Malibu is a stunning city with miles of sun-soaked coastline along the Pacific. Gorgeous, arresting sunsets cast light on pristine white-sand beaches that border thriving retail and culinary scenes. A prime locale for a family vacation, Malibu offers kid-friendly attractions that will please parents as well. Here are our top reasons to visit Malibu with your family this summer, from beaches to parks to eateries:

Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach may be Malibu’s most popular sand-centric destination. With its wide expanse of soft white sand and outstanding views of the luminous ocean at its edge, it’s served as the setting for countless films and television shows. But Zuma goes beyond simple aesthetics. In addition to easy parking and a playground, it also features picnic areas where families can enjoy lunch while gazing at the Pacific. Swim in the mild surf, go for a scenic hike, or watch dolphins and seals play—all at Zuma Beach.

Point Dume State Beach

Located adjacent to the Point Dume Nature Preserve, Point Dume State Beach is much more than a place to swim and sunbathe. Bring your gear and enjoy some top-notch scuba diving or snorkeling, teach your kids how to windsurf or surf, or simply plan for a day of whale watching. Seeing these massive, majestic creatures in person is a thrilling experience for family members of just about any age. Accented by picturesque cliffs and rocks, Point Dume State Beach is an adventure not to be missed.

Legacy Park

Legacy Park boasts 15 acres of trails and lookouts as well as play areas enhanced by mosaic animal statues. Featuring primarily flat trails, it’s an ideal choice for an easy family hike that just happens to provide sweeping mountain views. Legacy Park also serves up ample educational opportunities related to the great outdoors thanks to its unique location at the confluence of four habitats: coastal prairies, bluffs, woodlands, and wetlands. In short, it’s a fun place for kids to play and learn.

Charmlee Wilderness Park

When you’re in the market for an outdoor experience that is more sprawling than most parks, Charmlee Wilderness Park delivers. Trails snake through this 532-acre expanse, serving up an array of short, simple hikes—as well as some longer alternatives—that lead to spectacular views of the water. A picnic area provides a place to take a break, have a snack, and enjoy the natural beauty all around, and a nature center presents educational insights into the wildlife species that call Charmlee home.

Malibu Creek State Park

The 8,000 acres of Malibu Creek State Park include rolling plains accented by long grasses, oak tree savannahs, wildflowers, and peaks from which one can view the Santa Monica Mountains in all their glory. Sign up for a guided hike or set out to spot some of the diverse wildlife on your own. Either way, your family is sure to find this treasure trove of nature a memorable place to spend a day.

Malibu Farm Restaurant

Malibu Farm is a bright, vibrant, farm-to-table restaurant that serves incredibly fresh fare to satisfy children as well as adults. They raise their own chickens, grow their own vegetables, and only source sustainable seafood. With two casual yet elegant locations—one at each end of the Malibu Pier—and a kids’ menu, Malibu Farm strikes a nice balance between high-end establishment and family-friendly eatery.

Duke’s Malibu

One would be hard pressed to find a restaurant with better scenery than legendary beachside favorite, Duke’s Malibu. Featuring an unbeatable location near Malibu Point, Duke’s serves up Hawaiian fare alongside umbrella drinks and other beverages in a welcoming seaside atmosphere. Whether you stop by for a weekend brunch, a weekday lunch, or a family dinner out, you’ll find the menu extensive and intriguing. The colorful kids’ menu promises standards such as sliders as well as creative options like coconut shrimp with guava cocktail sauce or macadamia panko-crusted island fish. For the grown-ups, choices range from vegetarian dishes to a variety of steaks as well as, of course, seafood.

If you’re in the market to buy or rent a home in the Malibu area, be sure to visit http://www.christiesrealestate.com/. The premier high-end real estate specialists in the region, Christie’s International Real Estate will be sure to find the ideal property to serve as your second home.

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