June Malibu

In the 1940s, this boutique hotel tucked along the Pacific Coast Highway welcomed creatives of every kind. Writers, musicians, and artists passing through the iconic Point Dume would come here to chase sunsets and retreat into Malibu’s hushed atmosphere — much like Marilyn Monroe, whom you can picture playing in the waves in one of the lobby’s photographs.

Decades later, June Malibu hasn’t lost an ounce of its California cool. Set against its signature vintage green brick façade, the hotel stands as a modern tribute to Malibu’s mythic past. Thirteen retro-ethereal bungalows, an intimate pool, a thoughtfully curated reception, and a sun-drenched terrace. And everywhere, nature.

While its West L.A. counterpart is surrounded by concept stores and coffee shops of every kind, June Malibu boasts surf breaks and hiking trails woven through lush greenery. It’s hard to imagine that just a few miles away, the 2025 wildfires devastated parts of the coastline. Today, the beaches are once again framed by vegetation. Notes of cactus, wood, and night-blooming jasmine mingle with the scent of sea spray and surf wax. The best of L.A.: green, quiet, and under the radar.