Welcome to Malibu
Venture past Pacific Palisades and deeper into northwest Los Angeles to go where “the surf sleeps soundly”: Malibu, rated as Los Angeles’ best beach community and with good reason. In this place where the world seems to end, some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry find privacy and unlimited beach access.
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The location
Malibu is located in northwest Los Angeles, it’s entire length (27 miles according to historical records) braced against the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. A part of the Pacific Coast Highway runs through the beach city, serving as its major thoroughfare. To the east, there is Topanga and Pacific Palisades.
The legendary and beach-centric Malibu is quite removed from the rest of Los Angeles. It takes about 40 to 50 minutes to get to Downtown Los Angeles, depending on the traffic. It takes roughly the same time to drive to LAX. Nonetheless, the drive back to Malibu is always worth it, especially via Santa Monica.
Paradise found
Ever wondered where the word “Malibu” came from? It was derived from Humaliwo, a Native American (Chumash) settlement in the area that used to be occupied for nearly 3,000 years. This ancient village used to be an important political center back in the day, with ties to other pre-colonial Native American settlements.
The Chumash population in Malibu continued to thrive for at least two years after the Spanish came to the region thanks to its remote location. Finally, in 1802, they reached Malibu and established Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit. It was managed by Bartolo Tapia and then sold to Matthew Keller in 1852.
In Malibu, Keller’s family lived in complete isolation. This seclusion drove Frederick Rindge to purchase the ranch for $10 an acre. He moved in with his family, built a magnificent mansion near Malibu Creek, and strove to keep Malibu their own private kingdom.
Unfortunately, the outside world kept knocking on the Rindges’ door. By the 1920s, roads entered Malibu and, with it, more people. In 1938, Frederick Rindge’s widow, May, lost complete control of Malibu, and the land was sold and subdivided into smaller lots by 1941.
The real estate market
As more and more of the community opened up to the outside world, Malibu real estate took shape. The very first private homes and estates in the city were built and Malibu Colony, one of Malibu’s most prestigious neighborhoods, was established.
Today, homes for sale in Malibu are known to be some of the most expensive properties in Los Angeles. The housing market is saturated with multi-million dollar residences in a wide variety of architectural styles. There are beachfront luxury homes, single-family properties, and secluded abodes up in the foothills.
Without a doubt, Malibu is the destination for oceanfront and oceanview homes. Aside from Malibu Colony, neighborhoods include:
The Malibu lifestyle
Dining in Malibu
- Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe is the best place in Malibu for those who crave freshly caught seafood.
- Fish Grill is another no-frills seafood joint in the community that prides itself for its sustainably sourced ingredients and short waiting time.
- V’s Restaurant + Bar is the go-to in Malibu for New American fare. The main stars of the menu, however, are the specialty pizzas such as margherita and la quercia prosciutto.
- Cholada Thai Restaurant adds spice to Malibu’s dining cuisine with their menu that features an array of traditional Thai favorites, from rice dishes to curries.
- Mastro’s Ocean Club personifies old-school Malibu elegance with their classic entrees and airy dining room with views of the Pacific.
Another must-try experience in Marina del Rey is to go on a dining cruise. There are several outfitters in the area offering a wide range of services, from public cruises to private escapades.
Things to do in Malibu
People never run out of things to do in Malibu. There are trails hike such as the Grotto and the Mishe Mokwa trails, outdoor beauties to see like Escondido falls, the Solstice Canyon, and Malibu Creek State Park, and of course, the beaches. With a 27-mile long coastline, some of the best beaches in Southern California, such as Surfrider Beach, Zuma, and Point Dume, are located in Malibu.
Schools in Marina del Rey
Students in Malibu are served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. There is a combination of public and private schools in the area. Pepperdine University is also located in Malibu.
Live in Marina del Rey
Discover paradise as you explore Malibu real estate with Florence Mattar. Get in touch with her today at 310.927.2777 or estates(at)FlorenceMattar(dotted)com.