Malibu Right Now

Question

Hi, I have the opportunity to be at Pepperdine University in July for a conference, and was wondering what the state of Malibu is currently, after the recent fires. Are the restaurants and shops open? Is it worth going right now?

Answer

Great question. Yes — Malibu is very much “open for business” now, but things are still recovering from the Palisades Fire early in 2025. Whether it's "worth going" depends a lot on what you want to experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current situation (summer 2025) and what you should know as a visitor:

What’s happening in Malibu now?

Many businesses are slowly coming back. According to recent reports, several local restaurants and shops in Malibu remain open, though some are still seeing lower-than-normal business as they rebuild and recover.
Malibu’s City Council is actively supporting recovery — they’re waiving certain rebuild fees and prioritizing resources to help local businesses.
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which was closed to many non-residents after the fire, has reopened for vehicle traffic (one lane per direction), but there are still ongoing repairs, speed restrictions, and increased law enforcement presence.
Private security has been deployed in fire-impacted neighborhoods to protect properties and ongoing construction work.

Restaurants & Shops: What’s open and what’s not

Country Kitchen: Reopened after smoke damage. Still operating, though business is reportedly down compared to pre-fire levels.
Gladstones: The outdoor deck reopened in July. The interior is still being renovated.
Duke’s Malibu: As of spring/summer 2025, it’s facing major challenges. There was talk of a late July reopening, but reports suggest that they’ve laid off most of their staff.
Some smaller shops are open, but many local retailers say they’re still struggling to return to pre-fire traffic.

Visitor & Safety Considerations

Some parts of the burn zone are still very much under reconstruction. According to local Reddit users, areas around PCH may feel “changed” and there’s construction noise, debris cleanup, and limited business in certain patches.
Beach access is mixed: some canyon routes (e.g., Kanan, Malibu Canyon) provide safer beach access, but areas directly within the burn scar may still have concerns related to debris or water quality.
The city’s rebuild website (MalibuRebuilds.org) is a great resource for up-to-date information on business recovery, road access, and community updates.

Bottom Line — Is It Worth Visiting in July?

- Yes, if you’re open-minded: You’ll find many businesses operating, and your visit would support the local community in its recovery. - Manage expectations: Some iconic places (especially along the burned areas of PCH) are still not fully back, and the vibe may feel quieter or a little more rugged than “normal” Malibu. - Focus on less-impacted areas: Consider spending time in western or canyon-side Malibu rather than exclusively along the coastal burn scar. - Be conscious of timing: If you want restaurants with full menus or a more “classic Malibu experience,” double-check which ones are open before you go.

In short — yes, Malibu is in a rebuilding phase, but it's still very much a place you can enjoy. Visiting now is a meaningful way to help its recovery and also experience Malibu’s natural beauty in a quieter, more reflective moment.

Malibu Right Now

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