Malibu’s Famous PCH Views: What 5 Iconic Sections Looked Like Before the January 2025 Fires

Relive the Coastal Town’s Glory Days

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, especially the relentless Palisades Fire, have left a lasting scar on Malibu’s iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). 

Once a symbol of coastal beauty and luxury, these areas now stand as a stark reminder of the fire’s devastating power. Here are five of the hardest-hit sections, and what they looked like before the catastrophe.

Topanga Beach to Duke’s Malibu

This approximately three-mile stretch of PCH has been almost entirely wiped out by the Palisades Fire. 

Iconic establishments like the Reel Inn, Cholada Thai, and Rosenthal Wine Bar have been completely destroyed. Duke’s Malibu, a popular seafood restaurant, was forced to close due to the fire’s proximity.

Big Rock

Big Rock, a once-vibrant oceanfront enclave famous for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views, has been completely devastated. The fire’s intensity was so severe that it left many homes reduced to nothing but their foundations and charred crossbeams.

Carbon Beach (Billionaire’s Beach)

This exclusive stretch of PCH, nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach,” has been devastated by the Palisades Fire. Multimillion-dollar homes belonging to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals have been reduced to rubble. 

Properties linked to billionaires like Herb Simon, David Geffen, and Geoffrey Palmer have been completely destroyed, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

Eastern Malibu

Approximately one-third of eastern Malibu, including its PCH frontage, has been destroyed by the blaze. This extensive damage has significantly altered the landscape of this famous coastal route.

The fire’s impact extends from the coastline up through the canyons, affecting both beachfront properties and hillside homes.

Will Rogers State Beach Area

While the beach itself remains largely intact, the surrounding areas and nearby landmarks have suffered extensive damage.

The historic 31-room ranch house that once belonged to Will Rogers, along with other historic buildings in the adjacent Will Rogers State Historic Park, has been completely destroyed.

Where to Get Updates & How to Help

For current updates on the situation in Malibu, head over to malibucity.org for information on help hotlines, latest evacuation orders, traffic and road status, and community resources. 

If you’d like to help, the site also shares donation opportunities with the California Community Foundation, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and other organizations.