Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas is the traditional homeland of the Chumash people. It was named by the Spanish botanist Jose Longinos Martinez in honour of the wild squashes that once grew in abundance in the area. Previously home to an artists’ colony in the “Bird Streets”, Calabasas is now known for its celebrity residents.
Things to do in Calabasas
For a retail fix, head to the Commons at Calabasas, an open-air shopping mall designed to resemble an Umbrian town. It is home to stylish fashion boutiques and global brand stores, such as Williams Sonoma, Chico’s and Paper Source. When it’s time to eat, you can feast on seafood at King’s Fish House or burgers at the Marmalade Cafe, followed by a sweet treat from See’s Candies.
A short drive west are the Calabasas Stairs, a flight of 375 steps that ascend the Santa Monica Mountains. For a longer walk, head to Malibu Creek State Park, which has been described as the “Yosemite of Southern California”. Encompassing more than 3,000 hectares, the park features an extensive network of hiking trails as well as horseback riding and kayaking adventures.
Also nearby is the Malibu Hindu Temple, which was constructed in 1981 in a traditional South Indian style. It is one of the largest Hindu places of worship in the Western world, with a large whitewashed gopuram marking its entrance. Coincide your visit with a pooja in one of the temple’s two complexes or attend a cultural event at the temple stage.
Getting around Calabasas
Calabasas is around an hour’s drive from the centre of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Calabasas, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.