The L.A.-raised, New York-based Natalie Off Duty blogger returns to her Venice roots — and shares her beach-going musts.

Venice Beach is…
Colorful and so full of life. It has that youthful craziness to it. Plus, the surf and the skate scene there is beyond cool.

My beach secret is…
Salt water in my hair. It’s my favorite look.

Beach must-haves…
An oversize woven hat, a dress to throw over my bikini, and a smoothie.

Here, I’m wearing…
Tory’s Amira dress in the first shot and Tory’s Madura surf shirt paired over the dark blue Boria hipster, with Careen loafers, in the others. [The shirt’s a] classic and has such a gorgeous print. With some messy hair, it’s such a fantastic look that I’d wear every single summer. It’s so flattering.

Beach beauty routine…
Sunscreen is my number one, and also a good lip balm. I like to keep my skin fresh and makeup-free at the beach.

Beach icon…
Brigitte Bardot. She is a classic beauty, and she’s sexy and confident. She can pull any look off with a smile.

Favorite beach in the world…
Bali, Indonesia. I love the exotic beaches — they have the best fresh fruit and gorgeous views.

Favorite L.A. beach…
Malibu is absolutely gorgeous. I grew up in Santa Monica and Venice, which I love, but Malibu is a bit more quiet and a close escape.

Favorite way to spend a day on the beach…
With close friends. We always go out in the water for a long time before passing out on our towels to read and soak in the sun.

Best beach read…
Eat, Pray, Love. It’s so sappy and cute and happy.

Favorite beach snack…
Pretzels.

Favorite beachy tune…
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys, of course!