Malibu, as we know it today, is 21 miles of scenic coastal land with a population of 13,000 people, many of whom are employed in the entertainment industry.
Although Malibu is part of Los Angeles County, it feels far from the hustle and bustle. This is the reason why celebrities have taken such a liking to this picturesque beach community, which is just a half-hour drive from downtown.
Malibu Beach Features
Malibu stretches from Topanga Canyon in the east to Ventura County in the west. It is famous for its numerous pristine white sandy beaches, each with its own unique appeal.
- Explore the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park;
- Find sea caves at El Matador State Beach;
- Have a picnic at Zuma Beach;
- Engage in surfing, diving, and fishing from Point Dume State Beach.
Malibu beaches are also a spot for observing gray whales during their migration from December to mid-April.
From Tribal Land to Upscale Neighborhood: The Story of Malibu Beach
The first inhabitants of Malibu were the Chumash Indians, who called the area "Humaliwo," meaning "the surf sounds loudly." The name was eventually adapted to "Malibu."
On September 28, 1542, Juan Cabrillo sailed into Malibu lagoon and claimed 13,000 acres of land for the King of Spain from the inhabitants. The land remained untouched for over 200 years thereafter.
In 1776, King Charles III of Spain sent a group of settlers, one of whom was Jose Tapia, who established a ranch in Malibu Canyon and later became the first owner. Tapia, a commander in the Spanish army, was granted the land in recognition of his impressive military service. Malibu changed hands several times in the 1800s until the Rindge family purchased the land in 1891 for $300,000. The head of the family, Frederick Rindge, was a very wealthy man. Rindge acquired Malibu as a home for his family and later expanded it from 13 to 17 thousand acres.
Rindge Family Fortress
Frederick's wife strictly protected her family's privacy and did not allow strangers to enter the Malibu area, setting up gates and fences and hiring armed guards who constantly patrolled the property. In 1929, Rindge's daughter built the Adamson House near the Malibu pier. Today, the house is a national historic landmark and public museum displaying ancient pottery exhibits. The Rindge family so loved the Moorish architectural style that in 1926 they opened pottery workshops that supplied the area with ceramic tiles and pottery.
In the 1930s, due to financial problems, the family agreed to allow a few Hollywood stars to lease land for building homes. Ten years later, they found themselves in financial difficulties again and were forced to sell the land.
Although Malibu's beaches are open to the public, today the town is better known as a gated community and home to many famous celebrities, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Howie Mandel, and Mel Brooks.
Attractions of Malibu Beach
- Malibu Beach Inn
This five-star hotel is the epitome of "collective seclusion." Each room has an elegant design, stocked with books and magazines on contemporary art, and all have balconies that do not overlook each other. The sense of seclusion is what guests appreciate about this place. And the Carbon Beach Club restaurant is one of the best in the area. Malibu Beach Inn also has a spa center, a private beach, and a cocktail bar with sea views. - Zuma Canyon Orchids Nursery
This was one of the favorite spots for the writer Joan Didion when she lived in Malibu from 1971 to 1976. In fact, she was such a frequent guest that the nursery owner named an orchid after Quintana Roo, Didion's daughter. The owner displays hundreds of orchids and also sells house plants. - Malibu Farm Cafe
This laid-back cafe located at the end of Malibu Pier, with views of the ocean, serves fresh fish tacos, chicken quesadillas, special cauliflower pizza, and other dishes. More calm than other places in the area, the cafe is one of a kind in Malibu. - Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Of course, one cannot miss a day at the famous Malibu Beach. Most locals come early to soak up the energy for the whole day. If you're tired of sunbathing, head to the beach boutique Malibu Ranch at the Pier to get everything from cashmere jumpers to surfboards.
Malibu has transformed from the secluded lands of primitive tribes and royal ranches into a symbol of luxury and prestige. Thanks to its history and cultural heritage, this area has become the jewel of California, offering a unique experience for those seeking both exclusive relaxation and immersion in history.
American Butler, providing tour services in California, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural diversity of Malibu. From beaches with soft sand to historical landmarks like the Adamson House, tours with American Butler unveil these treasures in full. Traveling with them allows you not just to see the famous area, but to feel its unique atmosphere, sense the spirit of the times, and, perhaps, even encounter a Hollywood star on one of the famous beaches.
Malibu continues to be not just a place on the map, but a living symbol of the California dream, a place where history and modernity intertwine, offering unforgettable experiences to everyone who decides to visit these legendary lands.
Share
