Malibu Family-Friendly Staycation: Calamigos Guest Ranch

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Calamigos Guest Ranch for a two-day staycation with my husband and dog, Samson (don’t have to tell him twice that it’s set on 250 acres). The seclusion of the ranch and proximity to the beach are unmatched in Los Angeles. The size of the property provides serenity for guests who are looking for quiet and wellness, while also appealing to those looking for quality family time and adventure. It would also be a great stop on a longer three- to five-day California coastline trip.

Location

Calamigos Guest Ranch is located in Malibu, California, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s about an hour’s drive from Downtown, Hollywood, or Beverly Hills and about 90 minutes from LAX. Just close enough for a spontaneous getaway, yet far enough to feel like a real retreat.

Rooms

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with complimentary champagne and guided down a succulent-lined path, where chandeliers dangle from the trees, adding a touch of magic to the rustic setting. 200-square-foot city rooms do not exist here. It’s all about indoor-outdoor living, with spacious rooms situated within the natural environment—hello, outdoor showers and freestanding bathtubs. The two- and three-bedroom bungalows feature separate bedrooms and comfortable living areas, perfect for families or groups. Single bungalows, suites, or estate rooms are great choices for couples. Each room option has unique charm, but all deliver luxury with private patios and spa-like bathrooms.

Single Bungalow

Single Bungalow patio

Pet-friendly

Come as my brother, come as my friend” applies to your four-legged companions, too! Calamigos Guest Ranch welcomes not one but two dogs of any size for a flat fee of $185 per stay. Here, dogs are VIP guests and are treated to cozy beds, bowls, and even toys upon arrival. Pups are also welcome nearly everywhere on the property, including the restaurant, beach, and pools (leash required).

Samson enjoying a stroll on the lawn

Activities

There is no shortage of activities at Calamigos Guest Ranch. On the property, guests have access to three pools, multiple wide-open lawn spaces where kids are encouraged to run around, two pickleball courts, bocce ball, and paddle boats. General areas are conveniently located near one another, making the hotel completely walkable. On a hot day, families head to the main pool early to snag loungers or a camp-inspired cabana safe from the splash zone. Adults make a beeline for the spa pool with a good book. If the mountains are calling, private wine tours, hikes, and horseback riding can be arranged.

Main pool

Camp-inspired cabanas

Wellness

The Calamigos Spa offers an expansive menu where guests can prepare to be pampered. The spa has a private lounge, sauna, and an adults-only pool and hot tub, as well as an array of wellness activities including yoga. The small but mighty gym has state-of-the-art cardio and lifting equipment with large doors opening to the natural beauty outside.

The Beach Club

The newly expanded Beach Club is reserved for only hotel guests and members and comes with beach butlers, paddleboards, sand volleyball courts, a pool, and, of course, kid-sized cabanas. The Beach Club is a short drive from the ranch, with complimentary shuttles available for hotel guests. The club itself overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has a restaurant and bar. You can expect flip-flop-approved dining like build-your-own bowls and tacos. Once you’re ready to make your way to the beach, the club staff will escort you to the sand, where your umbrella and beach chairs await. Here, you can paddleboard, go for a dip, or sip cocktails without lifting a finger.

The Beach Club lounge and restaurant

Dining

There are several dining options on the property. The Ranch Club is where guests convene for meals—that is, if they can pull themselves away from the House Bar. The casual sit-down restaurant offers all-day service with indoor and outdoor options, including fireside lounge seating. If poolside eats are more your thing, the main pool offers light bites in the afternoon. If you need a grab-and-go option, Gentry Market has sustainably sourced coffee and to-go breakfast options.

The Ranch Club Restaurant

The House Bar

For those willing to venture off-property for fine dining, Nobu Malibu, known for its celebrity appeal and world-class Japanese cuisine, or the elegant, old-school Lucky's Steakhouse, which offers classic American fare in a sophisticated setting, are excellent options. Both require reservations. Other casual dining recommendations include the pier favorite, Malibu Farm, and Broad Street Oyster Company for delicious lobster rolls.

This hidden gem will make you completely forget about city life in just about the time it takes you to get from the mountains to the beach: 12 minutes. I have visited the property in both summer and winter, and it truly is an all-season destination. You can expect endless hours of outside play in the warm months and a cozy, fire-filled nature retreat in the colder months. If you plan to visit in the summer, please note that the property actively hosts weddings, retreats, and private member events, so it is best to check with your advisor (me!) before booking. If you have a retreat or corporate event that you’d like to host at Calamigos Guest Ranch, I can also assist with booking. Calamigos Guest Ranch remains open and untouched by the recent fires, welcoming guests to support Malibu’s local community.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Malibu page.