Ocean Sunrise

We all know the sun rises in the east, so West Coasters are deprived of ocean sunrises, right? Not exactly. Catch a sunrise at Point Dume Nature Preserve's vantage in Malibu. Get up before the sun does and go watch the sky and ocean's transformation from grey to pink. From Point Dume's parking lot, it's a short walk on the Nature Preserve's sandy trails to a fenced-off bluffside lookout point with benches. While waves crash below and dolphins play, the sun makes a grand entrance over ripples of periwinkle-pink ocean. Kick back and enjoy the show. 'Cause that's how we do it on the west side.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST BONUS HIKE: Stairs east of Point Dume descend to Dume Cove, and then it's a 1.75-mile (one-way) sandy walk to Paradise Cove Beach Café (28128 Pacific Coast Hwy.). Check out the tide pools along the way or watch the surfers at a point break about halfway to Paradise Cove. But don't dally too long: Coffee, pancakes (and maybe an early-morning mimosa) await. Adirondack chairs set out on the beach let you caffeinate and eat with your feet in the sand.

There is limited free two-hour parking on Cliffside Dr. near the intersection of Birdview Ave. in Malibu. Additional street parking (for those who plan on walking to Paradise Cove Beach Café) is a couple of blocks away. Check tide charts before you descend to Dume Cove. The café is located alongside a pier that is impossible to miss as you walk down the beach. Print out and bring along the park brochure with trail map from Point Dume's website. No dogs.