There are no shortage of staycation ideas for couples in Los Angeles. Kevin and I recently marked our 16 year anniversary together. Sixteen years? It certainly doesn’t feel that long. Yet, so many things have happened in our lives, both positive and challenging. But through it all, we’ve leaned on each other. For the past several years, we’ve headed south of the border to Mexican wine country. But given all the travel restrictions this year, oh and having twins, we decided to keep our anniversary destination a little closer.
I pretty much knew immediately Malibu would be the perfect romantic spot. After all, we’ve visited Malibu more these past few months since COVID hit than our entire decade of living in LA! But would it live up to Mexican wine country, a place we love so much? Let’s just say, it wasn’t a shabby backup option. Check out our top staycation ideas for couples with all different tastes. Pretty soon you’ll see, Malibu offers something for just about anybody.
Staycation Ideas For Couples: Selecting the Best Airbnb in Malibu
Living in West Hollywood, the only way we get to hear the sound of crashing waves is by turning on the kids’ sound machine. Let’s face it, there is no oceanfront property here. One of the things I was most looking forward to during our Malibu staycation was just enjoying time watching the waves crash and looking for seals and other wildlife. We knew immediately that this Airbnb property, overlooking the ocean, was where we needed to stay. It isn’t cheap (staring at $392 a night), but again, this is Malibu. It’s a bargain compared to other hotels located in this same stretch.
I’m not a morning person at all. But each day staying at this house, I was up at 6 AM to watch the sunrise over the pacific. Just think how productive I’d be if this was our permanent home? Though, we were in bed most nights by 9:30 PM. I blame the waves, they just lulled me to sleep.
When it’s low tide, you’re just steps from the beach. Kevin and I took full advantage and walked the beach every day during our stay. This is what it must be like to be rich and famous and living in Malibu. We could get used to this!
If only we could bring those crashing waves back to West Hollywood. We’d sleep so well. Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to turn on our kids sound machine and close our eyes and pretend for now. But there’s always hope for hitting the lottery, right?
Staycation Ideas For Couples in Malibu: For The Fitness Buff
If you are looking for a true adventure — and workout — one of the best things you can do in Malibu is ocean Kayaking. Malibu Surf Shack is Malibu’s local surf shop since 1972, overlooking Malibu’s famed Surfrider Beach. They are the top place for your water gear rental needs, and clearly have deep connections in the surfer community.
You’ll find surf boards, standup paddle boards, single and double kayaks along with all the beach gear you’ll need to live your best beach bum life. We opted for two single kayaks ($25 an hour or $40 for the day) and quickly geared up for our big ocean paddling excursion.
It wasn’t until we got on the water that I admitted to Kevin that I’ve never actually gone ocean kayaking (and neither did he!). It seemed so easy at first as we paddled out about 90 minutes.
We kept on going and going… and saw all kinds of wildlife. It was truly a blast!
Then it was time for the return. We were so far out that we even saw a yacht. And laughed so hard since we both wondered out loud at the same time, do you think they could tow us back? At least we got our arm workout in for today.
It’s such an adventure and the kayaks were super comfortable. Who needs a gym during COVID when you have ocean kayaking? I think we’re onto a new fitness trend in LA.
Staycation For the Foodie: Date night in at Mastro’s Ocean Club
Mastro’s in Beverly Hills is our go-to steakhouse for any landmark occasion in our lives. We’ve celebrated countless birthdays, including my mom’s, and even the news of our surrogate getting pregnant. I know, we certainly love an excuse to celebrate, right? Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu is located less than a 10 minute drive from the Airbnb. In LA terms, that’s practically like living at the restaurant. You’ll find steak on the menu here along with the freshest Alaska King Crab Legs, Maine lobster claws, Dungeness crab claws, oysters and shrimp.
We decided to order takeout from Mastro’s Ocean Club to have a special date night in. There is just something so enjoyable about eating a five star meal in your shorts! And having an oceanside view as we watched Runaway Bride on Netflix. Talk about a casual and fancy night all at once.
Staycation Ideas For Couples: Malibu Pier For the Shopper
If there is one thing I enjoy, it’s some good shopping. If you’re like me, you’ll want to head straight to the Malibu Pier and check out Ranch at the Pier, located at the very end of the pier.
This fancy, and pricey, boutique shop sells all my favorite things — high-end snacks and treats, cool souvenirs, guitars, art, beach gear. You name it, they probably have it!
Even Kevin enjoys the shopping experience? Well, there is a free pinball machine so he ends up entertaining himself while I check out all the goods.
Inside tip? Head upstairs and walk across the upper walkway to an art gallery. While we were visiting, they had beautiful photographs from some of Los Angeles’ most iconic spots.
Oh, and even if you’re not in the market for some pricey prints, you’ll want to snap a few selfies from the top of the store. It’s the best place to get a birds eye view of the pier.
For the Nature Lover: El Matador Beach
El Matador Beach is truly stunning. It is also one of the most popular spots for photo shoots and visitors. For that reason, we recommend getting to this spot bright and early, and of course, checking the tide times. This is a very narrow beach and only should be accessed at low tide.
Parking is limited and costs $5. We arrived at 7:30 AM and there were just 3 other cars in the lot. From here, walk towards the ocean and follow the steep staircase down to the beach. And enjoy a stroll along one of the most picturesque beaches in California.
After wandering the short beach, we recommend heading along the wet beach in front of the multi-million dollar homes. You’ll see signs for no trespassing scattered throughout. But all visitors are legally allowed to walk along the wet sand. Just watch out for the sneaky big waves. That ocean is cold!
What a romantic getaway, and a trip we won’t forget anytime soon. Here’s to another 16 years. Just don’t remind us that we’re getting old!
Looking for other staycation ideas in Los Angeles? Check out our full list of recommendations for your next Los Angeles staycation in downtown LA, as well as 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Looking for more ideas of things to do in Malibu? Be sure to read our feature on the Malibu mystery picnic, the perfect birthday outing idea for adults. Or if you’re feeling like staying at home these days, we have recommendations on the best virtual activities you can do from a drag show with sangria making to a virtual pottery class.