Malibu Colony Plaza

Malibu Colony Plaza is a classy yet casual place where you can enjoy a Starbucks coffee outdoors by a Spanish fountain and watch all the attractive people walk by. There are rows of palm trees, views of the camel-colored mountains, and plenty of flower pots. Toddlers love to run around by the fountain. It's a pleasant atmosphere. There is a frozen yogurt shop called Malibu Yogurt and Ice Cream, and an organic cafe called Ollo. 

This is a nice place to stop before a visit to Getty Villa, one of the most beautiful places you'll ever visit. Getty Villa is a mansion high on a hill above the sea with exquisite grounds, glorious architecture, and a good collection of ancient Greek and Roman art and sculpture.
Malibu Country Mart Mall is an outdoor mall with glorious mountain views and a kid's playground with swings and sandpit. Next door to it is my favorite, Malibu Lumber Yard, a two-storey mall made entirely of hardwood with palm trees, mountain views, and live music on weekends.
For a lovely new ocean-themed playground, check out Las Flores Creek Park.
Another similar place to Malibu Colony Plaza, where you can go to enjoy the ritzy atmosphere and a meal outdoors is Calabasas Commons, just over the mountains from here.

Directions

From Santa Monica, drive 12 miles west along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). After you pass Webb Way, Malibu Colony Plaza is the next driveway on your left.
Malibu Yogurt and Ice Cream, 23755 Malibu Rd.
Starbucks Coffee, 23755 Malibu Road, call (310) 317-1436.

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