Central Malibu - Malibu, CA Area Guide

The Malibu area was originally settled by Chumash Indians who called it humaliwo, or “the surf sounds loudly.” The Spanish eventually took possession of the land in the 1800s. When the state got permission to build Pacific Coast Highway, the land was subdivided into parcels, and William Randolph Hearst purchased much of it.

The Malibu Colony quickly became an area for Hollywood celebrities to build expensive vacation homes. To this day, it continues to attract wealthy residents.

Malibu has three small museums: the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, the University Center for the Arts and the Malibu Lagoon Museum, which operates inside the historic Adamson House. Other art galleries include David Hinnebusch Artworks and Wall Street Gallery.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in nearby Topanga Canyon puts on Shakespeare plays during the summer. Annual events closer to home include the Malibu Arts Show Festival.

Situated along 27 miles of coastal road, Malibu has many options when it comes to food. Seafood remains popular here, but you can also find wine bars, American food, gastropubs, bakeries, Mexican and Italian very easily, mostly along Pacific Coast Highway. Geoffrey's Malibu offers one of the most dramatic and romantic seaside dining experiences in Malibu, serving American classics for lunch, brunch and dinner. Locals know to try the famous baked brie in puff pastry, as well as the spicy fried oysters. Malibu Farm is a pier cafe serving fresh organic and local foods from healthy breakfasts to salads, small bites, sandwiches and main dishes. Located at the end of the Malibu Pier, this gorgeous spot provides a haven for a peaceful meal with friends or a surprise proposal. If you really want to impress someone, take them to Gravina Malibu for some creative Italian fare in a casual, family-operated place. From the pizzas to the risottos, pasta and main dishes, there's something for everyone here, and the owners take pride in welcoming everyone. In Malibu, nightlife is pretty casual, with a focus on laid-back bars with a variety of personalities. Kristy's Wood Oven and Wine Bar serves simple food and wine on a cliff overlooking Zuma Beach, while the Malibu Cigar Lounge provides a chill place to try new smokes while hanging out with friends. Most of the area's music venues can be found south of Malibu in Santa Monica. Locals also attend theatrical performances at Malibu Playhouse.

With Pacific Coast Highway as the main drag of Malibu, the neighborhood practically begs you to drive a convertible with the top down and the radio on. Most people here choose to drive to their destinations, since all of Malibu spreads out for miles and miles, and walking can be difficult and dangerous along the highway.

If you choose to take public transportation, a bus line that runs along PCH, but you may wait a long time until it gets there. Cabs are available if you phone for them, or you can schedule an Uber pickup easily.

If you're lucky, you can find free beach parking along PCH, but on a great beach day, when it seems half of Los Angeles has headed to the ocean, arrive early if you want to snag a parking space. Some businesses have parking lots, as do some beaches, but the better the weather, the more difficult the parking and traffic. Expect to pay for valet parking if you plan to visit a nice restaurant after dark.

Pacific Coast Highway provides the only main road in and out of Central Malibu, though some winding canyon roads connect the area to the San Fernando Valley. If you take PCH all the way to Santa Monica, it becomes Interstate 10, the Santa Monica Freeway, leading to downtown Los Angeles and points beyond.

Though parts of Central Malibu can be walkable, especially the beaches, most areas are best arrived at by car. Some bike lanes exist, including along PCH, but cyclists should be careful in the heavy, high-speed traffic, which can be dangerous.

The Central Malibu neighborhood has many parks and beaches to choose from Malibu Bluffs Park. Further back in the hills over Malibu, you'll find true wilderness with hiking trails, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and chances to commune with the local birds, animals, plant and flowers. If you decide to visit, you’ll likely find many hikers, mountain bikers, boot camp participants and yoga devotees doing their thing in the sun. Malibu Bluffs Park is especially good for kids, since it sports a playground and clean bathrooms.

While Malibu features 27 miles of beaches, Central Malibu beach action focuses on a few specific stretches of sand. Head to Malibu Lagoon State Beach to enjoy tidepools and watch the surfers; make sure to bring shoes or sandals for climbing on the rocks. Dan Blocker State Beach at the foot of Corral Canyon may be small, but it's relatively private, with no homes sitting on the dry sand. Just west of Central Malibu, you'll find Paradise Cove Beach. Relax and watch the local fishermen at work, marvel at the dozens of pelicans parading around, and grab a beer or snack at the local cafe.

The Malibu Arts Festival provides an opportunity to check out artwork by local artists, hear some music and hang out in the sun each July.

Central Malibu’s cost of living runs significantly higher than the city average, with a typical one-bedroom residence renting for around $3,800 per month. A beer at a local pub runs around $5 to $6 in Malibu, and it costs $1.75 to take the L.A. Metro bus in to Santa Monica or beyond. Gas prices in Malibu tend to run around 13 percent higher than the national average.

Malibu caters to the wealthy, but its shopping doesn't tend to be ostentatious. If you look closely, you can find smaller boutiques with carefully edited collections of beautiful things throughout the neighborhood and close to the beach.

Malibu Country Mart, a small collection of stores off Cross Creek Road, features several familiar brand names, including Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Planet Blue for upscale women’s clothing and accessories.

Zorica of Malibu has been protecting the sun-exposed skin of Malibu locals for almost 20 years with a proprietary line of organic bath and body products. The skin care products, made with 100 percent essential oils, range from anti-aging creams to heavenly perfumes.

Malibu residents have one supermarket for groceries, Ralphs. In addition, they rely on smaller stores such as Malibu Ranch Market, Vintage Grocers and Pacific Coast Greens. The Malibu Farmers Market opens on Sunday mornings with fresh produce, baked goods and tons of fun vendors with seasonal favorites.