Visiting the Malibu Pier
Things to Do: Malibu Pier
and surrounding area
The name Malibu instantly conjures California beach vibes: sunkissed skin, endless beaches and a coastline dotted with surfers waiting for their next wave. The long and narrow, 21-mile coastline is accessible by its main thoroughfare, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and winding canyon roads slicing through the Santa Monica Mountains.
Tourists and locals alike, continue to visit the small town, and out-of-the-way town of 15,000 to take-in its sleepy beach vibes and natural wonder. No matter how many times I go, it’s like the first time. Thus sharing a few Malibu highlights.
Did You Know?: According to Wiki, the Chumash called the area Humaliwo or "the surf sounds loudly”. This eventually evolved to become known today as Malibu.
Malibu Pier
The Malibu Pier is on the must-do list, right after its iconic beaches as it serves as the town’s tourist center. It’s a historic and a local landmark. Built circa 1905, the wooden structure is known for its two twin towers at the end; and is super Instagram worthy, as you’ll find.
I enjoyed strolling the pier on an overcast and rainy Malibu day. I can definitely imagine this being the perfect day or sunset date. Even though there were people, it was not crowded (as I imagine we all had to brave the congest PCH traffic).
We admired the sun along the water, watched the clever seagulls steal food and watched for wildlife in the nearby lagoon. If you’re hungry, stop by one of the two conveniently located restaurants on the pier - Malibu Farm or Malibu Farm Cafe.
Surfers Rancheros with eggs, potatoes salsa, tortilla, feta and avocado the at the Malibu Farm Cafe
Malibu Farm Cafe and the Malibu Farm Restaurant
At the Pier, you’ll immediately spot the Malibu Farm restaurant just past the arched entrance. Both the Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe (Cafe is located at the very end of the pier) are owned by the same owners. The dishes vary slightly, with some overlap of fresh ingredients. The Restaurant has more higher priced entrees include rib-eye, steak and seafood - while the cafe has more casual, less fussy feel to its dishes.
Vegan Chop salad with kale, beets, avocado, garbanzo beans, quinoa and red wine vinaigrette
These are two restaurants are quality establishments; I fully recommend you dine there — first for the view and atmosphere and secondly because the food was Californian fresh and tasty (healthy and satisfying!). We had a relaxing lunch catching up, eating, drinking and gazing at the lagoon.
The Adamson House’s courtyard
Adamson House
The historic 1930s, Spanish Colonial home and gardens, is along the serene Malibu Lagoon. Docent tours to view the original furnishes are available and you can swing by the adjacent Malibu Lagoon Museum to view historic artifacts from the Chumash Indian era.
I enjoy wandering the Adamson House’s exterior gardens and imagining being wealthy with an outdoor pool next to the ocean. Its most photographed feature, its stone courtyard - which is often rented out for weddings and special events. For me, this will always be known as the almost-booked wedding venue; so I visit it with fond memories.
Malibu Kitchen and Gourmet Country Market
Malibu Country Mart
It used to be a sleepy beach town’s core shopping center - now transformed into an upscale destination spot for tourists and locals. The Malibu Country Mart is the boutique shopping destination of Malibu.
Wander the grounds and engage in retail therapy, then lounge at the outdoor patios.
A few mom-and-pop strongholds standout — including the Malibu Kitchen and Gourmet Country Market, a deli and bakery spot popular with the locals. For savory sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with the classic Rueben. As a sweet tooth fanatic, I was awe-struck: Cookies as big as my face. I settled for a Coconut Cake slice and a generous Peanut Butter Cookie for the road; no regrets. The woman behind the counter told me she baked them herself - and took great pride of the results. I can see why.
When you’re done, walk across the way to Malibu Village, and dine al fresco at Broad Street Oyster. Popular for its seasonal menu of oysters, mussels, poached shrimp - and decadent seafood tower dish.
Marmalade Cafe in the Malibu Country Mart
Favorite Malibu Beaches
Leo Carillo State Beach - Call me biased but my significant other proposed to me here; so Leo Carillo will always have a place in my hear. Lots of rock formations, small tidal pools, and look outs for vista views. A bit a drive but worth it for something different.
El Matador - small cliffs, crevices and arches along a jagged coastline with blufftop parking. It’s quintessential Malibu in a nutshell - as you’ll likely see groups taking engagement, wedding or graduation photos here.
Point Dume State Beach - the point of Malibu that juts out with a long bluff capturing scenic views of Santa Monica Bay and Palos Verde. Distinct for its rocky coves and high cliffs — it’s the biggest of Malibu beaches. See if you can spot California Gray Whales during the migration period (Dec - April)!