Welcome to Malibu Colony
Many A-list Hollywood stars seek out this ritzy, exclusive Malibu neighborhood
Malibu Colony is an exclusive neighborhood in the heart of Malibu. Commonly referred to as "the original Malibu," this affluent enclave is home to some of the area's most luxurious estates—some of which date back to the Golden Age of Hollywood (with modern updates, of course)!
Most homes within the neighborhood are expansive and feature panoramic oceanside views. Formerly known as the Malibu Movie Colony, this neighborhood came about in the 1940s as a getaway for A-List movie stars and entertainers like Bing Crosby, Clara Bow, and Gary Cooper. Today, the area is still a hotspot for film, television, and music personalities and executives.
Boasting some of the most imaginative and luxurious homes in the world, Malibu Colony is the cream of the crop when it comes to top-tier properties. The majority of the area's beachside properties fetch prices in the $10-15 million range. As a popular rental spot for high net worth individuals, summer leases in the Colony can go for as much as $350,000 per month.
History & Heritage of Malibu Colony
Malibu Colony, often referred to as the "original Malibu," holds a unique place in Southern California’s coastal narrative. Its origins trace back to the early 1930s when the Rindge family, who owned the vast 13,000-acre Rancho Malibu, began leasing beachfront lots to Hollywood elite under strict invitation. This exclusive leasehold model marked the birth of Malibu Colony as a private enclave. Early residents included some of the most influential names in entertainment like Clara Bow, Gloria Swanson, and Bing Crosby, who sought an oceanfront retreat from the public eye.
Architectural experimentation flourished during this time. Noted architects like John Lautner and Richard Neutra were commissioned to design innovative beachfront homes that blended modernism with the natural shoreline. Over time, many of these estates became landmarks themselves. While some were preserved, others were remodeled by subsequent celebrity owners. The Colony's distinctive identity as a gated stretch of oceanfront homes set along a narrow strip between the Pacific Ocean and the Malibu Lagoon remains emblematic of old Hollywood luxury and architectural legacy. To this day, Malibu Colony is considered one of the most historically significant and coveted residential communities on the West Coast.
Local Culture
Malibu Colony is synonymous with curated exclusivity and understated affluence, fostering a private yet artistically rich environment. Its residents, an evolving mix of high-profile entertainers, financiers, and legacy families, often value discretion, but also play an active role in shaping the area's cultural and philanthropic tone. Unlike the more commercialized areas of Malibu, the Colony’s culture is defined by quiet elegance, creative influence, and community legacy.
Local artists such as
Lita Albuquerque and Ed Ruscha have had homes or strong ties within the Colony, reinforcing its longstanding appeal to visual and conceptual artists. Events are often intimate and invitation-only, but Malibu Colony residents are frequently involved in broader cultural efforts. Many support institutions like the Malibu Film Society, The Broad Stage, and Gagosian Gallery in nearby areas.
Philanthropy and environmental stewardship are central to the Colony’s ethos. Nonprofits such as the
Malibu Foundation,
Heal the Bay, and
Surfrider Foundation often count Colony residents among their key donors and board members. Whether it's supporting post-wildfire rebuilding, marine conservation, or youth arts programs, the local culture is one of quiet impact: a blend of coastal luxury and civic responsibility.
Local Attractions
Despite its privacy and seclusion, Malibu Colony offers close access to a curated mix of natural landmarks, recreational spaces, and iconic points of interest that shape its signature lifestyle. The community is anchored by
Malibu Lagoon State Beach, a protected ecological area where the Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. Popular among birdwatchers, surfers, and photographers, the lagoon offers a unique blend of biodiversity and scenic beauty just steps from the Colony gates.
Adjacent to the Lagoon is the world-famous
Surfrider Beach, a historic surf break designated as the first World Surfing Reserve. Its mellow, consistent waves have made it a cornerstone of California surf culture since the 1950s. For residents seeking serene oceanfront leisure, the private stretch of Colony Beach offers unmatched seclusion, framed by multimillion-dollar estates and uninterrupted Pacific views.
Nearby,
Malibu Bluffs Park offers open green space with ocean views, walking trails, and sports fields, all just minutes from the Colony. While Malibu Colony does not host a golf course within its perimeter, residents often frequent the
Malibu Country Club and
Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades for private golfing experiences.
Landmarks such as the historic
Adamson House, a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival estate, lie within walking distance and offer a glimpse into Malibu's pre-Colony history. Coupled with the high-end boutiques and restaurants of Malibu Country Mart and Cross Creek, all within a five-minute drive, the Colony lifestyle balances exclusivity with convenient access to Malibu’s most refined amenities.
Dining & Entertainment
Malibu Colony residents enjoy effortless access to some of the most upscale and iconic dining and entertainment venues in the region, many just outside the gates.
Nobu Malibu, located a short walk from the Colony, sets the standard for luxury dining with its world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, celebrity clientele, and dramatic oceanfront setting. Just nearby,
Malibu Farm Restaurant and
Malibu Farm Pier Café offer a more casual yet equally refined farm-to-table experience, positioned right on the historic Malibu Pier.
For residents who value privacy,
Soho House Malibu (Little Beach House) provides a members-only social space with gourmet dining, curated events, and direct beach access, making it a favorite among creatives and industry leaders.
Entertainment in and around Malibu Colony is more intimate and lifestyle-oriented. The Malibu Cinemas and
Malibu Film Society offer curated screenings, indie films, and private showings.
