Staff Picks: The ultimate summertime kickoff list

El Matador State Beach in Malibu, CA. Courtesy of Getty.

By Rachael Thomas

Watch This! – Outer Banks

Image courtesy of Netflix
Image courtesy of Netflix

“Outer Banks” is a Netflix original series that will captivate its viewers through exciting teen drama; fans have been binge watching the entire series after being left on all the different cliffhangers.

The focus is on two friend groups; the Kooks and the Pogues, living in Outer Banks, North Carolina after a hurricane has hit. The main characters are on a hunt to find the Royal Merchant shipwreck and the $400 million dollars that is supposedly on it. Plunging head first into a search with friends, hard decisions have to be made on this journey.

With all the hype up for the release of the first season back in April 2020, the beginning of quarantine, it made fans of the series excited to take on summer vacation to the fullest extent. Although the filming of the second season has been wrapped, it has been announced that Netflix may not receive season two until late summer, as fans eagerly await the arrival.

Listen to This! – Sammy Wilk – “Livin’ Life”

Image courtesy of Sammy Wilk
Image courtesy of Sammy Wilk

“Livin’ Life” is the perfect song to have playing on repeat while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with all the windows down during the summer months.

Sammy Wilk released this single fall 2019 and although it was not released during the summer, it is still a bop that can be played year round and give off the summer vibes when needed.

“Watch the cars go by/Whippin’ down the one on one/You know we’ll survive and Imma take my time/Beach sounds fine with the sun in your eyes,” sings Wilk. “This is everything I ever dreamed of/So pour one glass and come and see what I see,” Wilk continues.

Before COVID-19, Wilk did get to perform “Livin’ Life” twice live in Los Angeles for small local venues. His first performance was at Catch One and the other being at The East Angel.

Wilk is known for his style of Reggae, and his mix of Hip-Hop to Ska to Pop to R&B.

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Wilk took a different path than others around him had planned. Being introduced to a guitar and island music at a young age changed his entire life. Wilk took off doing social media and music, and even ended up joining a tour named “MagCon” for a little while.

Visit Here! – El Matador State Beach

Image of
Image of El Matador State Beach in Malibu, CA. Photo credit: Rachael Thomas

El Matador State Beach is one of Malibu’s more well-known beaches with its beautiful views and astounding sunsets.

Located right off the Pacific Coast Highway, El Matador is one of three beaches that is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador is the most popular of the three.

Walking through the parking lot, visitors will be lead to a dirt path, finding a long ascending staircase at the end. This staircase offers a gorgeous view that will lead to a wide open beach.

This beach is a popular spot to find professional photographers, models and content creators. Another thing it is known for is the arches in the giant rocks and natural features that can be found at low tide.

El Matador State Beach is located at 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.