PHOTO JOURNAL: A PERFECT DAY IN MALIBU
In Photo Journal installments, I share my favorite photos from a destination — including and beyond what I’ve shared on Instagram. You’ll also find small doses of travel tips, recommendations and advice scattered throughout. Enjoy.
My Favorite Photo
Other Peoples’ Favorite Photo (According To Likes On Instagram)
I Started My Day At The Malibu Pier
Let me begin by saying that there are endless “perfect days” in Malibu. This is just one. For purposes of this perfect day, I arrived at the Malibu Pier at noon, before the sun burnt off the morning’s fog.
Pro Tip: the weather in Malibu is consistently unpredictable and can change in a matter of minutes. Whatever you’re wearing, bring a bag of clothes that are the opposite (wearing a t-shirt? Bring a jacket. Wearing jeans? Bring a pair of shorts) — you never know when you’ll need them.
And Took A Photo Of This Lone Paddle Boarder
That’s what I like to call Maliblue. Get it? #dadhumor
Then The Sun Came Out And I Ate Lunch At Malibu Farm
By 12:30, the sun was shining and the temperature rose to 80 degrees — hence this jalapeño margarita with lunch at Malibu Farm. Located at the beginning of the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm is one of Malibu’s most memorable beachfront restaurants. You won’t be disappointed.
I Walked Back To The End Of The Pier
With the sun shining, it was a whole new experience.
And Checked Out Malibu Farms Cafe
The sister establishment to Malibu Farms, Malibu Farms Cafe is located at the end of the pier. The food is similar but instead of waiter service (like at the restaurant) you order at the counter, take a number and seat yourself (try and snag a seat on the upstairs deck).
I Took A Load Off Here
You’ll want to do the same.
Then Snapped One More Pic Of The Malibu Pier Before I Left
Seriously, is this real life?
25 Minutes Up The Coast And Into The Mountains, I Arrived At My Favorite Hike
Wait for it…
Wait for it….
Yeah, This Place Is Real
Boom! Welcome to Charmlee Wilderness Park. It’s probably more of a walk than a hike, but whatever you call it, it’s a show stopper. This path through a gently sloping meadow leads to a view of the Pacific Ocean that’s hard to believe.
Golden Hour Hiking Is The Best Hiking
From this vantage point, you can see Catalina Island in the distance to the left (not pictured) and the Channel Islands (of which you can faintly see one of on the horizon to the far right). Leading up to sunset is the best time to go, but be warned, the park gates close at sundown and you don’t want to get locked in with your car. To avoid that, just park on the street outside of the gates and walk in.
Last Stop Of The Day: Malibu Wines
Malibu Wines, an outdoor wine tasting room high in the hills of Malibu, is one of my favorite places in the LA area. Located about 15 minutes from Charmlee Wilderness Park via twisting and turning mountain roads, I arrived at Malibu Wines as the sun was setting and stayed until it lit up like a romantic movie scene. I was too busy drinking wine with the friends I met up with to take more photos. Sorry.
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And there you have it one perfect day in Malibu, complete with beachside lunch, golden hour hike and nighttime wine tasting.
Want More Photos? Check This Out:
Photo Journal: 48 Hours In Amsterdam
Trevor Morrow
This looks like the perfect day! We are thinking about replicating it for our anniversary this year on Labor day. Do you think that Malibu wine’s will be reservation only? Did your friends have reservations when you went or were you able to just show up? Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re inspired by the article. I did not have a reservation — you could bing a blanket and find a spot to sit on the grass, then just order a tasting or bottle from the bar. However, if you’d like a table, or want to ensure a place to sit as Labor Day weekend may be extra busy, you can make a reservation. More info on that here: https://www.malibuwines.com/reservations/. Have fun!