If you’re looking for a great spot to dine at the beach, the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu is a great choice. Located at 28128 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, it’s about a 30 minute drive from Thousand Oaks via Kanan Road. Learn more at www.paradisecovemalibu.com.

The public is welcome to access Paradise Cove Beach, including the dry stretch of beach around the pier (49 feet in width) as well as use the area of the beach below the mean high tide line for the entire shoreline length of the Paradise Cove property. You can either park on PCH and walk to the beach, or you can pay to park in the Cafe parking lot. But yes, it is expensive. It is much less expensive to park and dine at the cafe, which covers you for up to 4 hours of parking.

While some would argue that the food isn’t great and prices (including parking) is too high, my opinion is….it’s all about location, location, location.

About half a mile south on PCH is the access point to Escondido Falls, a four mile round trip hike to the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains (over 150 feet). A fun excursion - park on PCH and do the Escondido Falls hike. Then walk down the street to the Paradise Cove Cafe. Of course don’t leave valuables in your car.