get to the trailhead—but more than worth it. The hike itself is about six miles round-trip, and the entire way is filled with sweeping views of Westlake Lake and Sherwood Lake on one side and the ocean on the other, plus a section where you can see rock climbers scrambling up the Echo Cliffs. This is a really good place to come the day after a rainstorm, when the smog clears and you can see the snow on the peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains across the valley.

The Solstice Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Los Angeles. There's a route for every level of intensity, from mellow walking to more difficult treks. As you work your way up, you’ll bump into the Keller House, the remnants of a 100-plus-year-old stone cabin which was damaged in the 2007 fires. The true pièce de résistance, however, is the Solstice waterfall, where you’ll also find the Paul Revere Williams-designed Roberts Ranch house. The trails are well-suited for picnicking, mountain biking, and observing local wildlife, an especially thrilling experience for pint-sized hikers. Dogs are allowed, as long as they’re on leash.

Odds are if you’ve seen a Malibu postcard or any surfing movie, you’ve seen Surfrider Beach. Home to the iconic first point surf break, this is one of the more crowded beaches along PCH, though it’s well situated if you’re looking to take in a bit of sun and some surfer-watching after lunch on the pier. Don’t waste time searching for roadside parking; it's easier to splurge for the lot or valet on the pier instead—unless it’s peak season, in which case, it’s every man for himself.

There’s a seasonal waterfall on this 2.5 to 4.6 mile trail (we like to do the Skullrock extension to get in a bigger workout)—and there’s also stunning water views. It’s a dog-free trail, great for kids, and parking is simple (there’s a lot at the bottom that costs $10). Photos: Hikespeak

Situated in the mountains between Malibu and Topanga, Tuna Canyon Park is less well-known than other parks in the area—which just makes it less crowded and more appealing. There are several trails, but the best destination is the Big Rock Lateral fire road, where you’ll reach stunning views of the surrounding mountains (and the Pacific, of course). The three-mile hike is mostly downhill on the way there—you’ll get a workout on the way back to your car, along with views of Saddle Peak. Getting to Tuna Canyon can be a little tricky; if you’re coming from PCH you’ll be spending a bit of time in the car winding through Topanga roads. Dogs are welcome and parking is free.

One of our go-to beaches, Zuma is also one of the most impressive in scope, stretching close to three miles along the coast. It’s usually pleasantly un-crowded, too, leaving plenty of room to spread out. It’s also home to a great break for beginner surfers as well as a meeting spot for paddle boarding classes. For kids, there’s a junior lifeguard program during the summer.

At Zuma, you have several (equally great) trail options, depending on what you’re looking to get out of your hike. If you want a good, efficient workout, you can take the Ocean View Trail, which is an aptly-named three-mile loop boasting ocean views at the top. If you’ve got plenty of time and want to enjoy the scenery, consider the Zuma Ridge Trail, which is considerably longer workout at about six miles and also has an ocean view payoff. There's a section of the Backbone Trail that's considerably easier and shorter than the other two, but if you’re lucky—try going after winter rains—you’ll see water flowing through Upper Zuma Falls. All trails are dog-friendly, and there's plenty of parking.

This immaculately preserved 1930’s Moorish-Spanish-style villa serves an important purpose in the community: to educate visitors about the history of Malibu, going all the way back to the 18th century when the land was home to the Chumash Indians. You can see the entire house, with its elaborate tile work and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean during a one-hour guided tour, and if you visit on a Friday, save some time for a tour of the gardens as well. (Its' history and idyllic setting also make the property a coveted wedding venue.) Also on site is the Malibu Lagoon Museum, offering an even deeper dive into Malibu’s past.

While surf lessons for kids are a dime a dozen around these parts, skateboarding lessons are more complicated to arrange. As its name suggests, Drill Surf & Skate does both, and does them really, really well, so you should feel good knowing the kiddos are in good hands. Also on offer, rentals for every type of board-centric sport (surf, body, SUP), plus all the supporting accessories. And for board-owning pros, they’ll arrange to send your board out for minor repairs and have it looking like new in less than a week.

