Day Trip: Malibu

Although I've lived in Southern California my whole life, I rarely go to beaches outside of Orange County. With amazing places like Huntington and Newport Beach, there's really no need to travel any farther. But, I always love exploring so I decided to make a trip north to Malibu for the day and I'm glad I did.

There have been rumors that Gladstones, a perfect, beachy restaurant right on the water, will be closing next October. Despite news reports, the Pacific Coast Highway eatery says there are no plans to shut down. Fingers crossed that is the case because it would be a shame to lose such a great place.

It was my first time visiting so we opted to sit outside for the ambiance, however; the tables inside are also great and the windows are large so you get a great ocean view. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house.

I chose the ahi sandwhich ($21) and my mom went with the fish and chips ($26). The fish and chips were huge and my mom loved them. While my ahi wasn't the best, probably because the pieces were so large that they couldn't be properly seasoned, and my side salad wilted in the heat, the bun and toppings were very good. Don't get me wrong - I ate that whole sandwhich, so I don't feel like my money was wasted. Our server was great, and that added to the positive experience. Lunch is only served during the week, so if you can visit Monday through Friday I recommend it as you'll pretty much have the place to yourself and the beach won't be too busy.

When you valet for the restaurant, $9 gets you parking plus beach access. While we only walked around for a bit, visitors can bring their beach gear and make a whole day of it.

After eating we decided to drive up the coast and take in the beautiful views - which included some incredible beach mansions. If you decide to go to one of the many beaches, the lots are much cheaper than those of OC beaches and there is plenty of street parking. The only problem with street parking is you have to find beach access in between homes which can get a little tricky.

Have you visited Malibu? What's your favorite thing to do there? I'd love tips for my next trip!

Newport Beach, California

Earlier this week I made my way out to Newport Beach to take in a sunset. It's so gorgeous and peaceful.

If you ever visit SoCal, or live here and aren't in on the secret, north Newport is a great beach to visit for the free parking. Here's how to get there from the 55 freeway:

The 55 fwy south ends and turns into Newoprt Ave.

Follow Newport Ave. and take a right on Superior. 

Right after you pass Pacific Coast Highway make a right on River Ave. (small side street)

You can park anywhere you find a spot, at the very end of the street there are a lot of spaces.

It's a residential neighborhood and there are some restrictions on certain days, but if you get there early/late enough parking is free and fairly easy to find.

June's Been Good So Far

I'm liking June so far. This month has been good to me. In the last two weeks I've spent time getting pampered, experiencing LA's culinary treasures, and taking in the beautiful Southern California sunsets. Here's a little peek of what I've been up to...

{updated subtle ombre}

{new cocktails and delicious food}

{beautiful California oceanside sunsets}

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Huntington Dog Beach

Monday I had the day off and decided it was time to finally get to the beach. I mean, I live in Southern California and the coast is less than an hour from me (and only 30minutes if I head to Santa Monica!). Logically I should be there at least once a month, minimum. So I headed to Huntington Dog Beach with my mom and dog for some surf and sand.

Unfortunately there was far more sand than surf during our outing. My dog has only been to the beach three times and hasn't quite embraced the cold Pacific Ocean, and the high tide that day wasn't helping. All in all we spent two hours there and had a fun time. If you live in SoCal (or visit) Huntington Dog Beach is a great place to take your furry friend. There's lots of space to run around and explore. You'll find it just west of Goldenwest.