Malibu is one of the most if not the most famous beach city destination in the world, known for its world-class surf and luxuriously relaxed coastal lifestyle. Similar to other areas in Los Angeles, it got its start with some investment, intrigue, and Old Hollywood star power…
The area that is Malibu today was mostly uncharted territory by the settlers and Spanish colonizers due to the Santa Monica Mountains and tricky tide patterns, which made it challenging to access. After the Spanish finally took hold of “the Malibu” as it was referred to in 1802, it was bought and sold several times until it landed in the hands of business magnate Frederick Rindge and his wife, May, almost 100 years later.
The Rindges fell in love with the ranchos’ extreme natural beauty and tranquility, where they would hike, swim, and horseback ride all day. They spent almost every penny they had trying to keep people out of the rancho, but in 1923 the government built the Pacific Coast Highway (also known as the PCH) through the vast property and soon after a developer was allowed to build a beach development on a mile stretch of coastline, called the Malibu Movie Colony after attracting a number of Old Hollywood stars. This is gated and highly exclusive enclave is known today as Malibu’s The Colony.
Word spread fast of Malibu’s incredible beauty. Increasingly more of the Rindge’s rancho was sold off to developers to keep up with the insurmountable property taxes. The completion of the PCH attracted developers in the droves, who developed Paradise Cove, Horizon Hills, the Point Dume Club and its famous mobile-home park, and the Zuma Bay Villa condos.
Regardless of the devastating fires throughout history, Malibu has kept drawing more and more people. After being incorporated in 1991 as a city, residents attempted to preserve its exclusivity be limiting public access to much success with the population staying at under 13,000.
Benefits of Luxury Living in Malibu
People & Lifestyle
Malibu Amenities
Neighborhoods
Search Homes for Sale
Malibu Homes & Lifestyle
The main draws to Malibu today are not much different than what they were when the area was first developed: its breathtaking natural beauty, relaxed luxurious way of life, and supreme privacy.
Malibu is about thirty minutes up the coast from the city of Santa Monica once the PCH curves west. This is why, ironically, people say that they are in west Malibu or east Malibu, depending on how far up the coast they are. The iconic road sign also marks entrance to the city, which reads: Malibu – 27 Miles of Scenic Beauty.
The views in Malibu are spectacular and quite diverse due to the variety in landscapes. There are mountain views, valley views, city views, ocean views, island views, or a combination. Islands include Catalina and the Channel Islands. Santa Monica and the south bay all the way to Palos Verdes can also be seen, which is referred to as the ‘Queen’s Necklace,’ since the lights along the coast resemble a string necklace.
The culture in Malibu brings vibes of upscale relaxation. For a long time, the land served as a rancho, which influenced a vast amount of architecture. Thus, ranch-style luxury homes are a staple in Malibu real estate, also mixed with the surf culture, which its world-famous beaches have created. Malibu is viewed by residents as a relaxation eutopia.
Similar to Beverly Hills proper and BHPO, which is a part of the city of Los Angeles, there is Malibu property and the Malibu which is part of the coastal commission of Los Angeles. Although the address is all Malibu 90265-zip code, the public services for the coastal commission area are provided by the county of Los Angeles versus the actual city of Malibu. This is something to consider when searching homes for sale in Malibu.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Hotels
Malibu is a huge vacation destination. Hotels on the water include the Malibu Beach Inn, Surfrider Hotel, and Nobu Rokyan Malibu. For those wanting more of a forest and ranch retreat, there is the Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, which offers guided horseback riding in the Santa Monica Mountains and beach days at its beach club. This is the best of both worlds.
Restaurants
The PCH in Malibu is lined with famous oceanfront restaurants. Among the popular choices is Mastro’s Ocean Club, Gladstone’s, and Duke’s for seafood and steak; Moonshadows is a popular bar and restaurant, great for happy hour while looking out at the water; Nobu Malibu is extremely upscale and celebrity sightings are a common occurrence. With Malibu home ownership comes the opportunity to join the exclusive Soho House in Malibu quaintly called the Little Beach House Malibu. This is a private club a part of the Soho House chain found also in West Hollywood and the Arts District of Downtown LA.
Wineries
Malibu is also famous for its vino. Wine tastings can be done at Malibu Solstice Vinyard and Ronsenthal Wine Bar right on the PCH, as well as throughout the Malibu canyons all the way to Agoura Hills and Calabasas.
Parks & Nature
Hiking and mountain biking trails are endless in Malibu and throughout the Santa Monica Mountains, such as Solstice Canyon Park, Tuna Canyon Park, Zuma Canyon trailhead, Escondido Canyon Park, Los Liones in Topanga and countless others.
Top-Rated Schools in and around Malibu
The highly rated Malibu schools are a huge draw for families. Again, the big item to note in a home search is that only homes located within Malibu proper are able to take advantage of its public schools, as well as other public services.