1950 Map of Malibu Beach

About this map

Malibu Beach and the rugged canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains define this coastal landscape at mid-century. The map captures a moment when the shoreline was primarily accessed via the Pacific Coast Highway, dotted with small settlements like El Nido and the coastal post office at Las Flores. Inland, the terrain is marked by a network of private ranches and institutional camps, including the Century Ranch and Salvation Army Camp. The transition from rural ranching to recreational use is evident in the presence of Tapia Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Local history is preserved through labels like the Las Virgenes Sch (Aband) and various fire stations, reflecting the developmental patterns of Los Angeles County before the intense residential expansion of later decades.