Despite the resort-tier quality of life and endless luxurious amenities at each resident's fingertips, the Malibu lifestyle is surprisingly laidback. It's a testament to the city's surf culture and beachy way of life that the locals are often as charming as they are welcoming and friendly. Creatives, outdoorsy types, and artists flock here because of the natural beauty and rural landscape.
There is always something to do if you like being outdoors (and given the serene setting and perfect weather, why wouldn't you?), from hiking and biking to surfing and kayaking. Living here is the closest thing you can get to absolute paradise. It's quiet and family-friendly, yet there is no shortage of ways to keep yourself entertained or explore the local shops and restaurants.
This town is beautiful and brimming with fascinating, kind-hearted people. There are plenty of opportunities to live in a community hub where you'll get to know your neighbors or, if you prefer privacy, you can submerge yourself in nature and enjoy exclusivity and seclusion.
The bottom line is that Malibu is a one-of-a-kind community and a great place to raise a family, in fact there was been $13 billion in sales on single-family homes in the last 12 months. Living here often feels like you're living in a small town. And as the city is known for its beaches and sunny weather, you might feel like you're always on vacation!
In Central Malibu, you'll find Cross Creek and Malibu Village. The Tracy Park Art Gallery offers a Saturday night open house with a DJ and local artists, and Cafe Habana is popular for Wednesday night karaoke. A shopping and dining experience in the heart of western Malibu, the Trancas Country Market sells vintage items and hosts summer concerts. Trancas Canyon has a popular dog park with picnic shelters, a playground, and picnic tables.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Cielo Farms, a sprawling Tuscan-inspired estate perfect for private events and tastings. Saddlerock Ranch is another spot for wine tastings and specialty wine safaris. A chill wine bar, Rosenthal Vineyard boasts stunning views of the sea and live music. There is no better spot for seafood than the no-frills Malibu Seafood, a local favorite for fish ’n chips.
Beginner and expert racquetball players enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at the Malibu Racquet Club, which also houses the members-only Sparrow Cafe. Malibu is home to the historic Adamson House and religious destination Serra Retreat. Or ever heard of The Rindge Malibu Railroad? There is a lot more history in Malibu than you think.
Families enjoy the many events and festivities Malibu offers, such as the Malibu Chili Cook-Off and events offered at the Pepperdine Event Center and the Pepperdine Art Gallery. Paradise Cove is considered not only one of the best beaches in Malibu but in the world! It’s a great place to spend a day with your friends and family. The Malibu International Film Festival has been recognized as a premier festival for first-time filmmakers and includes a line-up of world premieres and U.S. premieres.
Malibu is well-known for its world-class culinary scene. From casual beachside bistros to formal candlelit steak dinners, you can find something for everyone here.
Regarding steak dinners, Mastro’s Ocean Club is a classic, sophisticated steakhouse that serves seafood, and Lucky’s has an extensive menu of fine wines. V’s is a posh dinner spot with specialty pizzas and New American fare. Buy a fancy coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee, a trendy, upscale coffeehouse, although you can always rely on Starbucks if you’re not into that. If you’re planning a romantic evening or special occasion dinner, then Saddle Peak Lodge or Geoffrey’s is your best bet.
Along the pier is Malibu Farm, which actually houses two restaurants, a full-service dine-in establishment, and a relaxed bar. John’s Garden is a great place to grab lunch, serving salads, soups, and sandwiches. Other affordable options include low-key burger shack Malibu Mutt and Ollo’s.
Those who like bold flavors and international cuisine will enjoy the authentic Thai offered at Cholada or eat delicious Mexican food at The Cliffdiver. Nicholas Eatery is a relaxed French-themed restaurant. Nobu is the hottest sushi restaurant in Malibu, but Bui Sushi is also a local fave. Get festive with the Cuban and Mexican flair at Cafe Habana or savor mouth-watering Greek food at Taverna Tony. Lily’s serves Mexican classics alongside deli sandwiches.
Sometimes all you want is a sumptuous breakfast, which you can get any time at Country Kitchen, a cozy chain eatery that serves breakfast around the clock, or local chain Marmalade.
The beachy Duke’s is a tribute to the early days of surfer culture in Malibu and serves Hawaiian cuisine. Similarly, Broad Street Oyster Co. has a nautical interior and is a notable surfy seafood destination.
Dine waterfront at Moonshadows, an award-winning establishment with a tiki-themed patio, or sample the coastal cuisine at Malibu Beach Inn Restaurant. Kristy’s and Sunset Restaurant reside on Zuma Beach. Paradise Cove Beach Café is ideal after a long day in the sun and sand. It’s an airy cafe on the water that serves tropical drinks surfside. The chic Malibu Cafe is tucked into the hillside of Calamigos Ranch and is known for “nouveau barbecue.”
Rock Store is a famous motorcycle meet-up located along Mulholland Drive halfway between Malibu and Calabasas, and The Old Place is a former general store turned restaurant.
Savory Italian fare is on the menu at the upscale Tramonte Bistro and Tra di Noi. Gravina also serves Italian inside a colorful, warm interior.
Health-conscious individuals might prefer the California-fresh fusion cuisine at Howdy’s or the farm-to-table delicacies at Ollo’s. Shop for groceries at the locally-owned Vintage Grocers or Whole Foods. Grab a fresh smoothie from Vitamin Barn after running errands.
Finish a delicious meal at any one of these restaurants with classic or vegan ice cream from Cafe de la Plague, and make sure you get it in one of their housemade waffle cones!
There is no shortage of things to do in Malibu, especially if you’re a naturally outdoorsy person who likes to be near the water.
With so many pristine, world-class beaches in the city, it’s no surprise that water sports and activities like paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, swimming, free diving, scuba diving, and sunbathing are among the most popular activities. If you want to do something low-key, you can always take a calming stroll along the sand to bird-watch or even study the tidepools.
Other things to do in the area include rock climbing, hiking, hang-gliding, window shopping, mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding, and tennis. Malibu has several vineyards for those who appreciate a good wine tasting, and there are tons of places to treat yourself to retail therapy and art galleries to explore.
Residents typically send their school-aged children to Malibu Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, and Malibu High School. Our Lady of Malibu is one of the most popular private schools and accepts children K-8. The most notable college in Malibu is Pepperdine, a private research university associated with the Churches of Christ.
There are multiple churches in Malibu, Our Lady of Malibu is the primary Catholic church. Non-denominational churches include Calvary Chapel Malibu, The Malibu Gathering, and Waveside Church. Vineyard Christian Fellowship is a Pentecostal church, and there is also the Presbyterian church Malibu Pacific.
Other churches include the Vintage Church Malibu, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, University Church of Christ, Malibu United Methodist Church, Christian Science Church, and Ascend Malibu Fellowship.
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11,458 people live in Malibu, where the median age is 52 and the average individual income is $122,433. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Malibu has 4,657 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Malibu do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,458 people call Malibu home. The population density is 1,045.978 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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