It remains one of the most famous beaches in all of Southern California for good reason. It's a great year-round spot, but it's never better than in the summer months. Malibu has a special place in my heart because it's where I connected with THERAsurf, a non-profit organization dedicated to getting kids with special needs out into the water and surfing up on waves. Jimmy Gamboa, its founder, is a legend in my mind, having the heart and skill to heal kids with the power of the ocean. First time he ever took my daughter out it was head-high and blustering, and he picked her up with the ease and grace of a ballet dance. My girl was smiling ear to ear and screaming her head off! It was a life changing moment for her, and us.

Sometimes I just need a good drive to clear my head, and it's especially helpful if that ride ends at the ocean. One of my favorites is the Mulholland Highway, which starts in Calabasas and winds all the way up into the Santa Monica Mountains, going on for miles before abruptly ending at Leo Carillo State Beach. On hot summer days I load up the family, roll the windows down and take the long, slow way to the beach. Ending at the beach reminds me of just how lucky we are to live in such natural splendor.