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.

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Trevor Morrow

Trevor is a traveler, writer and video maker on a mission to help you craft the best travel experiences possible. From adventurous trips with friends, to romantic trips with someone special, to splurge-worthy trips of a lifetime, he's got you covered.