Modeled after a first-century Roman country house, J. Paul Getty originally built the Getty Villa to house an art collection that was quickly outgrowing his house. Now, beyond touring the exquisite home and gardens, you can see his collection of 44,000 antiquities, with treasures that range from 6,500 B.C. to A.D. 400.

Nestled into the Santa Monica mountains high above PCH, Malibu Creek attracts rock climbers year-round. If rock climbing isn’t your thing, the park offers a long list of activities: biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, camping, and even painting. It's also home to some great wildlife-watching. On any given day, you can almost always find lizards, rattlesnakes, raccoons, foxes, bluebirds, and more up here. Fun fact: The park was formerly owned by 20th Century Fox Studios, and has starred in Pleasantville, The Seven Year Itch, and Love Me Tender, among many other films.

Technically outside Malibu city limits in Calabasas, this gleaming, otherworldly, South Indian-style temple is a straight shot up Las Virgenes Canyon from PCH. The temple was built in 1981 for the god Venkateswara, with shrines for various deities scattered throughout the property along with ample space for quiet reflection and meditation. Other than the breathtaking architecture, what’s special is that participating in ceremonies or prayer isn’t a requirement—visitors are welcome to simply take it all in from the sidelines—just make sure to reference the rules of conduct. On weekends, the temple kitchen serves surprisingly delicious vegetarian snacks for a small charge.

Tucked away in the hills of Malibu, One Gun, a dreamy ranch owned by Alice Bamford and Ann Eysenring is breathtakingly beautiful, sure, but it also serves as a kind of ground zero for sustainable agriculture. Every nook and cranny reveals another Instagram-ready moment: There’s a mountainside guesthouse with its own potbellied stove, a suped-up vintage Airstream, a dressage arena, as well as alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens, and a loving donkey named Waffles who strolls the grounds, willingly accompanying Alice and Ann on foraging hikes. While the property is no longer open to visitors, the pair hosts a series of school tours for children to learn about composting and gardening at home while exploring One Gun’s own garden where they grow corn, beans, squash, and even pumpkins. For a closer look, it’s worth picking up a copy of One Gun Ranch, Malibu: Biodynamic Recipes for Vibrant Living for tips on healthy living, easy-to-follow recipes, and a closer look at environmental stewardship on the ranch.

The only advice we have to those seeking to push themselves through the original back-to-basics boot camp? Stick it out. The seven days of crazy-long hikes, intense workouts, and a cleansing, vegetarian diet will be hard work, but it will also whip you into shape. Not for the faint of heart (or the fussy), this no-frills, no-excuses program is no less grueling (or cushy) than it is in Mallorca—but the OG Calabasas location is just far enough removed from city life to feel like a quiet respite, too.

This is where you head for all your crystal, sage, incense, singing bowl, and general metaphysical/mystical needs. Going strong since the ‘80s and family owned, this artfully crammed shop is exactly what you’d expect to find in Malibu. With a packed roster of talented psychics and tarot-card reader friends (get a 30-minute reading from Cathy Crystal—trust) there’s usually availability for a last-minute session. There’s also an impressive library and a tarot card section that rivals anything we’ve ever seen (more on what to do with your deck, here).

When you find yourself reaching for your iPhone to check emails in the middle of the night, it's time for The Ranch. This weeklong boot camp in Malibu encourages you to power down, let go of stress, and break less-than-healthy habits. Every day starts with several hours of hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and guests clock up to 60 miles a week. That has benefits for the body, yes. And if you’d like, the practitioners here will do a cholesterol check and body scan at the beginning of your program and again at the end. But all that physical exertion is mentally and emotionally cathartic, too.

