A Malibu Pier Afternoon
I’m so excited to take you with me this week on a day trip to the Malibu Pier. Malibu was once called the Riviera of America. Surfers from around the world will come to tackle the waves at Surfrider Beach, which is still a popular oceanfront spot for surfing and fishing next to the pier. From renting my first surfboard at the Malibu Surf Shack, to attending star studded private parties in The Colony…I have so many fond memories of my time in Malibu, and the pier is a special spot you should visit if you’re making a trip here.
History
Originally built in 1905 to assist in shipping agricultural supplies such as fruits and grains, the pier officially opened to the public in 1934. By 1938 it had been extended to its current length of 780 feet, and a small bait and tackle shop opened for the pier fisherman. During World War II, the end of the pier served as a US Coast Guard lookout station.
In the 1980s the state of California bought the pier, and after two major storms significantly damaged the pier, it was closed from 1997 until 2008. It then reopened after a major restoration much to the delight of locals and tourists.
Restaurants
I love dining on the pier – what could be better than watching the waves crash against the shoreline while waiting for your appetizer? Malibu Farm Restaurant is a full-service restaurant and bar at the start of the pier that is open from 11:30am (9am on Sat & Sun) to 9pm everyday, and they take dinner reservations. My favorite spot to eat is the Malibu Farm Pier Café, a counter service café at the very end of the pier that’s open from 8am-4pm M-Thurs and 8am-5pm Fri/Sat/Sun. Both are owned by the same company and serve farm to table fresh and delicious food with some of the best views in Malibu. If eating on the pier isn’t your thing, below I’m also including a list of my favorite restaurants in Malibu…everything from super casual to extra fancy.
• Neptunes Net (Quick, casual seafood)
• Paradise Cove Beach Cafe (enjoy a cocktail on the sand with breakfast, lunch or dinner)
• Getty Villa Café (you must have a ticket for The Getty Villa to dine here…see this post for Getty Villa info)
• Malibu Seafood ( Fish market and cafe open)
• Dukes Malibu (great hangout with ocean views and umbrella drinks)
• The Sunset Restaurant (modern American dining/California cuisine)
• Gladstones (upscale oceanfront dining Est. 1972)
• Moonshadows (Hollywood hip meets Malibu melow, sit on the sundeck or indoors)
• Geoffrey’s (magnificent coastline views and my favorite spot for an upscale candlelight dinner date)
• Nobu Malibu (amazing food, dreamy location, always make a reservation in advance)
Shopping
After grabbing a bite to eat and some fresh pressed juice, you can do your shopping right on the pier. Alkemie Road is an adorable mobile shop where you can go for a swing right on the pier (it’s SO much fun!). Here you’ll find unique gifts like jewelry, organic beauty products, candles, and more every day of the week from 11am-4pm. Ranch at the Pier is a two story shop located at the end of the pier, and it’s a perfect place to shop for gifting items as well as luxury finds. Miansai has a mobile shop set up in a super cute Airstream. Inside you can shop for jewelry, watches and leather goods. If you need to do more shopping in Malibu, you can also try the following spots off the pier.
• Malibu Country Mart (outdoor boutique mall)
• Malibu Lumber Yard (Chic Insta-worthy atmosphere)
• Trancas Country Mart (barn style, local shopping and dining)
• Point Dume Village (grocery, banking, yoga)
• Malibu Village (apparel, dining, wellness)
Fishing & Surfing
The Malibu Pier is a working sports fishing pier, so don’t be surprised to see anglers reeling in mackerel, bonito, or the occasional thrasher shark. Halibut exceeding 40 pounds have been caught off the side of the pier, so be aware you may just see a fisherman cleaning his most recent catch here. If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, then sit back and enjoy watching local surfers catch a wave along Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The Malibu Pier sits at the eastern boundary of the world’s first surfing reserve at Surfrider Beach, and surfers from all around the world have been known to made there way here. The classic Gidget movies and TV show were based on the life of Kathy Kohner, who would trade peanut butter sandwiches for surf lessons here in Malibu during the 1960s.
What to know before you go:
• The pier is officially open from sunrise to sunset, but many evenings businesses on the pier will stay open later.
• 6:30 AM to sunset are public fishing hours.
• No permits are needed if you are fishing on the pier.
• Rod rental, bait and tackle can be purchased at Ranch at the Pier.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited except when served and consumed in designated restaurant areas.
• Smoking anywhere on the pier is strictly prohibited.
• The pier is ADA compliant.
• Feel free to bring your own food, just make sure to dispose of trash properly to keep scavenging seagulls away.
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Malibu has a rich and storied history, and the pier is no exception. Make sure to stop by for a visit if you find yourself in the area. Take a stroll down the pier with me on today’s Behind the Blog video below…and as always, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go this week.
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