Itinerary: Malibu

Malibu, the Gold Coast of Los Angeles, may have a reputation as a movie-money enclave that symbolizes success and excess and as a hotbed for fires and flooding. But you don’t have to look too far to find the Malibu that makes it a favorite spot for locals and tourists.

Friday

The town’s world-famous movie colony has banded together to bring Hollywood to the beach for the first Malibu International Film Festival, starting Friday. The festival’s founders plan to erect a city of tents on the grounds of Malibu Lagoon State Beach, where 26 films will be screened. Opening night will feature a tribute to director John Frankenheimer (“The Manchurian Candidate,” “Ronin,” “Birdman of Alcatraz”), who is receiving a lifetime achievement award for directorial excellence. He’ll be on hand for a question-answer session and screenings of his films “Gypsy Moths” and “The Fixer.” The festival will feature premieres, screenings and awards. James Cameron (“Titanic”) is slated to receive a writer-producer lifetime achievement award. The festival closes next Thursday with a screening of films selected by the audience. The Malibu International Film Festival, Malibu Lagoon State Beach at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Friday through March 4, (310) 456-6683 or https://www.malibufilmfestival.org.

Saturday

Malibu Lagoon State Beach has lots to offer. The spot where the Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean has a pristine beach and 22 acres of coastline, ideal for fishing or bird watching.

The sprawling state park includes the Adamson House and Museum, a national historic monument and tribute to Malibu history. It’s also one of the most popular coastal wedding spots in Los Angeles County. Visible from most places on the state beach, the Adamson House reportedly was once the most valuable real estate holding in the United States. The ranch-style house with its unique tile motifs was built in 1929 and was home to Rhoda Rindge Adamson, a member of Malibu’s founding family. The state purchased the house in 1968 for $.7 million and opened it as a museum in 1983. The museum displays a diverse collection of items depicting Malibu’s early history and the famous Malibu tiles. The Adamson House is open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour cost: $2; $1 for children 6 to 17.

The Malibu Inn Restaurant will round out your beach experience. Built in 1929, this restaurant and bar is a casual spot with movie and surf memorabilia posted on its wood walls. It’s a place to kick back with a burger and brew and listen to the live band. 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, (310) 456-6106. 21 and over at night. Cover: $5.

Sunday

Check out Zuma Beach, the hip sand spot that was the setting for such movies as “Beach Blanket Bingo” and “Deadman’s Curve.” Zuma is a happening surf spot year ‘round.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, try nearby Point Dume. Grab a beach chair and take the short climb to the top of the rock overlooking the beach. You can watch whales and dolphins traveling by or the rock climbers moving up the steep face of the rock.

Malibu has a handful of art galleries and a bona fide art museum at Pepperdine University. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art features a wide collection of work by nationally and internationally known artists in the heart of the college campus. The museum is showing the latest by Sandro Chia, whose works include several Expressionist paintings depicting the human body. The Weisman Museum is open Sundays noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission: Free. (310) 456-4851.