It doesn’t really get more Malibu than this: a guided meditation experience, performed on paddle boards, out in the Pacific. Creator Jobi Manson—who also owns the shop Sēfari nearby—designs each session to encourage self-discovery and spiritual transformation, working in astrological birth chart readings and journaling to the ritual. Sessions last two to three hours; you can book private or group sessions every morning but Sunday. (You don’t need paddleboard experience or own a wetsuit to participate.)

The first thing you'll notice upon entering this gleaming two-story boutique-slash-gallery are the shoes, a nod to the shop's past as a sneakerhead mecca—it's a tight edit, but every pair is a slam dunk. The space has since evolved to house, among others, Nili Lotan basics, LSCO quilted jackets, and On runners for women and Engineered Garments, Maison Kitsune, Salomon, and the house line of Japanese cotton shirting and basics for dudes. Seamlessly merchandising the apparel and shoes with art from both local and international artists is the doing of owners Arlington and Jac Forbes—both entertainment industry veterans—who do an incredible job of scouting fresh talent.

Only half a block from the PCH in the heart of Malibu, and a 20-minute drive from LA, the Malibu Country Mart has something for everyone: a great blend of boutiques, both big-name and indie, including Oliver Peoples, Ron Herman, and a small but incredibly well-stocked Madison outpost. Plus, there are several galleries and a pleasantly manageable amount of restaurant options—Taverna Tony is a local treasure. To keep the kiddos busy, there's a spacious outdoor playground with swings, sandboxes, and a jungle gym. A few steps up Cross Creek Road is the Lumber Yard, a newer, shinier shopping center.

Owner Lucy Jolis has the uncanny ability to pull together a shop full of brands you love (like Rachel Comey, Lee Mathews, Natalie Martin, and Matteau), plus smaller, lesser-known labels. The space, tucked into a well-trafficked corner of the Malibu Country Mart, is just as inviting to shop in. It's not overly packed with items to browse; instead it's thoughtfully broken up into swimwear, party dresses, and wear-anywhere pieces. Don't miss the jewelry display, which includes a nice selection of small gold-and-turquoise pieces from Larisa Laivins, plus pendants by CVC Stones. The original location is in Austin.

This easy toy shop (which has a second location at the Brentwood Country Mart) is on speed dial for kids birthday parties, since they do great gift wrapping and local deliveries. The shelves are lined with everything a kid could ever want, and we appreciate the emphasis on IRL, low-tech toys like the Etch A Sketch, blocks, trains, puzzles, kites, and stuffed animals.

Even if you’re not in the market for orchids (though odds are, you’ll go home with one or two new buds) this sprawling greenhouse and the surrounding grounds are worth a visit. In addition to à la carte flowers, the staff will gladly put together a beautiful arrangement right on the spot, arrange a local delivery, or even shipping. This is a sweet mom-and-pop operation, so expect hands-on service but none of the big-box nursery frills.

Brentwood Art Center’s classes cater to all kinds of artistic interest, from drawing techniques to comic book illustration. This summer, they’ve moved their popular art camp online. Options span learning the fundamentals of watercolors and pastels and the art of collage to fun painting and drawing classes for kids. All of this artsy activity for kids as young as five happens on Zoom. Choose whatever session suits your child and register online. For something special, the Art Center offers private tutorials across most mediums, which could be a smart solution for a virtual birthday party.

Is your family part of the 2020 class of new pet owners? If you have a new furry family member, are begged daily to adopt one by a persistent child, or simply have an animal-loving kid, PetSpace Kids Camp Online is the perfect combination of education and cuteness. A mix of games, activities, and demonstrations teach campers about grooming, animal behavior, nutrition, and more. There are plenty of virtual animal encounters, too. If a full week isn’t your jam, PetSpace also has a weekly Paws and Pages virtual story time and animal encounter, along with other online programming.

