Homes for Sale in Malibu CA

[cycloneslider id=”malibu”]

Malibu is best known for its gorgeous beaches and breathtaking ocean views.
It’s home to Hollywood stars, business leaders, and famous athletes.
Stunning expansive waterfront homes and hidden hillside retreats count among Malibu’s luxury real estate.
Restaurants, museums, and parks are also found here.

Home to Hollywood stars, business leaders, and famous athletes, the luxurious waterfront city of Malibu has achieved iconic status among the beach communities in Southern California.

Living in Malibu

With beaches stretching 30 miles, perfect waves for surfing, and tranquil ocean views, Malibu is a water lover’s paradise located just less than an hour from the urban attractions of Los Angeles.

Luxury defines the lifestyle in Malibu, with stunning expansive homes lining beautiful beaches. Numerous celebrities have chosen the city to live in because of the privacy and exclusivity it offers.

You’ll find a wide and diverse range of attractions in and around Malibu, including The Getty Villa, Surf Museum, Malibu Creek State Park, and Solstice Canyon. The city boasts an excellent selection of fine dining restaurants, pubs, and wine tasting rooms. On days you prefer to stay in, you can pass the time watching pelicans, dolphins, and other marine wildlife right from the comfort of your own home.

Real estate in Malibu

With expansive parcels of land, many of which exceeding an acre, you’ll get all the privacy you need in a Malibu home. Expect comfort, elegance, and luxury in Malibu homes for sale, featuring the finest finishes and amenities like swimming pools, outdoor lounges, entertainment rooms, and more.

Malibu properties are segmented by location. There are beachfront homes, hillside and canyon homes, and those found in between. In addition to gorgeous estates and single-family properties, you’ll also find a number of condos in the Malibu bowl area offering relatively more affordable options.

Explore your options for Malibu luxury real estate. Call me, Marco de Longeville, at 213.675.0197 or leave a note here.

Homes for Sale in Malibu, CA

Southern California might be known for its palm tree-lined streets and hundreds of days of sunshine, but the entire region dims in comparison to Malibu. There’s simply nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country.

Approximately 27 miles of coastline separate Malibu from the waves of the Pacific. Its dramatic slopes give way to the sprawling beaches where the mighty surf crashes to the shore. This wondrous landscape bisected by the iconic Pacific Coast Highway which serves as its main artery. This famous thoroughfare traverses through the entire length of Malibu, promising scenic car rides, best taken with the top down and the wind rushing through your hair. As you experience more of Malibu, you’ll be convinced that it is, indeed, paradise.

Location

The beach city of Malibu is located in a narrow strip of coastal land in western Los Angeles County, a little under 20 square miles. It is bounded by Solromar to the west, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, and Topanga to the east. The big blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies to the south.

Once upon a time, Malibu was extremely hard to get to because of its location. Things are different now, however. From Downtown Los Angeles, the easiest way to get to Malibu is to drive through Santa Monica and, from there, take the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re coming from the mountain enclaves of Calabasas and Woodland Hills, there are many roads that go down the slopes. One of these is south Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which drives through Topanga State Park.

At first glance, Malibu seems quite remote. The reality is far different, although you might encounter traffic jams. On a good day, it takes less than 30 minutes to get to Santa Monica and less than an hour to reach Downtown Los Angeles.

There are plenty of sights to see in Malibu, but if you want to venture out, the following attractions are a scenic drive away:

History

Malibu is more than just a beautiful destination and place to live. Its history is long and storied, spanning thousands of years. Here is a brief timeline of how Malibu came to be.

