Malibu, California is the quintessential cozy beach town, and it doesn't hurt that it's dripping with Hollywood socialites. Having spent a few years in Malibu for college, I can wholeheartedly say it is my home and always will be. Here's M&H hacks on the best Malibu vacation known to man.

Where to stay:

For a cheap(ish) but glorious hotel, stay at the Villa Graziadio. It's at the top of Pepperdine University's campus and overlooks all of Malibu. Be sure to take a stroll out onto Heroes Garden right outside the entrance. The views of the ocean and mountains are incredible. For a more expensive trip right on the beach, stay at the Malibu Beach Inn. Make sure to grab a cozy brunch at their lovely restaurant on the beachfront terrace!

Where to spend the day:

If it's sunny, head to Zuma Beach! It's the most iconic beach in, dare I say, all of California. You can watch the professional surfers, run into a celebrity walking their dog, and even catch a game of frisbee or volleyball with some locals. For a laid back lunch on the beach, hit Paradise Cove. You'll feel like you're at a Disneyland restaurant, everything is so over-the-top and fun!

Fancy dinner:

Geoffrey's, hands down. The surf-n-turf is not cheap by any standards, but it's worth the splurge. It's a favorite of Victoria's Secret models and the Kardashians. If you're into sushi, definitely go to Nobu. It was recently built on the beach a couple years ago, and it's quite impossible to get a table any time of day without a reservation. It's the new it-place to dine.

Where to brunch:

Ollo. If you go on a weekday morning, I literally guarantee you will see a celebrity. I have seen Justin Beiber, Adam Sandler, Pink, Laird Hamilton, Brody Jenner, and countless others at this local favorite. The chia pudding is fabulous. Another brunchy favorite is Marmalade. I have actually dreamt about their pancakes. And I would be MAJORLY amiss if I didn't mention the Malibu Farm. It's at the end of the long pier, and the scrambled, organic eggs are incredible. (you can't beat the views, either!)

Cheap, yummy meal:

The Sunday farmers market. This is a no-brainer, people. You must go. If you take no other advice from this column, take this: GO TO THE MARKET. It is the most glorious farmers market in all of existence, and at this point I have got it down to a science. Order a pumpkin bolani (it's an Indian flatbread) with the basil pesto. Order a green juice from the juice truck. Buy the avocado hummus and the marinated eggplant from the Greek stand. Buy the gluten-free sweet potato pancakes. Sample the fresh berries. Buy an asian pear, but barter to just pay a dollar. To end the day, buy some fresh roses. (after sampling the gluten-free peanut butter cookies, obviously)

Where to get dessert:

Taverna Tony's. It's a Greek restaurant with Greek dancers on weekends after 9:00 PM. It's the perfect place to end the night with a Baklava. Just order it, trust me. And tell Tony I said hello!

Where to shop:

Easy. Go to the Malibu Lumber Yard and Country Mart. Everything from Ralph Lauren to J. Crew to Lorna Jane to Alice&Olivia and so much more. After a long day of shopping, grab some chips and salsa at Cafe Habana!

Where to attend church:

Calvary Chapel Malibu is the most loving church community. Pastor Brian and his wife Nancy are wonderful. If you're Catholic, Our Lady of Malibu is cozy and adorable and gorgeous.

Where to get green juice:

SUNLIFE ORGANICS. It is the most bright, fun, organic, healthy little cafe on planet Earth. The juices and salads and smoothies and bulletproof coffee could sustain me for life. Seriously, I could live off of Sunlife! Another favorite of mine is Vitamin Barn. Their green smoothie with protein powder and almond butter and dates and coconut water (and matcha, spurilina, etc) is the perfect lunch.

Where to get a workout in:

First, hit SoulCycle for a spin class, but bring your wallet - classes are $30 for 45 minutes, not including a Smartwater and bike shoes. Afterwards, stop into the Malibu Health Club and ask for Phil. He trained Muhammad Ali how to box and gives private kickboxing workouts. He gave me a few free sessions while I worked there, and all I can say is WOW! Next up, take a pilates class with Diana Nicholson at the club. She is phenomenal and the most beautiful, kind-hearted Christian woman you will ever have the pleasure to meet! If you're still looking for more, it's obvious... RUN ON THE BEACH.

Where to go for a “night out”:

Malibu is quiet, and locals appreciate it that way. For a night out, make the 20-minute drive to Santa Monica and go to The Basement, The Penthouse, The Bungalow, or The Other Room. I don't go out a whole lot, but those are fun places to go with girlfriends and are all relatively chill.

Secret, favorite spots:

My favorite secret beach is (drumroll) near the Geoffrey's restaurant. It's a locals-only spot with a secret gate. Driving on PCH, you'll park a little past Geoffrey's and see a gate that will look like it has a lock on it. There will be a small brown sign that says Public Beach; you'll find it. Open the gate, walk down the long, rose-covered path, take the flight of stars downwards, and voila! I have seen a few celebs down there, Gwen Stefani being the most notable.

Where to watch the sunrise/sunset:

Surfrider Beach. Going early in the morning with a blanket, acai bowl from Sunlife, a devotional, and a group of girlfriends will kick off the best morning of eternity. I had the pleasure of meeting friends there at 6 AM to watch the sunrise and early-bird surfers a few times.

Where to picnic:

The Bluffs park is grassy and nice. There's a few trails to walk overlooking the ocean there. Another amazing spot is on Pepperdine's Alumni Park. They have shot countless music videos and commercials on the park because it's too perfect for words.

What to pack:

Money. Malibu is ideal in every way, except for the high price tag. Rent a fun convertible to drive. Pack a swimsuit for the best beaches in California. Bring a Bible, because you won't be able to help but praise God. The views and aura of Malibu leave one quite awe-struck from God's beautiful craftsmanship.

Enjoy your trip, my loves!

For aerial views of Malibu and Pepperdine, click here.