Overview

Malibu can rightly be proud of its idyllic beaches, hidden coves, biologically rich waters and world-class waves. Locals are fiercely protective of the region’s charms and do their best to hang onto a slower, more secluded pace. Pacific Palisades still retains small-town charm and is home to some of L.A.'s more popular beaching and hiking spots, given its proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains. Sunset Beach is a great place to learn to surf ... just look out for all the juvie white sharks who sometimes call it home!

Water Quality

Some of Malibu’s cleanest beaches are Zuma and Leo Carrillo, while beaches like Paradise Cove and Surfrider have historically suffered from perennial water quality problems due to urban runoff and waste leaching from homeowners’ outdated septic tanks. A new treatment plant that began running in the spring of 2010 has dramatically improved water quality at Paradise Cove.

Will Rogers Beach stretches for miles along PCH below the Palisades and exhibits generally high water quality marks. Some locales near storm drains, such as Chatauqua and Castle Rock, periodically scored poorly on our Beach Report Card. But a recent series of diversions and other infrastructure enhancements along the beach have led to dramatically improved water quality in the trouble spots. 

Heal the Bay Gets Local

Heal the Bay is working with elected officials and local residents in Malibu to develop a comprehensive plan for improved water quality, including new water treatment plants at Paradise Cove and Marie Canyon and connecting some neighborhoods to sewage systems. Our Stream Team program identified pollution problems  and restored key parts of Malibu Creek and its tributaries, and we were also highly involved in creating a formal Marine Protected Area off Point Dume

Many of our volunteers and donors live in Malibu and the Palisades, and you’ll see our staff leading cleanups, hosting third-party fundraisers and testifying at public meetings in area neighborhoods.