Indagare is known for curating the most adventurous trips in the travel biz, and this summer, the kids are getting a taste of Indagare-style globetrotting—from home. Camp Indagare ticks every summer camp box and then some, but online. Depending on the week’s programming, there are pizza-making classes, virtual expert-led tours through the Egyptian pyramids, painting lessons, wildlife photography classes, virtual safari drives led by real guides out in the bush, and even Greek mythology 101 live from an expert in Athens. The next camp takes place August 17 through the 21st, and there are two enrollment options: the Explorer program is $275 for complete access to all ten classes and the Adventurer option is the pay-per-class choice at $30 a pop. While the kids are occupied by, say, a savanna’s roaring lions, the grown-ups can do the adult iteration of armchair travel with Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley’s new wanderlust-y podcast, Global Conversations.

Summer 2020’s stay-at-home orders can’t crush the spirit of Camp Lightbulb’s #rainbowtribe. The camp for LGBTQ+ kids typically has outposts in LA, NYC, and Provincetown, Massachusetts, all summer long. This year, it’s gone virtual. The weeklong themed camps are just as packed with activities, including short-movie making, music videos, and learning about LGBTQ+ history, intersectionality, and activism. If full days of camp don’t work with your family’s schedule, Camp Lightbulb also has free Instagram Live yoga and virtual events to keep kids connected and offer them a chance to make new friends while staying safe.

A social club for kids is a cute idea—but a social club for kids growing up bilingual (and their families) is brilliant—and much-needed in Los Angeles. Founder Lizet Alvarez wanted to create a community to support Spanish learning and a dual-language lifestyle for her own chiquitos.

For the stir-crazy, Frost Science is open for visits with limited ticketing and masks required, but where the museum shines this summer is with virtual camps and online content. If you’re looking for something to keep kids engaged—and out of the way—for a few hours a day at home, check out the virtual camps for kids in pre-K to fifth grade (August themes include weather and engineering). For shorter projects, check out Frost Science @ Home for activity toolkits that use free science apps and household items, live cams, behind-the-scenes online tours, and thirty-minute virtual science demonstrations. This site is a good one to keep bookmarked in case you’re homeschooling come fall and need a fresh take on science class (virtual demonstrations are STEM-focused and aligned with science learning standards).

For the virtual-camp inclined, Growing Gardens offers three ways to get kids excited about the natural world, all designed to keep them engaged for about four hours a day. Full Farmer camp pairs virtual programming with materials parents can pick up from the farm before the weeklong session begins (good for locals); Rustic Gardener sets parents up with the same programming and a supply list to prep before camp begins; and Bare Soil is a just-as-fun way to follow past curricula and spread the lessons and activities out over a longer time frame. Camp is led by Growing Gardens’ environmental educators, who have video calls with campers and supplement by video-based activities like crafts centered around gardening and growing, snack recipes, and games kids can get their families involved in. Image courtesy of Paul Hanaoka.

While the physical Kidspace property is closed due to current restrictions, the seriously robust online offering makes this temporary loss easier to handle. Kidspace-at-Home has a full online roster of creative programming tailored around arts-and-crafts, science, and animals for all age groups. The art projects are especially well conceived and involve the bits and pieces you probably already have at home: painting rocks from the garden, making rainbow popsicles to slurp outside, even homemade slime (parents, don’t panic—it’s an easy-to-contain mix of corn starch, dish soap, water, and food coloring).

Typically, Loot is a no-phone, no-website, no-email hangout for comic books, collaboration, and confidence-building, all in a space that looks like a mini museum. It’s the brainchild of Joseph Einhorn, father to three boys, founder of a social e-commerce platform, and a childhood beneficiary of the creativity boost that comic books offer. With the physical premises closed, Loot has pivoted online. Hit the site and find a series of free comic drawing tutorials and a registration link for the excellent eight-week camp. You can participate on a virtual drop-in, drop-out basis, and the camp is structured to build kids’ creative and expressive confidence. This is the perfect at-home activity to keep littles occupied for a few hours and pique their imaginations for hopefully a few hours more..

