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Culture & Lifestyle • City

Malibu, California

Malibu is a city and beach community in Los Angeles County, California, along the Pacific coast west-northwest of Santa Monica.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Malibu is a city and beach community in Los Angeles County, California, along the Pacific coast west-northwest of Santa Monica. It is known for its 21-mile coastline, surf beaches, celebrity residents, and its location where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the ocean.

Geography

Malibu stretches along the Pacific coast in Los Angeles County, with about 21 miles of shoreline. It sits near the Santa Monica Mountains and is oriented around the Pacific Coast Highway.

History

The name Malibu is linked to the Chumash settlement Umalibo and the Spanish land grant Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit. The city was incorporated in 1991.

Culture and recreation

Malibu is widely associated with surfing, beaches, and a high-profile residential culture. Its beaches and coastal setting have made it a well-known Southern California destination.

Education and landmarks

Pepperdine University is in Malibu, and the area also includes notable attractions such as Malibu Lagoon Museum and nearby Malibu Creek State Park.

Key facts

  • Malibu is a coastal city in southern California with a long beachfront along the Pacific Ocean.
  • The city is especially associated with surfing and beach culture.
  • Malibu has long been known as a residence for people in the entertainment industry.
  • The city lies where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the ocean.
  • Pepperdine University is located in Malibu.

Frequently asked questions

What is Malibu?
Malibu is a city and beach community in Los Angeles County, California, on the Pacific coast.
What is Malibu known for?
It is known for its beaches, surfing, coastal scenery, and celebrity residents.
How long is Malibu’s coastline?
Malibu has about 21 miles (34 km) of coastline.
When was Malibu incorporated?
Malibu was incorporated in 1991.
What major university is in Malibu?
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Malibu-California
    Supports: Location, coastline, incorporation year, name origin, celebrity association, beaches, Pepperdine University, nearby attractions
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malibu,_California
    Supports: Population in 2020, coastline length, Pacific Coast Highway location, nickname, geography
  3. Malibu.org — https://www.malibu.org/history-of-malibu
    Supports: General local history, coastline length, visitor information, approximate resident population