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Beaches – Malibu has great beaches for
kids. Our favorite beaches in Malibu are ideal for little babies who eat
sand or toddlers splashing in the shallows (lifeguards, restrooms and shower
facilities), as well as sulky pre-teens who can't wait to hit the waves. And if kids are going to learn to surf, this is the place. |
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 Malibu
Lagoon State Beach – The lagoon is a lovely wetlands where
Malibu Creek flows into the ocean. The shallow water is perfect for wading
and playing all day. Look for birds and bring a picnic (there are picnic
tables along the lagoon). The beach also has good swimming for kids. |
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Zuma
Beach County Park – If there's one beach that says Malibu,
it's Zuma Beach. The day won't seem long enough for the kids to build their
sand forts, dangle their toes in the waves, swing on the swings, grab an
ice cream from the snack stand, or launch their boogie board into the next
perfect set of waves. |
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Point Dume whale watch – Point Dume trails and bluff overlook are a good location to watch south migration of gray whales, January
to March. Bring binoculars. |
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Big Sycamore Canyon – The
Santa Monica Mountains are a wonderful hiking area – the mountains
come right down to the Pacific Coast Highway. From the Big Sycamore Canyon
parking lot, take the wide trail up the canyon, as it winds along Sycamore
Creek, through big leafy sycamore and oak trees. In the underbrush, you
might see some silly quail, and keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers in
the trees. |
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Malibu Creek State Park (off Malibu Canyon Rd.) –
For a change from the beach, head for Malibu Creek State Park. In just
a matter of minutes, you'll find yourself in the Santa Monica Mountains,
surrounded by golden hills and oak trees. From the Visitor's Center, take
the wide, easy trails that cross Malibu Creek and pass through grasslands
and spicey-scented chaparral. Don't miss the Rock Pool, a short distance
up the trail. At Century Lake, look for dragon flies. |
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Getty Villa – If you can't get over Italy to visit a Roman
villa, the Getty Villa in Malibu is your next best bet. The Getty Villa
is modeled on Roman country house from Herculaneum, and is filled with
ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan artworks. The museum has themed galleries of gods and goddesses, or events of the Trojan
War, and don't miss the statue of a Victorious Youth, a rare Greek
bronze of an Olympic athlete. The Family Forum has hands-on activities
for kids, such as draw with markers on Greek vases. |
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At the entrance, choose from four different Getty Guide audio
tours for kids. Families (kids 5 and up, plus an adult) can take a one hour
tour, "Art Odysseys for Families," every Sat. and Sun. afternoon,
in summer, Mon.- Thurs. afternoon also. The cafe at the Getty Villa serves
kid-friendly food, but you can also bring a picnic (the weather is
often sunny and warm in Malibu) and sit out in the public seating areas. |
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Admission to the Getty Villa is free. |