Learn how to pipe a buttercream rosette, smoosh icing over sponge, and make shell shapes under the watchful Zoom eye of NY Cake Academy instructors. The best part of this clever program is that once you’re registered, the academy mails you a full kit of everything you might need, saving you the hassle of finding (and going to the store and buying) a pastry bag or that offset spatula you swear you own but can never find. Set your kid up in the kitchen with their kit, hit play, and leave them to it for an hour.

Teacher, educator mentor, and curriculum designer Agata Young’s UK-based sensory learning center offers weekly sensory learning classes on YouTube, as well as a library of content on Facebook. While the classes are designed for babies up to thirteen months, sensory learning is all about exploring colors, textures, sound, and movement (and developing critical pathways in the brain), so it’s easy to get older kids involved, too. While you’re gathering the recommended props for a class, have toddlers pick out their own toys to use while following along.

The Broad's modern and contemporary art collection is vast—what you see on any particular visit represents only a smidge of the total collection. Luckily, they're constantly rotating pieces in and out of the museum, and the gallery looks a little different every time you go. You can solidly expect to see Warhols, Basquiats, Harings, and Lichtensteins, and surely some massive Jeff Koons balloon sculptures. Admission is free, and the museum releases a limited number of same-day tickets, but it's best to book in advance. If you'd like to see the museum's special exhibitions, you'll need to book a timed-entry ticket for a fee.

Kids are tiny balls of energy. Yoga burns energy. Put the two together and you have Shorty Yoga. We love this cute but not cutesy space, with its La Colombe cappuccinos, free Wi-Fi, and stellar range of classes for littles of every age.

Flip your vacation on its head and give the kids a fun, safe camping experience without the sweaty sleeping bags and failed campfire. Nestled in a secluded corner of Dos Pueblos orchid farm, with easy beach access, Camp’d Out’s location gets campsite views right, but also sets you up with queen beds, lightweight linens, lanterns, umbrellas, chairs, and a shared bathroom. While smaller families will fit in one tent, there’s also a three-tent setup available for groups of up to ten.

First, pick a ceramic item to paint: It’s not just cups and plates here; there are also have figurines of dinosaurs, mermaids, and pets. The helpful and socially distant staff is on hand to supply paints, stencils, and sponges to make the plain white ceramics your own, no matter your painting skill. When you’re done, they take your work, glaze it, and fire it for you to collect a few days later. But these days we prefer the at-home option. For a special occasion, the team will set up at your home (ideally in the yard) for some messy, artsy fun. Otherwise, there’s an incredible Zoom option, where an experienced teacher will lead your child (or gang of kids) through a ceramic painting how-to. All instructions and a list of materials needed are emailed ahead of time.

This kids’ gym offers gymnastics classes for a range of age groups—beginning with the Jump Starters class for twelve-month-olds and expanding into more-advanced courses for tweens up to twelve. With current COVID restrictions in place, Dan the Man has gone virtual with a series of instructor-led warm-ups, gymnastics, and movement classes for children, from toddlers to kids ages five and older. Set up a cushioned space, press play, and let them work off their energy in the safety of home.

JAG Gym pays an incredible amount of care and attention to its students, and the range of classes tailored to different ages and skill levels proves it. The gym is strictly following CDC guidelines, and thanks to an expansive space, social distancing is easy. Class sizes have been reduced, and all staffers wear face coverings and undergo daily temperature checks. Throughout the summer and into the fall, JAG is running its usual volume of gymnastics classes, plus full- and half-day camps for children five and up.

When the Los Angeles sunshine starts to feel a little too hot, Pickwick Ice Center is an oasis of cool indoor activity.

