la diaries: malibu pier
A bit closer into LA proper than Point Dume is another one of my favorite little spots, the Malibu Pier. Less crowded or touristy than Venice or Santa Monica, it's also right above some great envious surfer-watching on the aptly-named Surfrider Beach. "One day I will be just like them, a real Cali girl..." I whisper to myself while annoyingly humming The Beach Boys and knowing deep down that I'll likely never gain the stamina or discipline for that kind of impressive sporting.
The Malibu Farm Restaurant + Bar at the front of the pier is a great place to split expensive juices and apps with friends if you're feeling like a fancy, relaxed evening out - and the Malibu Farm Cafe at the very end of the pier is basically the same thing but in brunch form. The breakfast + cafe menus are not much more expensive than your typical LA brunch fare and the view honestly makes a ridiculous $8 juice purchase worthwhile.
If you're looking to make a day of it, drive by Pepperdine University (aka the Pacific Coast Academy) on your way up to Zuma, Point Dume or El Matador - just beware of the inevitable hordes of engaged photoshooters during golden hour.
My fellow well-dressed explorers are Maggie and Molly Webb - see more of these fab sisters in A Summer Lookbook. Gingham one piece is from Reformation.