So often, a Malibu itinerary is filled with activities for Fridays and Saturdays. It makes sense, in a way: these are the traditional travel days of the weekend, the times when visitor traffic is at its peak. Then, come Sunday, the focus switches to heading home, retreating to the commitments and work of the “real world.”

But what if you didn’t have to? What if you stayed through the entire weekend?

Malibu on a Sunday has its own energy, its own feel – laid back, communal, and free. Like the breezes coming in off the Pacific Ocean, Sundays in the ‘Bu are causes for deep breaths and an extra dose of relaxation.Here’s how to visit Malibu on a Sunday in a way that makes you want to use a day of flex time and stay an extra night in paradise.

A beautifully set table featuring flowers and brunch.

Morning: Brunch on the Ocean

Brunch was tailor made for vacation Sundays. It allows diners to sleep in a little later, feels indulgent, and keeps away those Sunday Scaries for a few more hours. There may be no better brunch view than from the patio at Carbon Beach Club, and the quality of the food matches that of the vista: feast on one of the varieties of Eggs Benedict, or a California take on the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich (with avocado and sundried tomatoes, of course). And after indulging in a brunch favorite, walk it off with a stroll along Carbon Beach to the neighboring Malibu Pier, a favorite of the Malibu itinerary. Stop for a pastry and head out toward the ocean, where fishermen often set up shop. It’s even the home now to pop-up concerts and DJ sets on select Sundays, thanks to a partnership with music venue Aviator Nation Dreamland.

Two woman shopping for peaches at a farmer's market during the perfect Malibu itinerary.

Midday: Farmers Market Vibes

California grows an outsized percentage of America’s agriculture – over a third of the country’s vegetables and an eye-popping three-quarters of the United States’ fruits and nuts. But the Malibu Farmers Market isn’t just a place to pick up the freshest produce in the area; vendors sling everything from crafts to olive oils and pre-packaged dips. Most importantly, it’s a chance to see Malibu at its most community oriented: neighbors saying hi, dining together, and even picking up a thing or two for the week.

After perusing the market’s wares, take a stroll through neighboring Legacy Park, which turns 15 this year. The award-winning educational and sustainability project is a favorite for all ages, especially its animal sculptures.

Afternoon: Find a Keepsake (or Make Your Own?)

Want to go home with a souvenir beyond your Carbon Beach-kissed tan and a sense of inner peace? No Malibu weekend itinerary is complete without a trip into the hills – Topanga Canyon, specifically. The bohemian-esque neighborhood features galleries and studios for one-of-a-kind art, like Space Art and Supply and Topanga Art Tile. You may even be able to make your own memento at Topanga Creates.

Or, if you’re looking for more traditional purchases, enjoy the open air at one of Malibu’s malls. Malibu Country Mart is a great Sunday stop: along with its selection of upscale clothing outlets, it also features a playground and open space perfect for the young and young at heart.

Golden Hour: Back to the Inn

Then, make it back to Malibu Beach Inn to walk along the oceanfront and watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Sunsets are spectacular in Malibu on any day of the week, but they hit differently on the evening of an impromptu “bonus vacation night.” And if you decide to indulge in a little in-room dining, you can enjoy the last meal of the weekend from your balcony, allowing that waterfront breeze to flow through your living quarters and extending that time in paradise.