Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Ocean & Santa Monica Mountains from Deer Creek Rd

I took this drone photo of the Pacific Coast Highway from Deer Creek Rd in Malibu. This location is easily accessible by car. From Malibu, drive north along the Pacific Coast Hwy until you reach Deer Creek Rd. Make a right on Deer Creek Rd. Drive about 1 mile up the road until you reach a lookout point (reference the GPS coordinates for exact location), where you can park your car along Deer Creek Rd. I flew my drone northwest over the Pacific Ocean to get this perspective.

Weather permitting, this view of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains along the Pacific Coast Highway can be photographed during any month of the year.

Photographing the Malibu coast during sunset will provide the best natural colors, especially if you point your drone northwest up the coast, like I did. The light during golden hour is also beautiful for photography!

In order to get the perspective I did, you'll need to shoot from the sky! I recommend using a drone. Before flying, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.

Shoot with a slower shutter speed to capture the detail in the photo. If you increase your shutter speed too much, you'll end up with a grainy image.

Try various heights when flying for different perspectives. Use the highway as your leading line — it acts as a visual separator between land and ocean.

Make good use of your time and shoot a lot of frames. I suggest capturing way more than you think you should, as the natural light of the setting sun doesn't last long and it's always ideal to have many options.

I recommend checking out Neptune's Net, which is only a 5-minute drive south of where I took this photo. This landmark seafood restaurant has been in business for over 50 years and they serve some of the best fresh fish, burgers and beer on charming picnic tables that overlook the ocean.