Corral Canyon
(2028 Corral, property available here.)
Corral Canyon stands out as one of Malibu’s easiest-to-reach canyon communities and is often highlighted by a seasoned Malibu real estate agent when discussing value-driven canyon living. Heading west into Malibu, and shortly after the iconic Malibu Seafood Restaurant, you’ll find Corral Canyon. At the canyon’s base lies the sprawling Corral Canyon Park, which offers an expansive network of hiking trails, historic old ranch ruins, and even a seasonal waterfall in your own backyard.
(2028 Corral, property available here.)
You’ll find humble neighborhoods scattered throughout the canyon (most being no more than a 5-minute drive from the PCH), featuring moderately sized single-family homes, all with sweeping mountain or ocean views. These properties rank among Malibu’s more affordable single-family residences, making Corral Canyon an attractive entry point into Malibu real estate without sacrificing scenery. Many Malibu realtors point to this area for buyers seeking a balance of price, location, and lifestyle.
(2727 Corral, property available here)
Yet the home style is diverse. Sprinkled amid the cozy canyon homes are a few large estates and compounds, offering luxury seekers extra space and privacy. Corral Canyon delivers a rare mix of convenience, natural beauty, and relative value that appeals to a wide range of buyers working with real estate agents in Malibu who are looking for that laid-back Malibu canyon lifestyle.
Latigo Canyon
Latigo Canyon sets itself apart from other Malibu neighborhoods through its expansive lot sizes, exceptionally low residential density, and remote, retreat-like atmosphere. Unlike the more compact and community-oriented Corral Canyon next door, Latigo offers buyers the chance to own multi-acre properties, many of which accommodate custom estates, equestrian use, or architect-designed compounds, a feature often emphasized by many top real estate agents in Malibu when discussing privacy-focused properties.
The layout of the area ensures maximum separation between homes, giving residents a heightened level of privacy and immersion in the natural environment. It’s also one of the few Malibu canyons with a through-road connecting Pacific Coast Highway to Kanan Dume Road, allowing for easy access to both the beach and inland cities like Calabasas and Westlake Village. Latigo’s rugged terrain and lower level of development make it especially appealing to creatives, remote professionals, and those seeking a true escape from urban life into nature.
Many properties here are owner-designed, with a strong presence of modernist, glass-forward architecture that takes advantage of the canyon’s topography and expansive ocean and mountain views. For buyers prioritizing space, solitude, and architecture, Latigo Canyon offers a uniquely flexible and underappreciated stretch of Malibu real estate that a knowledgeable Realtor In Malibu should help guide you to uncover when looking for homes in the area.
Encinal Bluffs
For those looking for Malibu’s most ultra luxury real estate, Encinal Bluffs truly stands out as one of the most unknown secret locations to find some of the most architecturally beautiful properties. Many driving west into Malibu from Los Angeles pass a famous stretch of homes between Paradise Cove and Latigo Beach, where sprawling estates own land from the PCH all the way down to the private beaches below. Encinal Bluffs offers a similar setting but is lesser known, making it a hidden gem highlighted by a Malibu real estate agent to those less familiar with the area.
Encinal Bluffs is located west of Broad Beach and east of Leo Carrillo. Here you will find a mix of properties, some being either in gated communities with 4–5 homes, or private estates sprawling from the PCH to the ocean. In Encinal Bluffs, the beaches below are often quiet and empty due to difficult public access, effectively creating private tropical coves for homeowners.
With little to no nearby public beach entries, homeowners can stroll along the sand, explore hidden sea caves and tide pools, and enjoy private surf breaks in solitude. The natural beauty is matched by the grandeur of the estates themselves. Nearly every property sits on multiple acres, a stark contrast to the narrow lots of most other Malibu neighborhoods, with long gated driveways and often private stairways down to the beach. Many of Malibu’s finest homes are found here, including architectural masterpieces by renowned designers like Frank Gehry and Harry Gesner.
Many high-profile owners, from Hollywood stars to tech billionaires, have chosen Encinal Bluffs for their personal retreats. A few record-breaking real estate sales have occurred in this enclave, with properties selling for upwards of $75 million, telling the story of unmatched prestige and desirability. The land side of this area is nothing to scoff at either, with similar gated compounds on the mountain side enjoying broader views of both the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. Most of the landside properties feature stunning architectural designs and lots with acres of land.
Working with a Realtor in Malibu CA
If you’re exploring these overlooked neighborhoods, working with the best malibu realtor can make all the difference in navigating inventory, pricing trends, and off-market opportunities. With over 20 years of experience, Shen Realty’s team of experienced Malibu Realtors understands the nuances of each canyon and coastal enclave, from entry-level opportunities to record-setting estates.
Whether you're searching for a canyon retreat, architectural compound, or oceanfront estate, connecting with a trusted Malibu real estate agent ensures you have expert guidance every step of the way in today’s competitive Malibu real estate market.