Approximately 2,500 BCE: Malibu’s predecessor, the village of Humaliwo (“the surf sleeps soundly”) was part of the Chumash territory. At its peak, the village was the second largest recorded Chumash settlement in the Santa Monica Mountains region.
1542: Prehistoric Malibu was no more when explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo anchored his ship along Malibu Lagoon. He claimed the area for the King of Spain.
1775: The Chumash settlers of Malibu continued to live in the area until the 18th century, when the King of Spain pushed for the Spanish settlement of strategic areas in California. Under this order, Juan Bautista de Anza’s gathered a large party that included Jose Bartolome Tapia.
1800: Because of his valuable service, Jose Bartolome Tapia was awarded use of the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit. This made him the first historical owner of Malibu. He lived there with his family until he passed on April 18, 1824. He left the lands to his widow.
1848: Rancho Malibu was sold to Leon Victor Prudhomme, a Tapia family friend, by Jose Bartolome Tapia’s widow for a purchase price of 400 pesos. He also became a part of the family as he married her granddaughter, Maria. Within the century, Rancho Malibu was eventually sold to Don Mateo Keller. He left the land to his son, Henry, who then sold the ranch to Frederick Hastings Rindge for $10 per acre.
1892: Frederick Hastings Rindge and his wife, May, became the fourth, the last, and inarguably the most famous owners of the sprawling Rancho Malibu. At the time of their purchase, the ranch covered about 13,330 acres of land. They further expanded their property and added more than 3,000 acres of land.Rancho Malibu became the Rindge family’s private paradise. But because of natural disasters, the growing population in the area, urban development, and staggering financial problems, the Rindges lost control of the property. By 1991, Malibu was incorporated as a city.
1926: One of Malibu’s oldest neighborhoods, Malibu Colony, was established. Not long after, more celebrities purchased plots of land to build their homes. Three years after, the Pacific Coast Highway was built, opening what was once Malibu Ranch to the public.

Homes for sale in Malibu, CA

Beachfront oases, luxury properties, and private paradises define homes for sale in Malibu, CA. Depending on where you look, you’ll find oceanfront abodes, hidden hillside retreats, as well as condos and single-family homes located in between, offering the best of the coast and the mountains.

Take a look at the best neighborhoods to narrow down your search for luxury homes for sale in Malibu, CA.

Malibu Colony

One of the first gated communities in Malibu, Malibu Colony is also one of the most popular and highly coveted places to live in the beach city. It’s all because of its enviable location by the beach, making Malibu Colony one of the best places to find spacious and private beachfront homes for sale in Malibu, CA.

When it comes to architecture, residents of Malibu Colony aren’t afraid to play. On display are modern architectural masterpieces, as well as turn-of-the-century styles that epitomize the ‘Bu’s laidback luxury.

Point Dume

Located on a peninsula that juts out to the Pacific, Point Dume is another sought-after Malibu neighborhood. Because of its unique location, privacy is guaranteed here. No wonder many celebrities and other high net-worth individuals love to escape here.

There are more or less 400 homes in Point Dume, consisting of anywhere between cozy single-family residences in the inland parts, beach cottages, estate homes, and ranch properties to ultra-modern beachfront homes. The variety in housing and architectural options, not to mention price points, make Point Dume more attractive than ever as you look for homes for sale in Malibu, CA.

Big Rock Mesa

If million-dollar views of Malibu’s beautiful 27-mile shoreline and nearby Catalina Island are your heart’s desire, there is no better place in Malibu real estate market than Big Rock Mesa. Sitting on a high bluff overlooking the ocean, the contemporary-style homes here have some of the best views in the entire beach city.

Malibu Park

Malibu Park is an ode to Malibu’s rancho past. This is a horse lover’s paradise, an equestrian community home to sprawling ranch properties where you can ride your horse and explore old trails. But if you still want a dose of the big blue, Malibu Park does have estate homes that enjoy spectacular ocean views.

Broad Beach

The small beachfront community of Broad Beach is the place to be if you’re looking for sprawling, contemporary estates. Common features among homes here include an open floor layout and roof terraces to maximize the panoramic vistas of the ocean. There are only 100 homes here at Broad Beach, making it quite exclusive and private.

Malibu West

It’s no secret that Malibu’s beaches draw tourists from all over the country all year round. So if private beach access is what you’re after, consider the gated community of Malibu West. Only residents of this small neighborhood can frolic and enjoy the sun at the adjacent beach. And since the beaches in Malibu are considered public domain, this is a rare privilege.

Homes for sale in Malibu West are largely single-family homes, but there are also condos here and there. True to Malibu West’s family-friendly vibe, the neighborhood also offers other amenities, such as social events and tennis courts.

Other notable neighborhoods in Malibu include:

Carbon Beach
Serra Retreat
Malibu Cove Colony
El Matador Beach
Escondido Beach
Winding Way
Bonsall Canyon
Malibu Country Estates

Living in Malibu, CA

Is life in Malibu really filled with sunshine, days by the beach or close to nature, with easy access to great food, cool attractions, and modern amenities? Let’s find out.

Weather

One of the reasons why Malibu residents enjoy plenty of time outdoors is because of the fine weather. Here, you can enjoy that pleasant Mediterranean climate, with the summers warm and dry. This is all thanks to Malibu’s coastal location.

Beaches

With 27 miles of coastline, it comes as no surprise that Malibu is home to several spectacular beaches. Although California beaches are all technically public, some beaches in Malibu have restricted access while others charge entrance fees for crowd control.

