Landside Communities

While Malibu may be known for sandy shores and Pacific waves, surf culture, and relaxed, beachy elegance, there’s more to this highly sought-after destination than just beach houses. Many of Malibu’s landside communities boast huge views only attainable from the mountainsides they are built into, while others enjoy shady respites in secret canyons. At the easternmost end of Malibu sits the tranquil neighborhood of Big Rock. Just minutes from Santa Monica, this beautiful community climbs up above the PCH and offers endless ocean views and scenic trails.

Sunset Mesa sits high above PCH on a plateau, and it’s midcentury homes and condominiums boast stunning ocean views. The property up Las Flores canyon dazzle with homes seemingly hanging off the mountain, while the aptly named Sea View Estates sits high above Malibu, beyond security gates. Nestled into the hillside of Malibu, Carbon Mesa offers dramatic views and some of the newest and most expensive estates on the landslide. The private gated community of Serra Retreat sooths residents with it’s sanctuary like atmosphere and early Californian architecture, and is home to a Franciscan monastery of same name. With a name meaning “Mountain Nest,” Monte Nido is, indeed, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, just three miles north of the Malibu coast with many equestrians residents and a micro climate that is cool and crisp.

Sporting spectacular ocean views, Malibu Knolls is tucked into the hillside overlooking the central commerce area of Malibu, while Malibu Country Estates is a leafy, suburban paradise near Pepperdine University. The cozy, long-established community of El Nido is up the meandering Corral Canyon Road and is often referred to as the “Malibu Hills”. Serene Sycamore Park provides impressive properties with sparkling pools, stables, and lush greenery and a private tennis club. An expansive community with gorgeous estates and modest homes, Latigo Canyon is a mountain retreat, while neighboring Malibu Pacifica is a small gated community overlooking the ocean. Winding Way is an ideal getaway for high-profile residents and features some of Malibu’s most exclusive properties, including expansive equestrian estates. The otherworldly Ramirez Canyon is a secret, shady getaway, nestled in behind security gates.

Directly across the Pacific Coast Highway from Point Dume, you’ll find the gorgeous landside neighborhood of Cavallari Road. Wildflowers and flat lots, and equestrian properties define peaceful Zuma Canyon, while high above Zuma Beach the estates of Malibu Park overlook the Pacific. One of Malibu’s hidden gems, Malibu West offers an easy family friendly lifestyle safely nestled away from busy streets, as well as access to the exclusive Malibu West Beach Club. With properties ranging from bluff side estates to ocean view condo buildings, Bailard Tract is a cozy residential area. Up on the mountain at the west end of Malibu’s landside communities, winding up from the beach is Trancas Highlands with views for miles. Head down the coast near the line between Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the newer development of Marisol features new estates that are architecturally magnificent. Minutes from the private Camarillo Airport, many residents find the access to this airport an easy jet in and out choice.

Landside Communities from East to West:

• Big Rock
• Sunset Mesa
• Las Flores Mesa
• Sea View Estates
• Carbon Mesa
• Serra Retreat
• Monte Nido
• Malibu Knolls
• Malibu Country Estates
• El Nido Bowl
• Sycamore Park
• Latigo Canyon
• Malibu Pacifica
• Winding Way
• Ramirez Canyon
• Zuma Canyon
• Cavellari Road
• Malibu Park
• Malibu West
• Bailard Tract
• Trancas Canyon
• Marisol