Zuma Canyon and Malibu Park

Across the Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu’s widest and sandiest beach, Zuma, lies two magnificent hillside neighborhoods, Malibu Park and Zuma Canyon, that offer the finest Malibu real estate to those looking for gorgeous views, plenty of space, and perhaps a few horses, gardens and grape vines. This beautiful area, originally known as “Zumaland” has long enchanted both the native peoples and the early Malibu settlers.

“High mesas rise on either side, guarding this nature’s shrine. Great mountain crags form its background, while around the vale groves of sycamores, like sentinels, stand. Who but God could have wrought its beauteous site and curving hills?” –Frederick Hastings Rindge.

Zuma means “abundance” in the local Chumash language. Home to the main Rindge property, with its extensive barns and corrals, and the original wagon pathway to the beach from the canyon hillsides, Malibu founder Frederick Rindge was clearly in love with this place where the rolling hillsides and mountains of Malibu meander into the sea. Today this shining section of Malibu is home to two wonderful rural neighborhoods in Malibu Park and Zuma Canyon.

Malibu Park is nestled in the sloping valley just above the popular Zuma beach and world famous Zuma Orchids farm, while Zuma Canyon real estate rises on the western canyon with estate-size lots in the rolling slopes bellow the high canyon walls. Most of the Malibu Park neighborhood would be classified as “Coastal Shelf” with graded bluffs 50-350 feet high facing the ocean and gently sloping properties. In the past the majority of the Malibu Park homes had a view of the ocean, but today most of the views are blocked by pine and eucalyptus trees.

Until the 1950s Malibu Park was mostly used to raise cattle. One to four acre parcels began being developed in the 1940s, and much of Malibu Park real estate is low-slung ranch homes on large lots. There is much agricultural activity in Malibu Park to this day with orchid farms, avocado, flower and herb farms, and tree nurseries. Many of the Malibu Park residents keep horses, and raise goats and chickens for home consumption. Juan Cabrillo Elementary and Malibu Park schools of the Santa Monica-Malibu School District are located in Malibu Park, making a quick walk to school for the youth of the neighborhood. The rural feel of Malibu Park is treasured by residents, and is reinforced by lack of sidewalks, street lighting and the agricultural uses of undeveloped land.

Up the coast from Malibu Park to the west, is Zuma Canyon, which exemplifies absolute tranquility and natural abundance. The major road in Zuma Canyon is Bonsall, which winds through the rolling hillsides covered in groves of oaks and sycamores. The lots in Zuma Canyon are estate-size, with average residences perched on over 3 acres each. The gently rolling terrain is home to small orchards, stables and corrals; groves of oranges, avocados, apples and greenhouses. Zuma Canyon has no ocean views; rather residences are located in the basin below steep canyon slopes and ridgelines. What is valued is the absolute serenity achieved in Zuma Canyon.

Zuma Canyon is one of the most ecologically preserved areas in Malibu, with its rolling hills, creeks, and wetlands, it is considered a Significant Ecological Area by the state of California. The dry slopes of the steep canyon have mountain sage, grasses, and chaparral while the rolling basin hills of Zuma Canyon neighborhood have groves of oak and sycamore. Diverse wildlife covers the area and Zuma Canyon is a favorite for local bird-watchers who love to catch a glimpse of the Golden Eagles and other bird-life that nest here.

Zuma Canyon’s neighborhood character is defined by peace, tranquility, and solitude. Zuma Canyon homes are spread out, private, and exist in an oasis of beauty. Thick hedges of bougainvillea flowers colorfully enhance the privacy of the homes along the road. Many owners keep horses and other smaller farm animals, and the rural ambiance is highly prized for Zuma Canyon residents. The Zuma Canyon community is close knit, with neighbors knowing each other, and families calling Zuma Canyon home for years and generations.