- Carbon Beach – Also known as Billionaire’s Beach, this stretch is lined with upscale beachfront properties. During high tide, the entire beach is swept under the water, so check a tide table before you visit.
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach – Malibu Lagoon State Beach is the home of the world-famous Surfrider Beach which attracts surfers from all over the world. There is also the historic Adamson House Museum and the nearby Malibu Lagoon Museum.
- Paradise Cove Beach – If you’re a fan of Baywatch and The O.C, Paradise Cove Beach might look extremely familiar. This shooting location, on regular days, is quiet and never too crowded. You’ll find several restaurants here.
- Point Dume State Beach – People go to Point Dume State Beach to sunbathe, go swimming in the ocean, hike the coastal trails, or go diving in the “Pinnacles.” If you want the beach all to yourself, go on a weekday.
- Zuma Beach – Zuma Beach is the go-to place for beach activities in Malibu. The beachfront stretches for almost two miles, lined with beachgoers especially during the summer. On special occasions, you might get to see pods of dolphins swimming.
- El Matador Beach – Located within the sprawl of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador Beach is one of Malibu’s hidden gems. Its main attractions are its beautiful rock formations, which makes El Matador Beach a popular location for photoshoots.
- Leo Carrillo Beach – This sandy 1.5-mile beach holds plenty of treasures. Aside from the occasional visits from dolphins, the beach reveals tidepools during low tide. There are caves and coves to explore, as well as rock formations to admire.

Other activities and attractions

Beach-hopping and surfing aren’t the only activities you can enjoy in Malibu. Check out the following attractions to experience more of this coastal community:

The Getty Villa – Designed like a Roman villa, the Getty Villa houses 7,000 years worth of ancient Greek and Roman art, from the dawn of civilization to the fall of the Roman Empire.
California Surf Museum – Founded in 1986, the Surf Museum is the repository of all things related to California’s surf culture.
Malibu Creek State Park – Explore the area’s inland treasures at Malibu Creek State Park. It’s a popular destination in Los Angeles County for bird-watching, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, as well as horseback riding. The highlight, of course, is the Malibu Creek, which flows for 14 miles from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Malibu Lagoon.
Solstice Canyon – For more long hikes, drive to Solstice Canyon. The trails here vary in difficulty, but all offer breathtaking mountain views, peace, and serenity. On-site attractions include the Solstice waterfall and the Keller House ruins.

Dining scene

Art and the great outdoors are not the only things to love and enjoy if you live in Malibu. This coastal town is also a culinary paradise, home to chefs and eateries that love to serve delicious food any day of the week. Here are some of our top favorites:

- Carbon Beach Club – Malibu Beach Inn’s in-house restaurant, Carbon Beach Club is best known for their seasonal Californian dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with the best wine the region has to offer.
- Tramonto Bistro – Tramonto Bistro takes the warmth of the Tuscan countryside to Malibu with their authentic Italian food and matching wine selection.
- Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe – For the freshest seafood in Malibu, this is the best place to go. Enjoy your plate of fish n’ chips on a picnic table set overlooking the ocean.
- V’s restaurant + bar – V’s restaurant + bar captured the hearts of Malibu locals and people visiting from Downtown Los Angeles with their New American menu, all made with Californian ingredients and served in a sleek, upscale setting.
- Nicolas Eatery – This family-owned restaurant along the Pacific Coast Highway is proud of their French-style food, lovingly made with fresh and organic ingredients. Although the food is already great, Nicolas Eatery also allows diners to customize their orders however they want.
- As of time of writing, all the aforementioned restaurants are closed to dine-in customers in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools

Public schools in Malibu, such as John L. Webster Elementary School, Malibu High School, and Point Dume Marine Science School, are managed by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. There are also several private schools scattered throughout Malibu such as Our Lady of Malibu School and The Sycamore School.

One institution of higher education, Pepperdine University, is also located in Malibu.

Hospitals

There are a couple of health clinics in Malibu such as the UCLA Health Malibu Immediate Care & Primary Care clinic. There are, however, no major hospitals within the city limits. The nearest major medical facilities include UCLA Medical Center, located in neighboring Santa Monica.

Ready to call Malibu your home?

The waves, the mountains, and everything else Malibu are waiting for you. Find the best houses in Malibu with me, Marco de Longeville. Contact me today at 213.675.0197 or leave me a note here so we can schedule a drive through Malibu’s real estate market.