Skip to main content
Entertaining

A Day in Malibu, With Helene Henderson of Malibu Farm

A Day in Malibu, With Helene Henderson of Malibu Farm
Written By
Parachute Team
Photographs By
Laure Joliet for Parachute
@parachutehome
Instagram Logo
Pinterest Logo
Facebook Logo
Twitter Logo
YouTube Logo
TikTok Logo
LinkedIn Logo

When we were designing our springtime bedding collections, Malibu’s sun-drenched landscape and effortlessly cool style were top of mind. The beach town – and its “27 miles of scenic beauty” – is also known for its tight-knit network of local businesses, few more iconic than Malibu Farm on the pier. Owned and operated by resident Helene Henderson since 2013, Malibu Farm serves fresh, straightforward and sustainable food – with spectacular views to enjoy. We asked Helene for an insider’s take on Malibu and a few of her favorite places in town. Let’s take a little tour with the unofficial mayor of Malibu (Helene seriously knows everyone!)…

Malibu Farm

Malibu Pier and Malibu Farm

Believe it or not, before I opened Malibu Farm on the pier, I’d never even been to the pier. I barely even knew there was a historic pier in Malibu – and I wasn’t the only one! So to be part of its revitalization is an honor. These days the pier is a community hub, buzzing with restaurant customers, fishermen, sight-seers, tourists and locals alike; it’s hard to imagine that it was once forgotten. With panoramic views of the world-famous Surfrider Beach, the bay and the Santa Monica Mountains, the pier is magical. Nothing is better than following the ocean blue far until it blends into the sky and all becomes one.

Helene looking out on the water.
  • Helene sitting on a couch
  • Helene walking on a path
  • Pathway

Nobu Ryokan

Our neighbor, Nobu Ryokan, is only a short walk south along the Pacific Coast Highway. After a long week at the restaurant, this luxury oasis is the perfect retreat. Surrounded by epic Japanese Gardens and naturally stained teak, there are 16 guest rooms nestled on the shores of Malibu’s exclusive Carbon Beach. I haven’t stayed overnight here yet, but one day I will. I can’t wait to truly experience all this private hideaway has to offer.

Larry Thorne

Thorne Family Farm

Larry Thorne is by far the coolest person in Malibu! He’s a third generation SoCal farmer who grows on seven acres of his own land and more on a property across the street. Larry is the sweetest guy, so naturally he grows the sweetest strawberries – in addition to kale, chard, tomatoes, blackberries, radishes, broccoli, etc. If you can think of the fruit or veggie, he can grow it – and we use his produce every day at the restaurant. Larry is old school Malibu with no pretension. I am honored to call him a friend.

  • Radishes
  • Women in a garden
  • Peas
Malibu Design Center

Malibu Market and Design

Founder and owner, Eytan Levin, created the ultimate lifestyle destination with Malibu Market and Design. When you enter the hillside property, you are surrounded by authentic Malibu style – fun, casual, beachy and elegant all at the same time. I pass Malibu Market and Design on my daily commute home from the pier and can’t help but stop in! I love to wander around and dream about how to redecorate my home. Eytan is very generous and will often loan furniture, which is amazing for someone like me who can be indecisive when it comes to interior design.