Calamigos Guest Ranch and
The Surfrider Hotel occasionally host art, culinary, and live music events attended by Colony locals. For those seeking a full luxury retreat, The Malibu Beach Inn, located a few doors down the coast, offers fine dining at Carbon Beach Club and is a go-to for spa and wellness experiences.
Parks & Recreation
Malibu Colony offers seamless access to a refined yet nature-immersed outdoor lifestyle. Just beyond its gates lies
Malibu Lagoon State Park, where residents enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and ecological walks through estuarine wetlands. Surfrider Beach, bordering the Colony, is world-renowned for its long right-hand break and is a daily ritual for surfers, both seasoned locals and visiting pros.
For hiking and trail lovers, the
Malibu Bluffs Trail and Legacy Park offer coastal walking paths with panoramic ocean views. More advanced hiking is available at nearby
Corral Canyon and
Solstice Canyon, featuring shaded trails, waterfalls, and ruins from early 20th-century homesteads. These locations are a short drive from the Colony and serve as weekend staples for residents seeking quiet immersion in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Equestrian enthusiasts are also within reach of premier horseback riding facilities. Just north of the Colony, areas like Malibu Riders and Zuma Canyon provide guided trail rides with sweeping views of canyons and coastline. Paddleboarding, beach yoga, and sailing are popular water-based activities along the adjacent coastline, with many residents launching directly from Colony Beach.
Schools & Education
Malibu Colony appeals strongly to families seeking both luxury living and access to high-quality education. The community is served by the
Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), widely recognized for its academic rigor and well-rounded programs.
Webster Elementary School, located just minutes from the Colony, consistently ranks highly in parent reviews for its strong STEM foundation and nurturing environment. For middle and high school, students typically attend
Malibu Middle School and
Malibu High School, both of which have been noted for academic excellence, college prep, and strong arts and athletic programs.
In addition to public options, several prestigious private institutions are within reach. The
New Roads School in Santa Monica provide progressive, inquiry-based education for K–12 students.
Our Lady of Malibu School, a private Catholic school nearby, offers a faith-based curriculum with a strong emphasis on community and academic growth. For early childhood education, Gan Malibu Preschool and Sunshine Preschool are highly regarded by local families.
With small class sizes, competitive test scores, and access to creative and environmental programs, Malibu Colony residents benefit from an educational environment that matches the community’s overall standard of excellence.
Commute & Accessibility
Malibu Colony offers a secluded lifestyle without sacrificing essential accessibility. The neighborhood is located just off Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), providing a direct coastal route to Santa Monica, which is approximately 35–45 minutes away depending on traffic. From there, Interstate 10 and Interstate 405 offer access to greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and downtown.
For frequent travelers, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 45–60 minutes by car, while Van Nuys Airport, a preferred option for private aviation, is roughly 40 minutes inland. The Malibu/Mission Canyon shuttle and local ride-share services provide limited public transport options, though most residents rely on personal or hired vehicles.
Despite its exclusivity, Malibu Colony remains within practical reach of major business districts, entertainment hubs, and services, making it a rare blend of coastal privacy and metropolitan connectivity.
Real Estate in Malibu Colony
Real estate in Malibu Colony represents the pinnacle of coastal luxury. Known for its ultra-private, guard-gated entrance and direct beachfront access, the Colony is home to some of the most prestigious addresses in California. Properties here are architecturally diverse, ranging from historic estates to cutting-edge contemporary builds, and often priced from $10 million to over $100 million, depending on location, lot size, and ocean frontage.
Most homes feature panoramic ocean views, private beach decks, high-end finishes, and smart home technology. Off-market listings are also common, and competition for available homes is fierce due to limited inventory and legacy ownership.
Explore available listings on our
Malibu Colony MLS page. Whether you're looking for a legacy estate or a modern retreat, Malibu Colony offers an unmatched blend of exclusivity, design, and beachfront living.
Architectural Styles in Malibu Colony
Malibu Colony showcases a refined mix of architectural styles that reflect both its historic roots and evolving aesthetic preferences. Early homes in the Colony featured Spanish Colonial Revival and Cape Cod designs, many influenced by the coastal tastes of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Over time, these were joined by bold expressions of Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary Minimalist, and Organic Modern architecture.
Influential architects such as Richard Meier, John Lautner, and Barbara Bestor have contributed to the neighborhood’s built environment, crafting homes that emphasize ocean views, indoor-outdoor flow, and environmental sensitivity. Common design elements include retractable glass walls, cantilevered decks, natural materials like teak and limestone, and integration with the beachfront topography.
Architectural language in the Colony is deeply expressive yet restrained, balancing privacy with visual drama. Whether buyers seek the clean lines of modernism or the texture of coastal Mediterranean, Malibu Colony presents a curated palette of design-forward residences that are both livable and iconic.
Most Coveted Streets & Estates
Malibu Colony’s desirability is not just defined by its address but by micro-locations within the gated enclave. The most coveted homes sit on the “front row”, a term referring to properties with direct, unobstructed access to Colony Beach. These estates command premium prices and offer unrivaled Pacific views, private staircases to the sand, and discreet buffers from public access.
Colony Point, the western curve of the enclave, is highly prized for its sweeping coastal panoramas and enhanced privacy due to limited foot traffic. Further inside, Malibu Colony Road, the community’s main artery, features a range of historic and newly built homes, many owned by high-profile individuals who value both the prestige and anonymity the location affords.
Select estates within the Colony are known by nickname (The Sandcastle, The Glass House, The Lautner Compound) each signifying architectural distinction and storied ownership. These landmark properties rarely enter the public market and are often transferred off-market, reinforcing their status as generational assets.