Horseback riding is the perfect socially distanced outdoor activity. Sure, you can drive to the base of the Hollywood sign, but why not ride a horse around it instead? Located in Griffith Park, Sunset Ranch leads one- or two-hour trail rides, offering unparalleled vistas of Hollywood and the Los Angeles sprawl—at dusk, this experience is pure magic for kids with later bedtimes. All riders maintain a six-foot distance, and the ranch is open for riding parties starting at $100 a person.

COVID-19 update: Email to arrange a one-on-one class.

Forty minutes north of Los Angeles, this animal rescue and educational center has switched up its tour program and is now offering a drive-through experience that takes kids (and their chauffeurs) on a behind-the-scenes farm tour. Four-legged residents include cows, pigs, donkeys, sheep, emus, horses, chickens, and more. After their epic drive-through day trip, kids can check in with the animals on The Gentle Barn’s livestreams—and even sponsor an animal or send them some hay. The Gentle Barn also offers personalized virtual tours for a fun surprise without leaving home.

If you’ve got a little one obsessed with ice hockey, look no further: There are plenty of free skate and mini hockey league options here—and this is where the LA Kings (and their rivals) practice. Under current restrictions, locker rooms are closed, so ensure that your kid arrives dressed for skating with a mask on under their helmet. For children used to skating or ice hockey, you can reserve ice space, which is a fun (small) birthday or Saturday afternoon activity. The rink runs a series of day camps and activities, all of which need to be booked in advance. Click here for the full calendar.

Bring little kids for a weekend matinee or let teens do their own thing later in the evening (and rest easy—masks are required any time you leave the car and spaces are set six feet apart). This may be the perfect summer 2020 activity—the film curation is on point, social distancing is enforced, and snacks are (safely) for sale. Pro tip: Buy tickets online, but get there early, as spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

COVID-19 update: Open for small group socially distant classes outdoors and virtual sessions.

The museum’s virtual camp program is broken up into two options: Adventures in Science (for elementary school students) and Middle School Institutes (for middle school and junior high students). Weeklong sessions for younger children revolve around themes like Key to the Kingdoms of Life and Building Biodiversity. Meanwhile, older campers will dig into more advanced programming, like Coding Climbing Change. Each day lasts four hours, with a mix of live, educator-led discussion, guest scientist talks, animal encounters, and peeks behind the scenes at the museum, plus offline activities kids can work through on their own or with the support of an on-call educator. A fantastic way to support both your child’s interest in STEM and a museum losing IRL visitor support this summer.

Bridgehampton’s family-focused library has gone all in on online programming. From classic story time to Toddlers’ Twist and Shout to movie nights, there’s a packed schedule with plenty of recurring events to work into kids’ weekly schedules. For older children and teens, there are Netflix watch parties and virtual college prep sessions, not to mention conversational Spanish classes. And if you’re looking to get some fresh air and a change of scenery, the library yard is open to the public for socially distanced strolling. In the library yard, masks are required, and social distancing precautions are in place. The library building is open by appointment only—call for an appointment and fill out this form. Image courtesy of Jerry Wang.

Much of Chelsea Piers is closed this summer, but the golfing range is in full...swing with an excellent day camp for kids ages six to twelve. There’s a weekly camp option running into September or full- or half-day sessions for kids looking to work on their swing over the Hudson. (There are both a sibling and multiweek discount on offer.) Camp days run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are broken into blocks with regular handwashing breaks in between, and all coaches are PGA-certified.

This one goes out to all the teens enduring a cooped-up summer with few options for socializing. The movies here start late, giving older kids an opportunity to do something special that keeps them socially distanced at the same time. Set some ground rules, decide whether or not it’s okay to hit the on-site food trucks, and send them off to catch a movie that, let’s be honest, will likely not be the one you approved. Bonus points for killer views of the Manhattan skyline.

This Sagaponack gem, along with its sister organization The Green School, is offering safe, socially distanced versions of watersports and pony camps, plus boat charters, riding lessons, and other activities on the farm. Camp sizes are limited, watersports are taught with no contact, masks are required, and all equipment is fully sanitized between uses. The Art Farm is also a great place for a memorable summer birthday celebration—get the family and a few close friends together for a private day at the farm learning the ropes and spending time with the animals.

