Inside Aviator Nation Dreamland Malibu

Tucked along the rugged coastline of Southern California, Aviator Nation Dreamland Malibu is more than just a venue; it’s a vibe. Equal parts 1970s surf lodge, vintage rock sanctuary, and immersive lifestyle space, Dreamland is where sun-faded dreams and rebel energy collide. Naturally, it was the perfect setting for Inked Magazine’s latest cover shoot with soulful powerhouse Teddy Swims.

From the moment you walk into Dreamland, you’re transported. The air is thick with nostalgia, in the best way possible. Think wood-paneled walls, retro arcade games, plush velvet seating, psychedelic murals, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into someone’s beautifully curated daydream. Created by Aviator Nation founder Paige Mycoskie, Dreamland reflects the brand’s signature aesthetic: laid-back luxury with an unapologetically bold attitude.

“My goal in bringing these elements together in one space was to inspire people while also making them feel at home,” Mycoskie says. “I wanted Dreamland to be a place unlike any other where people would walk in the doors and immediately think to themselves, ‘where am I?’”

“The designs and colors in the space are pretty much an explosion of my mind and I really tried to hold nothing back,” she adds. “It’s a wild mix of color and art, but that is pretty much the way my mind works.”

More than just a space, Dreamland serves as a cultural hub. It hosts intimate concerts, pop-ups, private events, and brand activations. The stage has seen performances from rising indie stars to legendary rockers, all framed by Malibu’s golden-hour glow and the venue’s retro-cool ambiance. It’s a space that’s just as much about community as it is about style.

“I designed the seating around the stage to be more like a living room than a music venue because I wanted people to feel comfortable there,” Mycoskie says. “The sound quality due to the angles and soft materials is really next level. The sound was a critical element in the overall execution.”

“Of course, the space being connected to one of my oldest stores was the dream combination for me,” she continues. “Because naturally, people coming in to shop would now get to experience something more — and the people coming in to experience the venue would also get to shop.”

When we brought Teddy Swims to shoot our cover story here, it instantly clicked. His energy, raw, emotional, and real, was right at home among Dreamland’s layered textures and analog soul. Whether he was lounging in a sun-soaked booth or surrounded by vintage guitars, every moment captured the spirit of the space: authentic, electric, and alive.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Inked Magazine (@inkedmag)

Dreamland is a rare place where fashion, music, and art intersect without pretense. It doesn’t just look good, it feels good. And in today’s culture of content overload, that kind of authenticity is pure gold.

“I remember when I finished building out the space, I thought to myself, ‘I would live here if I could,’ and that’s pretty much how I knew that I did it right,” Mycoskie shares. “Of course, the ocean view of Surfrider from every angle in the space was the cherry on top of the sundae.”

“I feel lucky and honored every day that I got to bring my designs to such an epic landmark in Malibu,” she adds. “I hope they leave inspired and stoked on life. I hope they had an experience they will never forget.”

In addition to being a one-of-a-kind venue, Dreamland also features an attached Aviator Nation retail store, offering everything from its signature vintage-inspired hoodies to exclusive Malibu merch you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a piece of the Dreamland vibe and take it home with you.

Whether you’re planning a visit, a shoot, or just want to get a taste of the Aviator Nation lifestyle, Dreamland Malibu is the place where stories begin, and where some of the best ones, like Teddy Swims’s, unfold in front of the lens.