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Community LIVING
MALIBU NEIGHBORHOOD
Malibu is most known for its costal hills that slope dramatically into soft-sanded beaches. This city has been ranked #1 for Best California Beaches. Here, you will find beautiful big and small beaches that are perfect for exploring, lounging or both. If you are looking for lots of room on the sand, head to Zuma Beach or Point Dume State Beach. Some of the other notable beaches are Malibu Colony Beach and Puerco Beach, which overlook some of the mansions that make up this affluent community. There are many beaches to visit and mountains to explore when living in Malibu - you should not have any trouble filling up your time.
brief description
Community Overview
Malibu provides lots of space to feel a sense of seclusion without having to be isolated-the city is home to renowned bars and restaurants and Los Angeles is less than 25 miles away. A large portion of the properties that sell in Malibu are undeveloped lots, and many homes in the area are custom built, making for a highly diverse array of architectural designs and styles. It is not uncommon to see a contemporary eco-friendly house next to a Tuscan design, with a modern ranch-style home across the street.
Students that live in Malibu are a part of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The three schools located within its city limits are, Malibu Elementary School, Webster Elementary and Malibu High School. Malibu High School has a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org and caters to over 1,100 students. It is also a highly renowned school, where students consistently perform well on the SATs and ACTs; the school has also been included in Newsweek's Top 1200 Schools in America.
Where to eat
Neaby Restaurants
Malibu is a whole vibe—sunset views, ocean breeze, and some seriously good food. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach shack or a celeb-spotting hotspot, here are a few of our top-rated restaurants in and around Malibu, California.
Malibu’s got something for every mood—whether you're beach-craving barefoot eats or dressing up for date night. We also have plenty of dessert recs - (spoiler: there's a cookie dough shop worth the detour).Haha, I got you! It's called "DŌH!" in Malibu and it's great if you’ve got a sweet tooth (or just need a reward after a beach hike), you have to check it out!
Malibu Farm Restaurant & Café – Malibu Pier
Okay, this is Malibu in restaurant form. Farm-to-table, organic, fresh everything—plus killer ocean views. The café at the end of the pier is more casual, while the restaurant at the front is full service. Their cauliflower crust pizza and Swedish mini pancakes? Next-level.
Geoffrey’s Malibu
Total classic. Think romantic oceanfront dining with white tablecloths and celebrity sightings. The menu leans upscale California cuisine—filet mignon, lobster tail, sea bass. Perfect for special occasions or a Sunday brunch with a view that steals the show.
The Sunset Restaurant – Westward Beach
Tucked just steps from the sand, this spot is all about chill coastal vibes with elevated seafood, burgers, and salads. Grab a cocktail and watch the sun dip behind the ocean—this is Malibu living at its finest.
Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar
Local go-to for Italian with a killer ocean-view patio. The wood-fired pizzas are amazing, and they’ve got a full bar with great happy hour deals. Perfect for families, date nights, or when you want something tasty but not too fancy.
Nobu Malibu
You have to go at least once. Yes, it’s pricey. Yes, there’s a good chance you’ll see someone famous. But it’s worth every bite. Modern Japanese fusion, ultra-fresh sushi, and beachfront seating. Try the black cod miso or yellowtail jalapeño—you’ll never be the same.
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Café
This is a true local favorite. No frills, just fresh fish, picnic tables, and ocean air. Grab a grilled fish sandwich or a giant fish ‘n’ chips basket, sit outside, and just soak it all in. It’s right off PCH, and always packed for a reason.
Ollo – Malibu
Casual yet stylish spot with a menu that feels very California—seasonal, fresh, and super flavorful. Great brunch, amazing flatbreads, and a fantastic kale salad. It’s the kind of place where everything feels clean but satisfying.
Bui Sushi – Malibu
If you want great sushi without the Nobu crowd (or Nobu prices), Bui is your spot. Creative rolls, fresh sashimi, and a relaxed, upscale interior. It’s a local favorite for good reason—and they do takeout if you want sushi with a view from home.
Adventure
Hiking Trails
Malibu, California, offers a diverse array of hiking trails that showcase its stunning coastal scenery and natural beauty. Each trail offers a unique perspective of Malibu's rich terrain, catering to hikers of all skill levels.
Education
Schools in Malibu
If you’re thinking about moving to Malibu, the education options are actually a pretty nice perk. The public schools fall under the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and they’re generally strong—Malibu High School (which is actually a middle/high combo school) has a good reputation for academics, arts, and a tight-knit community feel.
There are also some solid private schools in and around Malibu if you’re looking for more personalized or alternative education. Our Lady of Malibu School is a good faith-based option, and Muse School in nearby Calabasas is super eco-focused and creative if you're into that kind of progressive approach.
What’s really unique about Malibu is the environment—kids grow up around nature, the ocean, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Plus, being close to Pepperdine University is a bonus for continuing education or even just community involvement. If you’re looking for a mix of good schools and a peaceful, inspiring setting, Malibu definitely checks a lot of boxes.
