Getting to Malibu's six beaches, sunbathed coast, or illustrious university takes effort when you're coming from the core of LA, but the journey is worth it. Evidence of this small-town's nonpareil respect for nature is everywhere. Malibu's celebrities, surfers, and students bask in its proximity to both the coast and the Santa Monica Mountains. Board, bike, and engage in the 'Bu's favourite community pastimes—judging chilli cookoffs, pre-screening films at festivals, and fundraising for local organisations.
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The community says:
A Stunning Beach Town at the Base of the Mountains
Cliffs cascade into coastline in Malibu, an otherworldly beach community with a penchant for elegance.
Who would guess that such an intimate beach town was so close to Los Angeles' soaring urban skyscrapers?
Despite the high ceilings of its celebrity mansions, Malibu exudes small-town charm.
Little markets and pocket-sized playgrounds make up its landscape.
Like so many of LA's seaside neighbourhoods, surf culture pervades.
Breakfast burritos after getting barrelled?
They're a must.
Behold the magic of Malibu.
Aquatic Recreation
Six beaches make up Malibu's coastline.
Zuma Beach. Surfrider Beach. Malibu State Beach. Topanga State Beach. Point Dume State Beach. Dan Blocker Beach.
Paddle out.
In the line-up.
Outside.
On the Road: The Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH or Highway 1, skirts Malibu's epic coastline for 27 miles of scenic beauty.
The 1 is Malibu's main arterial road.
It connects the neighbourhood's restaurants, bars, and surf breaks to its border areas.
Most residents live less than two miles away from PCH.
The Malibu Surf Association is credited as one of the oldest surf clubs in the world.
They still meet in their majestic enclave on their shore.
Pepperdine University: Studious Along the Shore
Pepperdine University makes its scholastic home on the cliffs of Malibu.
This private university overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Its mascot?
"The Waves."
An apt name, indeed.
Pepperdine is the university with wings.
Living In Malibu
Between the beach and the mountains, nature lovers may never leave.
Its state parks and pristine environment are perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
They're perfect for living, too.
Modern mansions and old beach town bungalows nestle together in the hills.
Malibu After Dark
Vintage mood. Epic food.
In Malibu, pool sharks too.
As the tide rises, Malibu's energy also rises.
Pepperdine University students and seaside locals gather for jam sessions.
Amusements alight the pier.
In Malibu, you begin to believe in the man on the moon.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Rob Kalmbach
Rob is an editorial & commercial art photographer based in LA. On a recent assignment to South Africa with Ghetto Film School, he documented student filmmakers. On the Airbnb project, Rob says: “I love exploring the City of Angels. The other day, I photographed in pouring rain, thinking the worst, but ended up with some of my best shots. The people I meet on a daily basis amaze me."