The New York Botanical Garden is one of the most expansive—and immersive—green spaces in the city. Spanning 250 acres in the Bronx, it's the perfect place to go when you want to be fully outside and feel like you've actually left the city. It brings together formal gardens, curated plant collections, and a 50-acre old-growth forest—the last of its kind in New York. At its center is the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a landmark glasshouse with climate-specific environments and rotating exhibitions often worth the trip alone.

For parents looking for a camp experience that keeps kids in a fixed group for a full week (versus one-day-at-a-time camps, where new kids may participate each day), Ajax has five-day camp programs for ages six through fifteen. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation: Each day kids are presented with around twenty of the camp’s hundreds of activities—think paddleboards, rafting, archery, animal experiences, cooking adventures—and encouraged to participate in what interests them most. If your goal is to keep the kids occupied for one day, check out their laser tag, rafting, and horseback riding day trips.

Big mountain adventure is up and running in Aspen this year, with program modifications for safety. Kids from three to fifteen years old can pop into camp for the day for age-appropriate activities like biking, fishing, rock climbing, arts and crafts—even an alpine coaster. Two- and three-day camps focused on science and rocket building are available through August, and for parents who prefer to pull together their own group of kids, there are full- and half-day private camp options. Also clutch for family time on the mountain: drive-in movie nights at Buttermilk Mountain and exploring the ropes course at Lost Forest. Image courtesy of Greg Rosenke.

Kids Ranch Grand Adventure Camp caters to kids between the ages of three and twelve, and the best thing about it—other than your kiddo coming home happily exhausted—is that you can purchase a single day if you’re visiting or a discounted ten-day pass if you’re on an extended trip. This camp is a tiny thrill-seeker’s dream: bungee trampoline, climbing, gondola rides, and water fun are among the rotating activities. Every Thursday, campers hike to the top of the mountain for lunch. Private guides are also available to take small groups biking, hiking, and hitting the climbing wall. Face coverings are required, only attending kids and staff are allowed in the camp facilities, and activity and lunch tables have been reconfigured for social distancing. And for parents: Outdoor yoga classes and other grown-up activities are also on this year at Teton Village. Image courtesy of Rafaela Biazi.

The Teton Junior Science School is an education camp focused on science, creativity, and nature play for grades one through four. Each session is five days of fun and learning led by passionate educators on the 900-acre campus. The school also offers private tours of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, and it offers online classes for elementary- and middle-school kids that cover ecological, cultural, and economic topics (current offerings include Health, Not Hunger and Poverty and Wealth).

Camp at Craft Haus means a full week of mixed-media exploration: clay, mosaic making, painting, and more, with a different theme each week. Class sizes are limited, temperatures are checked before camp starts each day, and instructors wear masks (children are not required to, though it’s recommended). But what we really love are the Art-to-Go kits—a genius way to keep kids busy in your own backyard. Let your budding artist pick a project from the shop, choose colors, and then have the goods delivered locally or opt for contactless pickup at the store.

Satisfy young adventurers and appease older kids and teens craving an adrenaline rush with an afternoon on the water. Jupiter Outdoor Center will deliver canoes and kayaks and take your crew on a tour of Jupiter Inlet to check out alligators, turtles, bald eagles, and fish while staying cool. (This also makes a great fun, safe, and socially distanced summer birthday party.)

Get the kids in the water for a full day of camp, or go all in on a weeklong program. Either way, Viking keeps the student-to-master-shredder ratio at seven campers per instructor and is following CDC safety protocols all summer. Children as young as five are welcome to join camp sessions, and kids and teens who have outgrown the basics can opt for advanced coaching, or get together in a small group for private lessons—all set on the white-sand shores between Miami and West Palm Beach.