Hang Out on the Beach With Vaguely Near The Stars

When you think of sunshine, golden sands and surfers riding the waves, Malibu, California springs to mind. This Pacific coastal city in Los Angeles County is home to many movie stars and other celebrities. The area has been used as a location for numerous films and television shows, including drive-in surfer movies from the 1960s. Filming usually takes place on the beachfront or against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. The beaches are very popular with tourists; two of the most frequented ones are Zuma and Leo Carrillo State Beach.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a playground for people wanting to go hiking, biking or horseback riding. There are sites for camping and the area also attracts birdwatchers. Point Magu State Park extends for seventy miles and contains walking trails and camping spots. The Park is known for its sycamore trees and its scenic canyon.

Malibu Creek State Park is another favorite destination for these activities and for picnicking, rock climbing and fishing. The Park was opened to the public in 1980, having being previously owned by the film studio, 20th Century Fox. Several films had been shot there over the years, including Tarzan films, Viva Zapata and Masters of the Universe. The opening scene of the TV show, MASH was also filmed there. It’s a great place for Malibu, California residents to experience a bit of wilderness and there is an abundance of wildlife here such as bobcats, mountain lions, steelhead fish, mule deer and golden eagles.

The area has an interesting history behind the glamour and show biz glitz. The old Malibu Pier, mostly fallen into ruin, can still be seen on the Pacific Coast Highway. It was originally constructed as a private railroad by a local businessman in 1906. Adamson House is another famous landmark in Malibu, California. Built in 1929, it was designed after the fashion of Spanish houses and contains the famous Malibu tiles, renowned for their craftsmanship. A museum, adjacent to the house, has displays of artifacts relating to the local history.

Ancient history buffs will enjoy the J.Paul Getty Museum. It houses Greek and Roman art and has a magnificent landscaped garden. There is an outdoor amphitheatre, auditorium and a replica of a typical Roman villa. The museum has gone through a costly expansion and re-opened in 2006 after being closed for nine years. This unusual collection is just another reason to spend some time in Malibu, California.