Gidget Goes To Malibu!

I hate hot. So, when temperatures reached 107 out here, I knew it was time to channel my inner-Gidget and head straight to Paradise Cove in Malibu for some relief from this heat!

Paradise Cove has been part of Malibu history for many years. Once a haven for hundreds of local fisherman in the late 1950's and 60's, this private Malibu beach was the set for a number of movies and TV shows, including "Gidget", "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "Seahunt". It was also a nude beach at one time, so I hear...

Ironically, now some call this the "mom's beach"; the cove is clean, enclosed and spatially limited which makes it easy for moms to watch their kids while they play by the water. Tourists also seem to flock here, too! We went on a Thursday and this place was packed with people! I can only imagine how crowded this place gets on the weekends.

The Beach Cafe is the only restaurant there. Inside, the walls are covered with Paradise Cove photos and memorabilia. Outside, tables are set up in the sand for "by the beach" drinking and dining. It's wonderful to sit out on the sand, hang out, eat a little something and have a drink...but it'll cost you!

The prices are pretty steep for the average food that they serve up. Also, parking just for the beach will cost you $25.00! If you eat at the restaurant (where you'll probably spend $25.00 anyway), the price goes down to $3.00 for 4 hours with a validation. And, if you don''t think to make a reservation beforehand, prepare to wait a while for a table...especially on the weekend!

Would I go back? Probably not. It's nice to see this place once, but there are miles of beautiful coastline here to see that's not as costly and not as crowded. Unfortunately, this "paradise" was a little lost on me.

- L.T

Quick Tips:
1. If you eat there, parking's $3 for 4 hours w/validation
2. If you get there early enough (I mean really early), try to park along PCH for free
3. Directions
4. Don't forget your sunscreen!