Malibu
Malibu: the back story
The back story
About Malibu: the back story
Malibu stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway west of Santa Monica, with beaches, coves and canyons. The Palisades Fire of January 2025 destroyed much of Pacific Palisades and parts of the coast, and the area is still rebuilding.
The beaches
Zuma, Point Dume, El Matador, Surfrider by Malibu Pier and Leo Carrillo are among the beaches to know.
After the fire
Several well-known places on the coast were lost in the January 2025 fire, including the Reel Inn and Moonshadows restaurants and the Will Rogers ranch house in the state park. Check that a place is open before you drive out.
The Getty Villa reopened on 27 June 2025.
Driving the coast
Allow extra time on the Pacific Coast Highway, where roadworks and rebuilding continue, and check State Parks pages for parking.
Our advice: visit the Getty Villa, then continue to Point Dume or El Matador for sunset.
Why it's on our list
- The beaches
- After the fire
- Driving the coast
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Malibu: the back story before you go.